Title: The Path To Living Well: Cultivating A Sense Of Spirituality Word Count: 753 Summary: “Let us first be as simple and well as Nature ourselves.” ~Thoreau, Walden Have you ever thought: “Wouldn’t it be great to live ‘well’?” Yet, through our often rushed and fully-packed schedules it’s easy to wonder what living well actually means. Is it about living “healthy”? Eating right to support your body? Is it about exercise? Managing stress? The answer, indeed, is “yes” to all of these. However, before exploring what you can “do” to live well, let’s first take ... Keywords: Article Body: “Let us first be as simple and well as Nature ourselves.” ~Thoreau, Walden Have you ever thought: “Wouldn’t it be great to live ‘well’?” Yet, through our often rushed and fully-packed schedules it’s easy to wonder what living well actually means. Is it about living “healthy”? Eating right to support your body? Is it about exercise? Managing stress? The answer, indeed, is “yes” to all of these. However, before exploring what you can “do” to live well, let’s first take a look at who you are “being.” After all, it’s at the bottom of your being which creates the foundation for a healthy, fulfilling life. How to decide who you are being? Well, most people already believe in a higher source, a higher power. But for our purposes, we’ll take it one step further. We’ll call this sense of “being” your own personal Nature. And, what’s important for a life of living well, is the connection you make to this inner Nature. The easiest way to do this… Develop your own personal belief system. Why Develop Your Own Belief System? If living well involves first establishing a relationship with your inner Nature, let’s also look at a few reasons why you should cultivate this relationship: • Explains the Unexplainable: Certain “chance” happenings and connections to other people cannot always be explained by empiric science. How do some people experience “spontaneous healing”? Or, on a smaller scale, why does just the right person “show up” when you need them? Why do the right circumstances come into your life at the precise moment? For example: just yesterday, I was thinking about a friend of mine from college I hadn’t spoken to in a while—an hour later, she called. Your inner Nature can give you clues to why all of this is true. Try taking inventory of yourself. Have you ever had a “hunch” or a “feeling” about something and it turned out to be true? I think we all have. Challenge yourself by recalling all the incidents you can, then jot them down. Be aware of these connections in the future and make note of them. • Helps You Find Joy in the Present Moment Did you know that Now is the only moment you have? Realizing the past is behind you and the future is a function of your choices can be empowering; looking at the present moment allows you to take inventory of where you are right now (and who you’d like to be in the future). What, in you life, are you happy with? Dissatisfied with? What in your life, if you could, would you change? Again, take a quick personal inventory by jotting these things down, then giving thought to each. Becoming aware of where you are right now, will help you set your sights for guided personal development. • Gives You a Sense of the Larger Picture How liberating it would be to take charge of your life! Yet, most do not realize, this power is available to all of us. If you begin where you are, you can make small, daily steps toward “being” the person you’d like to be. Why not try right now? Why not just “be” the person you’d like to? Be kind. Be healthy. Be energetic. Be successful. Check your list again. Who do you desire to “be”? Once you know, then look for ways to “be” it. Do you need to exert more confidence? Build self-esteem? Again, add these notes to your list and spend a few minutes every day thinking about them. I think you’ll find yourself moving into that space quickly. Take Home Message: Learn to Live in the Flow of Nature. Perhaps there is something you’re “resisting” that is keeping you unwell or unhappy: are you in a job that is not satisfying? Grappling with an old illness or injury that is holding you back? Be aware of these things as they come to you. Then, take small steps toward change. Make your aim to move through your pains and fears and be aware of the ways your inner nature provides cues for you. Just like the “accidental” phone call, the new job that may better serve you could also be available. Allow yourself to be open to the possibilities. Practice letting life show you how to live in it's harmony. Most of all; enjoy the adventure! You are certain to find yourself living a healthier, more rewarding life.