As a healer, I often find myself annoyed by the constant emphasis on deep breathing and meditation. Once, I watched a video of a spiritual influencer in the Sirsasana position, talking about how she practiced yoga for 2-3 hours a day while urging her followers to do the same and incorporate meditation. It felt off. I felt bad about myself after watching it. I can't do a headstand! She made it seem so easy, with an unspoken attitude that we were all inadequate until we could attain her yogic level and dedicate as many hours to spiritual practice.
And deep breathing... I honestly dislike it. I practice it online with Wim Hof because he’s so relatable, but I hate every second. Does that make me less spiritual or unenlightened? Absolutely not. It’s also frustrating to hear that we should meditate our entire lives away. For goodness' sake, why all the meditation? I’m certified in meditation coaching and I do meditate, but I understand that people don’t have six hours a day. Some coaches brag about this. Sure, they can afford to because it’s their profession, but for the rest of the world, let’s be realistic. Breathe deeply, meditate, and if you enjoy it, do some yoga! Just know you’re not expected to quit your job for it, and you won’t love every moment. Sometimes you will, and other times it will be challenging. That’s okay.
Did you know there are many ways to de-stress and connect with your higher self? It doesn’t have to look like a Gaia network advertisement to be on the spiritual path. It’s about your approach.
Here’s a list of simple activities that can serve as spiritual mediums to bring you peace, connection, and easier communication with your higher self:
- Going to the hairdresser
- Doing any form of art
- Going for a walk
- Photography
- Working on a puzzle/crossword/Sudoku
- Reading
- Family time
- Cuddling with your partner or pets
- Going to the spa
- Swimming
- Cooking
- Intentional bathing
- Gardening
- Sitting at a café
- Game night
- Playing a sport
- Listening to music
Continue to carve out time for deep breathing and meditation, but realize it doesn’t have to dominate your life to be spiritual. You are not less than those coaches who make you feel inadequate.
With intention, we can transform all the above activities into spiritual experiences. I’ve had some of my most profound thoughts and epiphanies while engaged in these activities. I also have an unconventional approach to meditation. I’m not really into whale sounds. I prefer a good theme that takes me on an adventure as I connect with my higher self or guides. I don’t resonate with all the "love and light, in and out" stuff. We are all different, and that’s okay. We have to find what works for us, and there is no shame in diverging from the mainstream. There are many paths up the mountain, my friends.
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