BellaOnline Forums Religion and Spirituality Spirituality Feeling Spiritual

I always looks for the gifts within the situation. It may take years to be able to figure out what the gifts were, but I find it really helps to have the attitude that I know there is a gift in there somewhere.

My husband was diagnosis with AML (an acute form of Leukemia) in Sept. of '04 and came very close to dying. In the moment it was extremely difficult to focus on being Spiritual in any way. But... here we are 6 years later, he continues to be in full remission and is now considered cured. His cure was accomplished by combining western medicine (chemo and such) with herbalism and other Holistic methods. We also have 2 beautiful children who were not supposed to be possible after his chemo treatments. Both of our children were born peacefully at home in large part do to our experiences with western medicine and hospitals. So in one of the most stressful moments in our lives, our gifts were many. Our Spirituality has been strengthened through these events.

Debbie, this is a beautiful story.

Sometimes when tragedy strikes, it's so easy to fall into that mode where you feel that life will suck for you forever. And really, some pretty terrible things have happened to people - and who could blame them if they crawled under the blankets and never came out again.

What a beautiful gift you've been given... and what a beautiful gift you now share with the world.

Debbie, what a wonderful and inspiring part of your life you have shared with us. You are so blessed. Thank you for such an uplifting story -- this is really special.

Our connection to nature does stimulate spiritual feelings. If it is too hot to go outside go outside at night. Tune into the moon and its cycles, watch the stars,, learn to walk in the dark without a flashlight, by tuning your sensitivities into sounds and shadows and the feel of the earth under your feet.

Or arise in the morning before the heat sets in and go outside and dance with the rising sun.

When we get locked into our bodies and petty rituals that really have no meaning we have to shake things up and do the unexpected to move our energy, that is our e-motions. emotions is energy in motion... so stir up your pot and get things moving. You can create your own personal ritual or ceremony to greet or end the day, to talk to your ancestors, to pray for guidance, to connect to the mother earth.

Spirit moves when you move yourself and call upon spirit to be presnet. You are incontrol and only you, of your spiritual destiny.

Sometimes the world creates some pretty difficult challenges to get the energy moving...one should not wait until things get rough forwhen you are under stress you may not find the tools you need or the people to help you find your way. It is an unfolding process... I think Debbie probably had some tools already to create a new reality, and those tools even if unbeknown to here at the time brought in the help they needed though people and medicines and the clarity of mind to make right choices. Spirit was whispering in someones ear.

Hi Chele, I have noticed when things are chaotic or stressful around me, it is very difficult to find the 'center' much less feel spiritual, normal, caring, loving (and all those other happy little emotions). Usually I find a quiet place, free of distractions, no people - - when it is warm, for me that place is a park the locals call 'pond park' Anytime I spend outdoors is a time of meditation, centering self, reflecting, praying, soul-searching.. So, when all that is over.... wha-la! I do feel better, whether I feel spiritual again, that depends on so many factors. =) Also, when it's too cold to go outside, I dabble with oil paints, automatic writing, write in a journal and I write poetry, to me, those are instant spiritual boosters. Do you keep a journal? I am not sure how it works for other people but for me, it does help when I can put thoughts, whether good or bad, on paper. I rarely go back and read it, that's much like reliving the past =) I keep several different journals at one time.. a prayer journal, a love journal, a poetry journal, a random thoughts journal. Hope this helps.

I just have to say... I truly enjoy reading your posts.

Such insight and wisdom... how refreshing!