Thursday, March 6, 2008

Do Unto Yourself

We find great fulfillment in helping others. We do it in a multitude of ways, with our time, with our money, anonymously, unselfishly, sending energies of love, health and joy. We try to live our lives as an example of how to live happier more fulfilling life, and those examples are just the tip of the iceberg. The rewards are priceless. Ironically, as we head down the path or our Spiritual Journey, helping others can become an obsession. If we do not stop and look around once in a while, we might not realize that we have created a different version of the rat race we previously chose to no longer participate in.

Sometimes we need to turn the Golden Rule around and remind ourselves to Do Unto Ourselves As We Do Unto Others. We can not help others and give them the best of ourselves, if we do not have our own house in order. It is often said that we need to love ourselves before we can love others. Likewise, we need to help and take care of ourselves before we can do the same for others. Essentially, we need to be healthy, physically, emotionally, and spirituality.

The first thing to do is to take a little time to step back and think about what you may have been neglecting. Have you been so busy that your positive habits that got you to where you were have been put on hold? Have you been sleeping enough? Have you been eating right? Have you been missing your regular periods previously set aside for meditation, yoga, reading, playing music, spending time with your family, or whatever is important to you on a personal level?

Once you have determined what you have been neglecting, come up with a plan to incorporate into your new life. Do not just say you are going to do it and do not approach it haphazardly, or it will never happen. Remember that as your Journey continues, you are constantly recreating your self. Change is a natural part of the process. And, along with that you may need to update your plan, your routine, and your perspective.

So, remember to take time for yourself. Don’t just say it, do it! Make an appointment on your own calendar like a doctor appointment, but in this case, be your own doctor. Right yourself a prescription for wellness. Remember that you do not have to sacrifice your life to help others. That notion runs completely counter to the underpinnings of spiritual growth. Do not play the noble starving artist. That role is a child of the ego. Now, go take a walk, get a massage, or make a great dinner. Your personal happiness will create an infectious energy that will rub of on everyone you think about or come in contact with.

Digg!
My Zimbio