Stress doesn’t just affect the body, it affects all aspects of our being (mind, body, spirit and emotions). Perhaps because it’s hard to measure, the human spirit often gets neglected in stress management programs, which is too bad, because so much of stress these days is of a spiritual nature. Wisdom keepers the world over remind us that there are three key pillars to the health of the human spirit: Relationships, values and a meaningful purpose in life. Take a look at your list of top 10 stressors and if you are really honest with yourself, you will see that each one falls into one or more of these categories. Relationships include not only those people in your direct sphere of living, but also the relationship you hold with yourself (and your higher self, whatever you choose to call this). Values (e.g. faith, humor, love, honesty, etc.) are quite intangible yet are made tangible with material possessions… Real stress comes when two or more values come in conflict with each other such as freedom and responsibility). A meaningful purpose in life strikes at the very core of our being with this age old question: Why are we here? Many people see stress and human spiritually as diametrically opposed, but if you take a closer look you will not that stress and human spirituality are partners in the dance of life. When we choose to learn from our stressors we encourage spiritual growth. Perhaps the biggest step to take in this dance is moving from a motivation of fear (ego) toward a motivation of love and compassion (soul).
• Stress Tip for the Day:
Take inventory of your top stressors. Be honest with yourself. What areas in your life (relationships) need some cultivation? What values need addressing (do you hold one set of values and live by another?). What is the purpose in your life? Are you striving for this purpose or sitting by on the sidelines waiting….
• Books Worth Noting:
Michael J. Fox (Mr. Back to the Future) has a new book out called Always Looking Up. As the new national spokesperson for Parkinson’s Disease (PD) he highlights his trials and tribulations of the past 20 years and demonstrates that indeed he is an optimist. It’s a very inspirational book.
• Photo of the Day:
A man walking under a rainbow by the Skogafoss Waterfall in Iceland late last summer.
• Quote for the Day:
“The winds of grace are blowing perpetually. We only need raise our sails.”
— Sri Ramakrishna
Brian Luke Seaward, Ph.D. is an internationally renowned expert in the fields of stress management, mind-body-spirit healing and stress and human spirituality. He is the author of over 10 books including the bestsellers, Stand Like Mountain, Flow Like Water, Stressed Is Desserts Spelled Backward, The Art of Calm, Quiet Mind, Fearless Heart and Managing Stress (6E). He can be reached through his website:www.brianlukeseaward.net
© Brian Luke Seaward, Ph.D.
