NeemsSoul Food
The other night a friend announced she her life was just not worth waking up to. She found fault in every single aspect of it. At the end of her very long tirade, her final question was- “How can I be happy?”
As I searched around for an answer, I could only come back with a question of my own. “How are you feeding your soul?”
As a look of bewilderment settled quite comfortably across her face I was inspired to include some tips to help her, and anyone who stumbles across this post…a few things that I do that can be personalised to suit your needs…
A space that’s your own…
Have a space where you can rest your body, your mind and your spirit. Somewhere free of the subliminal messages that target us during the day from the media, society and workplace. A place where your mind can breathe.
Perhaps a favourite spot in a park where the sunshine peeks between the trees. Nature teaches us not to take life so seriously, to stop and take a deep breath before letting your worries consume you. It also gently assures us that life simply goes on, no matter how your heart is aching. Watch the leaves dance in time with the rhythm of the wind and take time to smell a flower.
A corner in your library, a café tucked away in your city, a room in your home…the world will provide you with a space of your own if you seek one, and all you then have to do is make the time to sit, breathe and take in the good vibes.
Lessons from the least expected…
Children have more to teach us than some of us would like to admit. Children live in the moment. When they are in the middle of something, their minds aren’t racing ahead to what they have to get done next; their attention is solely focussed on the task at hand.
Yes, they don’t have the responsibilities we adults have but that shouldn’t stop us from savouring every precious moment we have, while we have it. Most of us spend all of our time either trapped in the past or awaiting the future.
When I get that job, I’ll be happy. When I get a man, I’ll be happy. When I own my own home, I’ll be happy. Our thoughts are so focused on what hasn’t happened yet, we completely forget to appreciate what we do have.
Plan for the future but live in the absolute moment. The exquisite little details we miss because we are too busy racing ahead to the next moment can astound you. Suddenly, there’s more to the world than once thought.
Life is about Life…
We sometimes make the mistake of allowing certain aspects of our life dictate our very happiness. For some, finding and/or maintaining a relationship becomes their sole focus. For others, climbing the corporate ladder becomes an all-consuming priority. And then there are few who walk in the opposite direction and have no goals or ambition and generally feel useless in a world that judges people on their achievements.
While it’s wonderful to chase your dreams, we forget that we can make life about a whole lot more. Make time to discover your interests and hobbies. Be inspired to reach new levels in them. Developing a life rich in things that make you feel content automatically spills over into other aspects, but more importantly, it makes you feel happy and in turn you spread that energy around and it will be returned. Tap into your creativity or follow a passion in sports, music or literature. Volunteer your time to a worthy cause that speaks to your heart. Join a book club. Start a blog. Take a class. The options we have are endless- even to those of us on a budget.
Maintain a life you cherish outside of your career, your relationship and focus on yourself. Distribute your happiness eggs wisely so that when a part of your life hits a speed bump, it won't feel as though your whole world is crashing all around you.
Love everyday like you mean it. Every other aspect of your world will flourish as a result. Life will throw you curve balls but they are never meant to halt you permanently. Learn from these lessons at your own pace, but do remember to move on. Our time is precious.
I once read that no one promised life wouldn’t be hard, but they did promise the ride would be worthwhile. But only if you chose to see it.
Neema Mohan, 5th September 2008- ©
I Wish This Was 42
Fictional Worlds
Quite often life is not worth living in the moment-but there are moments that come up that might be worth living for.
But all humans, I believe, have their breaking point. Have a point where they just say 'how do they expect me to keep going?' For some this point is earlier than others-and some of them never act on the dissatisfaction, and others kill themselves, and still others find other ways to destroy themselves.
And some of us are more deeply effected by outside events than others; some of us put ourselves more deeply into our work, or our friendships, or our relationships.
For some people this advice works-for other people, they do need external help or they will end up dead.
~Dianna
Koala Lounge
Truth Whisperer
I would agree with you there...sometimes help with dealing with problems going on in life is really needed. I'm a believer in counselling and seeking professional help when things get beyond our own control.
This post is intended for those of us who are lucky enough to live in a safe world...it was also inspired by a friend who can't see past the end of her own nose!
I probably should have stated that somewhere!
Thanks for your input
Neems
I Wish This Was 42
Fictional Worlds
~Dianna
Koala Lounge
Truth Whisperer
Koala Lounge
Truth Whisperer
Neems
I Wish This Was 42
Fictional Worlds
~Dianna