Doing What You Value

Spiritual and philosophical wisdom tells us that when we are out of alignment, or out of harmony, with Nature and our authentic natures, we will experience that misalignment in our mental and physical bodies. As a great line in the movie Godfather III expressed, "When the spirit is wounded, the body cries out."

Modern-day statistics for those of us in Western industrial cultures tell a strong story that we are badly out of alignment:

Clinical anxiety disorders affect 40 million Americans, or just under 20 percent of the population, according to statistics from the National Institute of Mental Health (U.S.).  The statistics for clinical 'major depression' are similar, and greater if you count 'mild, chronic' depression.

Depression accounts for more 'lost days' at work than any other factor, including 'repetitive stress' and other musculoskeletal complaints. More than half of all Americans say their work is very stressful, and more than 60-percent say it's a primary cause of stress in their lives, according to a Washington Post article. Reports of adrenal fatigue, sleep deprivation, and 'Chronic Fatigue' seem to be on the rise.

The statistics for other Western countries, such as France and England, are similar. And this is just what's reported or known and can be 'counted' by statistics!

For many people, 'the rat race' is a primary component of existence, and a heightened level of stress and anxiety -- perpetual 'flight' response -- is 'normal'. Getting up from bed, probably having not slept well, we rush into our 'work day' so that we can 'be productive' and 'keep up' so that we can 'succeed', which means accumulating accolades, impressive job titles, achievements, and material status symbols that are, we're told, the measure of our 'success'.

Apparently, living that way is making us, as individuals within Western cultures that adopt this nonsensical 'norm', very sick in mind, body and spirit.

The Shifting Time...

The sales of spiritual books, seminars, and other offerings also suggests that there is a deep yearning for something else. In addition to mental and bodily distress, Spirit calls out through our deep yearnings, and perhaps even the anxiety and tension that tries to alert us to the fact that we're out of alignment with who we truly are, and what's healthy for mind, body, and spirit.

One gathering trend that has been on the periphery for quite some time is about shifting from 'doing' to 'being'; and moving from 'doing on automatic', guided by external dictates that increasingly prove meaningless and sick-making, to 'right action' and 'right livelihood' that are guided from internal, intuitive, and/or Higher or Divine guidance.

We move from a frenzied doing that is not aligned with what we truly value, to a more conscious, body-and-spirit connected 'doing' that springs from what's truly important to us. As the saying goes, where we invest our energy is where we'll find ourselves. Our energy and attention, like water and fertilizer, grow the garden, or desert, that is our life.

As we move into greater consciousness, following the nudges and prompts of mind, body and spirit, we're called to release the 'not me' -- that which has been running on automatic, dictated by programs and fears installed along the way (and reinforced by a consumer-oriented, materialistic, 'go-go' culture). And as we release the 'not me', and re-write and re-wire our programming to make more conscious choices, we become acquainted with the 'authentic me' that is always present beneath the armoring. And we become more and more available to our own and Divine or Higher guidance (however you interpret or define or word those).

This is a process, and a journey -- this is helpful to know! It's also a beautiful spiritual practice that yields a truer, healthier alignment with our heart-centered and spirit-guided wisdom, our own authenticity, and our most deeply held values.

We give up the 'rat race' and 'treadmill that goes nowhere' for a more exquisite, connected, inspired Life shaped and lived in the present, yet connected with the wisdom, abundance, and joy that is always within and all around us.

What are your deepest values? What is your deepest Self? Are you investing your time, energy, and attention in ways that nourish and grow a life garden that is aligned with your values and Self-purpose?

How can you begin to take small steps out of your 'not you' and into the joyful, connected, authentic, well life that calls to you? Remember, the journey of a thousand miles begins with one step, followed by another step, and another...

Blessings on the Way,
Jamie