| Is it me or are today's television, magazines and radio | | | | meditation, unfortunately, is outwith the scope of this |
| falling over themselves to increasingly broadcast and | | | | article -- for further information on step by step |
| publish items of a supernatural, spiritual or paranormal | | | | guides to meditation we suggest you utilise an |
| nature. If it's not the latest exciting episode of a | | | | Internet search engine. |
| couple of handsome demon hunters returning some | | | | Connect with Nature |
| soulless entity back to the underworld; it's a | | | | Spend time getting back in tune with nature, whether |
| renowned Psychic interacting with a variety of | | | | the simple act of strolling in a park, kicking off your |
| intangible beings in the 'great beyond' or assisting hard | | | | shoes and walking barefoot in your own garden or |
| pressed detectives find solutions to a crime that had | | | | just inhaling the aroma of a vase of flowers in your |
| thus far eluded them. | | | | own home -- find natural things to appreciate in your |
| Humans, as physical beings with a 'spiritual | | | | own surroundings. Recognise your connection with |
| component', whether acknowledged or not, often | | | | nature. |
| find ourselves drawn towards the unknown, uncanny, | | | | Invoke the Sense of Smell |
| mysterious, unexplained or to a power greater than | | | | Stimulate the senses with pleasant scents around the |
| ourselves. Testimony to our unquenchable thirst for | | | | home -- this can be artificial or natural -- whichever |
| something 'other than' or 'greater than' is the | | | | you prefer. The sense of smell affects us largely at a |
| countless millions, possibly billions adhering to or | | | | subconscious level and assists towards the state of |
| adopting some form of mainstream or less | | | | mental relaxation. |
| conventional religious or philosophical belief system. | | | | Invest in Sound |
| Growing spiritually in a world intrigued by power, | | | | Invest in a portable music player with earphones and |
| money, and the attainment of the physical is bit of a | | | | equip it with relaxing music or sounds of nature. |
| challenge but not insurmountable. Mod cons such as | | | | Immerse yourself in pleasant, relaxing sounds while |
| electronic equipment, gadgets, and expensive cars as | | | | travelling to and from work or doing household |
| well as the influence of television, magazines, and the | | | | chores. This activity should be exercised with care if |
| Internet have predisposed us to be preoccupied with | | | | you need to remain totally alert, for example whilst |
| our physical needs and desires. Can we ever strike a | | | | driving. |
| balance between the material and spiritual aspects of | | | | Express Yourself |
| our lives or are we destined to participate in an | | | | Share your newfound or re-kindled interest in all |
| endless tug of war between the body and the soul? | | | | things spiritual. Join an online forum and interact with |
| Views of science and religion differ on matters of the | | | | other like minded individuals. Remember to |
| human spirit. Religion tends to view people as spiritual | | | | demonstrate tolerance and humility though and allow |
| beings temporarily living in physical form, while science | | | | others to exercise the same right to follow their own |
| tends to view the spirit as just one dimension of an | | | | path as yourself. |
| individual. Overcoming and gaining mastery over the | | | | Read a little |
| self is a recurring theme in Western and Eastern | | | | Read books with a spiritual slant, especially poetry, |
| religions. Scientific works, however, lean towards the | | | | filter this through your own conscience and apply |
| belief that once you have satisfied the basic | | | | what feels right and appropriate to you, don't dismiss |
| physiological and emotional needs, spiritual or | | | | all just because any one particular aspect disagrees |
| existential needs come next. Whatever viewpoint | | | | with your own beliefs. |
| you subscribe to is entirely your choice -- we have | | | | Listen a little more |
| no desire to promote one belief over another. If your | | | | Turn off the TV -- once you get into the habit of |
| chosen belief system is right for you and does no | | | | quietening the home you'll appreciate this practice |
| harm to you or others then that's the path you | | | | more and more. It may take a while to get used to |
| should follow. The following guidelines seek to find | | | | the 'deafening silence' but try it for 20 minutes or so, |
| some common ground that may be applied, at least | | | | turn off the telephone, keep a notepad and pencil |
| in part by all people with an interest in Spirituality. | | | | with you. If any thoughts arise that seem to demand |
| 7 Steps Towards Spiritual Growth and Awareness | | | | your immediate attention, write it in your notepad |
| Meditate | | | | with the intention of returning to it after your quiet |
| Central to cultivating the soul, spirit or psyche, is the | | | | time has elapsed. |
| act of meditation also known as contemplation or | | | | Spiritual growth is organic by nature. To continue to |
| introspection whereby you set aside time to reflect | | | | grow in spirit is a 'best endeavours' daily practice. We |
| on your thoughts, feelings and beliefs. This discipline, | | | | win some, we lose some, we slip and we fall -- the |
| like any skill, can be learned -- all it takes is the | | | | important thing is that we learn from our mistakes or |
| courage and persistence to pay heed to the truths | | | | omissions, and from this knowledge, further spiritual |
| that lie within and the determination to ring fence and | | | | growth becomes possible. Take things at your own |
| prioritise this regular time. Learning the fine art of | | | | pace and enjoy the journey. |