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When talking about wellbeing, there is more to the topic than just physical activity and healthy eating. At Cedar Community, we strive to support the seven core areas of wellbeing: emotional, environmental, intellectual, physical, social, spiritual, and vocational. We will explore these seven areas through education, programs, and resources.
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Spiritual wellbeing and you Spirituality can be a difficult concept for many people. At its core, spirituality is deeply personal—you, and only you, define the role it has in your life. A simple way to define spiritual wellbeing is by being connected to something greater than yourself and holding a set of values, principles, and beliefs that provide a sense of purpose and meaning to your life. Tips to enhance your spiritual wellbeing: Personal reflection Just as your physical and emotional health changes and you experience ups and downs throughout your life, your spiritual life may, too. As you embark, re-embark, or continue on your emotional journey—take the opportunity to stop and reflect on what matters to you and the values that guide your life. Consider: · What gives my life meaning and purpose? · Which values do I live by, and how do I reflect them in my thoughts and actions? · Do I find spiritual energy in a community or as an individual? · How do I navigate challenges, and what sustains me in times of difficulty? · What brings me inner peace and comfort? · How do I make an effort to understand those from other backgrounds? · What would I like to accomplish in this life? Prayer and meditation The benefits of prayer and meditation for your overall wellbeing—including stress reduction, improved emotional health, boosted self-awareness, and more—are well-known. If you have not tried meditation before, here are some tips: · Find a comfortable, seated position in a quiet, distraction-free space.
· Set a timer for five minutes. · Begin by focusing on your breathing. Count to five on your inhale, and five on your exhale. Focus on the feeling of the breath as it enters and exits your body. · If your mind wanders, that’s okay! You’re doing an exercise with mental muscles you’ve never used before—it’s normal to find it difficult. Just bring your mind back, gently, to your breath. Forgiveness Approach others and yourself with grace and kindness. Grudges, anger, and regret hurt no one but you. Seek out positive and spiritual content If you dedicate a particular amount of time daily for reading, listening to music, or scrolling through social media, why not add some positive messages? Try listening to a spiritual podcast or music while you’re on a walk or before you go to bed. Seek out books and authors whose messages are enlightening and positive. And, if you’re active on social media, you can follow positive influencers or pages that deepen your reflection. Mixing this type of content in your daily life is a perfect way to improve your spiritual wellbeing. Summer can be a busy time, but if you try to incorporate some of these spiritual wellbeing tips into your daily life, you may find more peace and less stress.
Wishing you all more spiritual wellbeing this summer! cedarcommunity.org
Source: nih.gov
SUMMER 2022 |
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