The Spirit

We commonly associate “good spirits” with a positive energy or mindset that an individual exhibits. “She is in good spirits!” While the meaning appears straightforward when describing an individual who is joyful and enthusiastic, the concept of spirit assumes a more nuanced significance when applied to an abstract energy. Spirit represents the vital energy, the inner essence of our being, the soulful realm where we can access wisdom, truth, and guidance. However, we choose to chase external pursuits, filling our time with schedules and accumulating possessions to satisfy our immediate gratification, thereby forgetting this soulful dimension. Consequently, we become distant and disconnected from this realm that holds the key to truth, love, and happiness, hindering our ability to lead a fulfilling and quality life.

The Forgotten Self

Prolonged obstruction from our inner spirit leads to forgetfulness of this energetic realm. While challenges may prompt us to seek solace, many find themselves at a loss for direction. Our habitual tendencies often resort to substituting pain with pleasures, seeking comfort through material possessions, soothing emotions through food, numbing pain through substance abuse, and escaping reality through work and unhealthy habits. We adopt numerous masks to conceal our authentic self, suppressing our undesirable emotions even further. Consequently, we begin to operate from a state of fear, manifesting anger, aggression, and defensiveness as a means of regaining control. It becomes more convenient to feel victimized and deceive ourselves rather than taking ownership of our life.

There's no right or wrong approach, but finding balance between our external life and internal world is key. We often follow societal norms or autopilot back to habits due to familiarity, but there’s an internal journey worth exploring. Overcoming challenges requires embracing both good and bad experiences with the grace of our spirit, forging new pathways. Some turn to religion or spiritual practices, and for a fortunate few, this faithful path leads to remembering the divine energy, guiding us to a more profound existence.

Time for Rediscovery

Prioritize self-care by dedicating time to go inward to self-examine and observe our mental and emotional processes with compassion and acceptance. This self-awareness enables us to gain insights into our true nature and align our life with intention. We spend much time critiquing the world and judging others, but little time learning about who we are. We often autopilot through life, yet how often do we pause to inquire, “Who am I?”

• Am I dwelling on past pains and future worries?

• Am I contributing to my own stress?

• Am I allowing judgments to define me?

• Am I reactive to my feelings and emotions?

• Am I blaming others for my reactions?

• Am I choosing kindness over hatred?

• Am I nourishing my body and mind?

• Am I striving for my wellbeing or wealth?

• Am I relying on others to love me?

• Am I responsible for my own happiness?

• Am I choosing love over fear?

Although we may not have all the answers, self-inquiry unveils boundless possibilities. By attentively observing our actions, words, and thoughts, we cultivate self-awareness. This heightened awareness enables us to recognize, understand, and embrace ourselves. We learn to release negativity, extend forgiveness, and cultivate compassion for ourselves and others, drawing love from the reservoir of our dormant spirit.

Remember Our True Nature

When the mind is still from external stimuli, our spirit emerges to unveil knowledge and wisdom from the depths of our being. Our spirit operates with love, understanding, selflessness, acceptance, and patience—a superior mind that is open to creating beauty in the world. Conversely, our autopilot operates from fear, ignorance, selfishness, aggression, and hatred—an inferior mind that is closed and destructive, perceiving love as a threat to its self-preservation.

Remembering our inner spirit opens up a new world and transforms our perceptions. To access this hidden treasure, we must stop racing and take a break from external noises to reach this internal clarity. Learn to appreciate life’s creations and nature’s beauties: feel the grass under our feet, pause to smell the flowers, listen to the birds above, watch the leaves dance with the wind. Take time out to reflect on our self for improvement opportunities and witness our own loving creations: identify triggers and calming mechanisms to respond thoughtfully and not impulsively, show compassion to create a safe and peaceful environment for ourselves and others. Self-love isn’t about acquiring things at the expense of others; it’s about nurturing our mental and emotional wellbeing by wakening up to the spirit within.