Empower Yourself by Spiritual Improvement

Relationships can measure spiritual health. We have relationships with all types of individuals for various reasons. Those reasons are less important than what relationships tell us about ourselves and our spiritual health. The degree of peace we experience in our relationships is a key measurement of spiritual health. We desire peace but we do not always practice peacefulness. The gap between desire and practice is where most of us fall short. We fail because we allow our ego to take control of our responses. The ego fiercely protects it's illusions, so it argues, pouts, controls, and does things that intentionally hurt others, but underneath the dastardly deeds of the ego is the spirit's and the mind's desire for peace...the desire to be healed. There are a number of things that you can do in your relationships to improve your spiritual health.

1.] Stop demanding perfection and control. Perfection is elusive, subjective, and unhealthy to expect from yourself and others. Seeking perfection creates extreme levels of stress, agitation, and anxiety. Underneath our desire for perfection is the need for control. We cannot control others, nor should we try. We should be evaluating our own personality critically, with non-attachment thereby denying the shallow side of our personality. If we don't the denial pattern will eventually corner us into isolation and loneliness.

2.] Perceive every experience as an expression of love or a request for healing and help. Each moment in time brings the opportunity to choose a different perspective. We have the choice to choose happiness and peace among the chaos of horrific circumstances. When we look beyond the pain , frustration, and confusion of the physical realm, and seek peace instead of answers, we find a refreshingly simple perspective. If you learn to change your mind about what you perceive and seek, you will change what you get.

3.] Let go of the payoff from pain. We tend to cling to pain because we get some kind of payoff or satisfaction from it. Realize that your pain brings you some kind of value, or you won't hang on to it for so long. Taking responsibility for every aspect of your life and stop believing that you are being the victim. This is an important step forward toward healing and peace.

4.] Embrace the teachers in life. Each person and experience teaches us something. These lessons can be painful and difficult. Embracing the teachers of life means that we can learn to focus on what our experiences can teach us, rather than focusing on what we didn't get or how we are "injured". More often than not, we get what we "need", not necessarily what we "want". Accept this and acknowledge those with gratitude, peace, and love...those in your life who have gathered to help and teach you.

5.] Recognize that when we give to others we give to ourselves. When you give love to others, you give love to yourself. When you give anger or hate to others, you give it to yourself as well. It is impossible to separate what we give and what we receive. Learn to give more freely. Do not wait for someone else to encourage you to give. Yo do not have to give money...it can be your time. When you give of yourself...the real winner is you...you are Empowered! Step out...be strong...be proactive! A few years ago, I was one of the types who liked to talk about helping others...but never did. One day I woke up and told myself that it was time to stop talking...time to "walk the walk". I joined a charity that was feeding homeless children. The first day I passed out food to those children...I returned home a forever changed man...it was the most humbling, but yet Empowering experience I have ever felt. I realized as I looked into the faces of these young children...yes... I said "children" ages 6-13, that no matter what challenges I face in life...they are minute compared to what these children were facing on a daily basis...just wanting love, food, warmth, a bath, proper clothing...basic necessities of life...things we take for granted...

6.] Forgive others! Forgiveness brings relief. Hanging on to old painful grudges creates deep currents of stress in our mind, body, and emotions. When we learn to forgive, we experience a tremendous release of pressure. Relationships of all types will feel more loving, happy, and satisfied when we operate in a state of gratitude and forgiveness.

When we apply these simple principles of spirituality and love, our lives will open up to a whole new world of happiness, health, and wealth. When you practice this...you will truly become Empowered...