3 Essential Workouts (For Your Spiritual Fitness)

Endorphins surge through my body and I wipe the sweat from my forehead. I just finished a great arm workout: several sets of shoulder presses, a mixture of various weights and more pushups than I could probably handle. Happiness lingers and envelops my being. It feels good to take care of my body. But the feeling soon fades, as I remember the difficult conversation I’m anticipating with a friend later today. Images of the encounter flood my mind. My energy drains as worry consumes me. My spirit and soul, once energized, now feel spent. I went to the fitness center to get rid of these feelings in the first place, so why am I not refreshed?

The Divine Principle teaches us about the spirit self—the part of us that makes up a life of value, truth, beauty and love. The Principle emphasizes how the spirit self needs nutrition, just like our body does, to be healthy and to grow. While caring for my physical body at the gym brought a temporary lift to my well-being, the spirit self needs special attention, too. So how do we cultivate a vibrant and healthy spirit?

Here are a few exercises to try out when in need of a good spiritual workout:

Invest Your Heart and Time

Have you ever felt a warm sensation when you did something kind for someone else? This feeling is the spirit’s reaction to good and selfless deeds. The Divine Principle calls this “vitality elements,” spiritual nutrition generated by positive actions. It’s like food for the spirit.

As beings capable of profound love, aren’t we meant to share and receive this love? I can recall my own time volunteering as a youth-group leader for my church as one of my happiest and most uplifting experiences. It was challenging at times to give up my Saturdays and take care of a group of kids, but there was something special I felt inside when using my time for the sake of others.

Father Moon once said in an interview, “The element of vitality is the vital life-force of the body. …It consists of divine love and divine truth.” He explained that our spirit essentially receives life through expanding ourselves by giving our love. Certain practices, such as volunteering, mindfully wishing others well, listening and being there for a friend are all examples of exercises that can nurture our spirit. What can you do today to practice kindness, patience and generosity?

Take Note of What You Love About People

Have you ever appreciated something about someone and not had the guts to say it? Think of a person whom you hold dear to your heart. There are over seven billion people in this world, and yet this one person is so special and unique to you. Maybe they possess an incredible artistic sense, or maybe they are loyal, always by your side. Father Moon often talked about how everyone reflects one of the many unique aspects of our Creator. Within the natural environment, and within ourselves, is something the Divine Principle calls “life elements.” They’re a reflection of God’s love and truth.

I challenge you to notice somebody today, and to recognize their God-given quality. Then, compliment them about it. It will totally make their day! Next, take a look inside yourself. What makes you priceless in the eyes of God?

Relax

So, this may not sound much like a workout routine, but just as our phones need charging after a day of use, so do our mind and body. We do many things throughout the day: we talk, breathe, eat, work, play, serve, learn, smile, hurt, think—and the list goes on. While we are meant to be active creatures, we also need sleep and relaxation to prevent burnout.

Without relaxation, we get stressed. Stress will take an emotional, physical and spiritual toll on us; it can steal our passion, creativity and inspiration. Try making time to constantly refresh your spirit, however that works best for you. You might want to “unplug” and turn off all electronics for a while—ah, are those birds outside? If you want to actively relax, try some breathing exercises, meditation or yoga. Listen to music, go for a walk—relax your physical senses to open your spiritual ones.

Although it is invisible, our spirit is a vital part of who we are. The next time you find yourself at the gym, or about to eat a healthy meal, take a second to look inward and think about the exercise and nourishment your spiritual self is craving.

 

Previous
Previous

Happy Birthday, Buddha!

Next
Next

The Earth Week Challenge