Calendar Books by Allen James - Daily Reading - "The Journey: A Calendar Book"

Calendar Books by Allen James' reading for November 3rd, from The Journey: A Calendar Book,

"Pay attention to your spirit" (James, 2012).

Today's reading is one not to miss, for sure. Our "oceanic" self determines the responses of our biological and emotional self. What exactly do I mean? Consider these words from Action for Happiness;

"Having a spiritual dimension to our lives can make us happier. But can we discover spirituality or does it find us? Spiritual wisdom doesn't need to involve myth and mysticism; nor does it necessarily have to be linked to organised religion, although people with strong religious faith often experience high levels of well-being. [1]

"Living happily depends on how we are in our inner lives - our thoughts, emotions, beliefs and desires. Having a spiritual dimension means finding a sense of inner peace - both peace of mind and peace in the heart. It also means allowing our inner values to guide how we interact with the world around us - our concern for others, our connection with the natural world and our interst in making a positive contribution to society.
Why do it?

"Research suggests that people with a sense of spirituality - which can be religious or non-religious - are likely to experience greater happiness and wellbeing. Spirituality can provide us with meaning, a sense of vitality (or aliveness) and a sense of connectedness to others and to 'something bigger' beyond our daily lives. [2] People who feel their life has meaning are happier and healthier too. [3]

"Our sense of spirituality is deeply personal and individual. For some people it comes from a particular faith, for others from their relationship with the natural world, while for others it may be the experience of creativity or music.

"Ken Pargament, a leading researcher in the psychology of religion and spirituality suggests that developing spirituality is a dynamic process that has three stages:

Discovery - finding a form of spirituality that we feel drawn to;
Active practice - for example attending religious services or regularly meditating;
Struggle - when life events or stages force us to question our beliefs.

"Talking or thinking about spirituality may not be something many of us do regularly these days. In a multi-cultural and largely secular society, such as the UK, it can feel odd, unnecessary or uncomfortable. But we shouldn't let that put us off trying to connect with something fundamental and universal within all of us. One place we can all start is with reflection. Below are some questions to contemplate" (actionforhappiness.org).

Maintaining our spirit means different things to different people to be sure. We are many but He is one. I gain insight from a variety of philosophical and spiritual foundations, but my spirit, through the Spirit Within clarifies for me how best to maintain it. I fail. I know. However; when I fail, by being attentive to my spirit, the Spirit Within guides me in a better way to maintain "me".

Pay attention to your spirit...grow closer to your "self" and don't allow other things and individuals to "eat at" your spirit.

Keep looking up. AJ