In a world of stress and non-stop work, I think we all need something to help us slow down and live our lives more intentionally.

I think Adele said it best in her song I Drink Wine, she said "They say to play hard, you work hard. Find balance in the sacrifice, yet I don't know anybody who's truly satisfied." This line really resonated with me, I was told my whole life that you need to work hard and get a good paying job and everything else will fall into place. That could not have been anymore wrong.

My life experiences showed me that you can experience the most wonderful adventures and see the most beautiful places but until you deal with your emotions and take the time to figure yourself out, you will always be unhappy. This lead me to searching for answers in religion. I might talk more in depth in a future article, but for now I will list some life changing practices that helped heal the toxic parts of myself.

Here is some spiritual food for thought to help you get started on your healing journey.

Healing from anger

My biggest struggle in life was trying to figure out why I was always so angry; at the world, at myself, at my family etc. I thought of life as so unfair, that the situations I was put in and the things I witnessed, no one should have to experience. I didn't want to be angry so I started researching how I could fix this and I came across a quote that rippled into so much more.

Holding on to anger is like grasping a hot coal with the intent of throwing it at someone else; you are the one who gets burned. —  Buddha

It took me so much time to firstly really understand this and secondly to implement it. Over time when I would get angry I would have to stop and realize that the only thing that anger did, was hurt me and take away from the time I could be happy.

What am I missing?

We are constantly bombarded by photos and videos on social media and in real life, highlighting the achievements and happiness of others. We also participate in this game of showing our proudest moments and our life highlights. There is absolutely nothing wrong with people sharing the things that make them happy, and really what they share is none of our business.

It is really about how we perceive things that ultimately dictates the reaction we will have. Instead of seeing someone and comparing the things that you don't have. You need to be following people that inspire you, that make you think wow how can I get that? You're not missing anything except maybe the right perspective.

Gratitude and other life changing philosophies

Gratitude is not about what you say, it is about how you feel. I am very happy to see this word used so freely to give thanks for everything we have been blessed with. With that in mind, gratitude is an overwhelming feeling. When you are late for the bus but the driver stops anyways to let you get on, or when you just lost your job but the Universe gives you an even better opportunity.

If you have ever been in such a situation you probably would know that feeling of relief and gratitude. We need to carry that feeling into all aspects of our lives. Be grateful for the simple things starting off, like did you eat today? Is there a roof over your head? Can you list one person who loves you? Did you really want something and were able to buy it? Smalls things like expressing and feeling gratitude allows you to open a channel where the Universe (or God, whatever you prefer to use) will continue to bless you with bigger and better things.

Microspiritualism

Yes, I completely made this word up but it is necessary. In my own words microspiritualism refers to the tiny ways each day that we live intentionally and incorporate spirituality into our lives.

An example of this, is a trend I saw on TikTok called savouring: appreciating the tiny moments in a day that make it great. For example, your morning coffee, the way the sunlight pours in on an autumn evening etc.

Another example of microspiritualism is journaling, or reading, essentially anything that takes you out of your head or helps you grow. Maybe you like burning ethically sourced sage, lighting candles, words of affirmation, listing things you're grateful for. All of these are small spiritual practices that can help you be more in alignment with your highest self.