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- Being in the Moment (6)
- Spiritual Practice (6)
- Everyday Ecstasy (5)
- Mindfulness (5)
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Wellness and Spirituality Examiner
Showing entries for Category: Spiritual-Practice

Recharge your soul: give yourself some love

POSTED July 18, 8:07 AM

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There is a reason, on airplanes, when those oxygen masks fall, that you put yours on first. Before your spouse, your kids, your newfound lover. That bit of oxygen, once you put it on, allows you to stay alive long enough to help anyone and everyone around you stay alive too.

I talk with so many people, completely depleted, riddled with guilt, who give all their attention to their families, friends, work – anything and anyone but themselves. They feel guilty just being in my office, guilty about the money and time they are spending on an indulgence like massage or finding joy.

And then, the miraculous happens. They relax and become invigorated. Their blood gets moving, their muscles become more fluid, their heads gets clearer, they sleep better. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen big inspiration strike on a massage table, how clear life becomes when stress fades away. That clarity revitalizes their passion for life, and it spreads like a wave into everyone they meet, everyone they love. I’ve even seen those feelings of self assurance blossom into new romance.

Aliveness isn’t just something to consider when death or depression comes knocking. Aliveness is the vitality to move strongly in the world, to create, to offer our own compassion again and again, at home, at work. Everywhere that it matters. We need to recharge and give ourselves a small gift of appreciation and love. Every day. And then indulge in some serious pampering once a month. Once a week is even better.

Of course, it doesn’t have to be a massage. Perhaps it’s a walk in the mountains, a few moments of meditation, listening to your favorite music, reading a good book.

Go to a seminar. Talk to a friend. Take a nap. Exercise. Make love. Eat a great meal. Stop and breathe. It’s good to have several possibilities, maybe even written down, so when your head is muddled with life, you can find your way out of the fog.

Self Love for Mind, Body, Spirit: Consider activities that cultivate different aspects of your life. Tease your mind with puzzles or classes. Recharge your body with exercise, stretching, massage. Inspire your soul with laughter, community, religious service (maybe there is a reason for weekly gatherings :) ), communion with the divine. A walk in the woods may help with all of them at once!

Recently, my wife was thrown from her horse, breaking several bones in her back. Nothing threatening to the spinal cord, no permanent injury (thank goodness!), but a long and painful recovery, with constant care for the first couple of weeks. By the end of the day, she and I are both exhausted. But on the days when I’ve taken some time to recharge myself, I have so much more to offer her as she heals.

Go ahead. Give yourself a little love. And discover what that extra vitality can bring.

Categories: Spiritual Practice , Stress Relief , Self Love

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Transformation art: finding your joy

POSTED July 6, 9:28 AM

Recently, I was featured in The Coloradoan, a Northern Colorado newspaper. The weekly column, penned by Jan Waterman, offers thoughts and perspectives designed to explore our spiritual selves. Her questions helped me to rearticulate what I am trying... Read More

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Morning Pages: A Daily Creative Jump Start

POSTED May 16, 5:34 PM

This is one of my favorite morning rituals...one that I have been doing on and off for over 10 years: Morning Pages.I found it in Julia Cameron's The Artist's Way, and I know she's talked about it in many of her other books. Googling "morning pages"... Read More

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Meditation in a New York Minute

POSTED May 12, 11:49 AM

For many people, one of the biggest problems with meditation is finding the time. Who has an extra 30 minutes a day to sit and desperately attempt to quiet the mind? It takes serious discipline to make that a practice, especially when piled on top of... Read More

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In the Solitude of Your Mind

POSTED May 7, 8:45 PM

In the solitude of your mind are the answers to all your questions about life. You must take the time to ask and listen. ~Bawa Mahaiyaddeen This from the Daily Peace Quote, sent to you by email from Living Compassion. Occassionally,... Read More

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Everyday Ecstasy: Making Love with Life

POSTED May 5, 12:05 PM

This morning I worked in the garden. The crisp morning air still carried the hint of yesterday’s Spring snow, and last year’s dead growth was saturated with the melt. The sun warmed my cheeks against the chill, and even after an hour of work,... Read More

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Ephraim Mallery
Transformation Artist, Ephraim Mallery, helps people discover their true joy and explore the art of everyday ecstasy. Learn about archetypes, spiritual practice, breath, movement, love and more. Ephraim is a spiritual guide and massage therapist in Denver, CO.