One of the most common things I hear from people is they want to feel more connected to something “bigger than themselves.” Some call it life. Others call it God or a higher power. Whatever it is for you (I’ll call it “God” for simplicity’s sake), connecting on a daily basis can be simple if you allow it to be. Here are 5 ways you can get started right now.
1. See things as they are—not as you are. Humans do this crazy thing, maybe you’ve noticed it. We project our internal experiences onto things and people outside of ourselves. You know what I’m talking about. What if instead of labeling, judging, or projecting onto everything, you saw it purely for what it actually is and nothing more? What would happen? Try it with something simple like your pet or a tree outside. Do it now. Look at it with new eyes. No labels. No names. No thoughts about what it is or isn’t. Just experience it. Now you are seeing it as it is—not as you are.
2. Spend time in nature. As I’m writing this I am sitting outside on my back porch enjoying the crisp morning air and the sounds of the birds chirping around me. It doesn’t have to be complicated or planned months in advance. Even making 5 minutes of intentional time to spend outside goes a long way in bringing simplistic perspective and balance into your life.
3. Let go of your definition of “God.” In general, we like to attempt to make sense of things that are beyond the mind. The problem here is God doesn’t fit in a box. In fact, get rid of the box completely. God is beyond concepts and definitions. If you have the courage to let go of your pre-conceived concept of God, then you are open to finding it in places you would have never thought to look.
4. Be present for presence. Time itself is an illusion, so why not stop and smell the roses? The more you choose to live in the present moment, the more you will feel the presence of the Divine in the details of your everyday life—not just in church or temple.
5. Be proactively joyful. Let’s face it, playing victim to life is self-defeating and no fun for anyone. “Bad things” don’t happen “to” people who understand that everything comes from God and everything God does is for the best. With that perspective, all of the sudden “bad things” magically turn into blessings, gifts, lessons, and opportunities for gratitude. To be proactively joyful means you choose to see your glass as not only half full, but filled with personal blessings designed just for you.
So there you have it—five ways to get connected and stay connected with the essence of life. Now do you want in on a little secret? All five of these tips condense down into one word. Perspective. Living a connected life is really as simple as shifting your perspective every once in a while. Don’t believe me? Give it a try.
- See things as they are—not as you are.
- Spend time in nature.
- Let go of your definition of “God.”
- Be present for presence.
- Be proactively joyful.
- It all boils down to perspective.
Thank you Shalvah. This is beautiful. For me, I can tell I am well connected to God when I am genuinely happy…which is most of the time. Much love, xo-C.