[darkNeon]

Is it in the form of prayer, meditation, deed, reading, exercise, diet....

I am asking because I lack greatly in spiritual energy/awareness. I have tried many things - inconsistently - but I would happily share what little it is I do do. In fact I think it's only fair that I share my own ways if I am asking. I typically go on small fasts - I do this to detach myself from the desire of the gratification of food - one could also say, gluttony. I also try & do good by my family; regardless of how I "feel". I think at the very least doing such things will instill the effort as well as the intended reason behind the effort into your subconscious.

I am curious of how others attain their peace. I practice living & let live - so in other words, you won't be judged.

[(JD)]

I think you answered your own "question" of us... All those things work for me now, but consistency in one is really key.

I also find that a combination of them, truly a lifestyle, leads to more understanding and peacefulness within. "Being still" and knowing God IS....only requires my full attention.

[alchemy63]

I think to answer this in specifics may come near to bending the rules regarding religious discussion, but, to answer in a general way, I use a variety of methods. Partly a visualization process, where I imagine, and then feel a current of clean spiritual energy moving across the universe, a sort of stream that I can enter and which flows through me. I use chakra energy and practice a form of yoga that allows the energy to fill and pass through as I meditate. I produce physical and mental sacred geometric works as I meditate which involve centering and grounding, and there are other ways I draw energy, sometimes just observing nature, or people.

I make an effort to be in a spiritual state of mind continuously, but, not in a way that I'm creepy about it or anything. I laugh and involve myself with the everyday like anyone else.

The closer to the outdoors I am the more intune I am with my higher self. Nature is important to me, and the farther I get away from the trappings of technology and civilization the better I feel. My mind is clearer, my body relaxed.

This is one of the reasons I believe I have been so emotionally unhealthy the last three years. This has coincided with a move to a city. As it is prairie, even getting out of the city seems to be lacking for me. Before I moved here I was extremely active. Kayaking, climbing, hiking, camping, snowshoeing, speelunking, etc. Life seemed so much more worth living. I seemed so much more in tune with all around me. Now I am closed in with retail and office space all around me. Fast food and business signage invading my nights. Even the smells of exhaust and construction get me down. No greenspace to be seen.

I enjoyed life to the fullest. But family needed me close to them because of concerns about mania. Instead I have exchanged the constant sense of feeling good for disappointment and debilitating depression.

[(JD)]

Regardless of basic beliefs, the out of doors has been proven to be beneficial for all humans!
Just one positive outdoor experience such as a nature walk, campout, even a meeting in a State park proves to have lifelong positive effects upon the psyche. The energy the flora and fauna give is truly spiritual!

[Blue River]

Being in Nature, observing everything, without disturbing what is around. Feeling deep peace and bliss.
Daily meditations both sitting and walking meditation
Random acts of kindness, just doing good for others without expectation or reward (Karma Yoga)
Pranayama Techniques

These are methods I have used for quite some time to raise spiritual awareness/energy.

[Graziella52]

I am new to this community, so hello. One thing that I have found that I need a multi part program that almost would work out to be a 12-step orogram of sorts (only not exactly that number). I need a weekly gathering that allows me to share my spirituality with others who share my beliefs - I take a great deal of energy from this - yes worship. It's a source of community as well as Spiritual energy and a social network. My husband of 31 years decided he did t live me any more - wasn't attracted to me either and basically dumped me - unilaterally. Although things weren't great, I did not see THAT coming. And since I'd had the corporate job with the retirement benefits, he ended up getting 50%!!!

Devastating. Had to sell my condo and move. My new spiritual community has been critical to helping me make my new place "home" and make friends and heal.

In addition, my routine includes being outside in nature asI have a dog who needs walks daily; also, daily meditation (centering prayer for me), and service - giving back by helping those less fortunate than I am. I also journal and work with a Spiritual Director from my tradition.

My Spiritual Journey began in 1985 when I joined a breakfast prayer group in my denomination and it's amazing how quickly afterwards making friends and practicing meditation and exploring helped me mature in my spirituality. I hope this was expressed in terms that are acceptable.

[Thunder Bow]

Originally Posted by rcat

The closer to the outdoors I am the more intune I am with my higher self. Nature is important to me, and the farther I get away from the trappings of technology and civilization the better I feel. My mind is clearer, my body relaxed.

This is one of the reasons I believe I have been so emotionally unhealthy the last three years. This has coincided with a move to a city. As it is prairie, even getting out of the city seems to be lacking for me. Before I moved here I was extremely active. Kayaking, climbing, hiking, camping, snowshoeing, speelunking, etc. Life seemed so much more worth living. I seemed so much more in tune with all around me. Now I am closed in with retail and office space all around me. Fast food and business signage invading my nights. Even the smells of exhaust and construction get me down. No greenspace to be seen.

I enjoyed life to the fullest. But family needed me close to them because of concerns about mania. Instead I have exchanged the constant sense of feeling good for disappointment and debilitating depression.

You need to get out of that situation. If you do not take Care of yourself, how can you take care of your family?? Think of the burden you are placing on your family with your "debilitating depression". Go with your mania, move back to where you came from.

[Teddy Bear]

For myself it's reading. Try to remember the blessings in your life.