Spiritual Wellness, chapter 8 “It is not about the Religion, it is about the Relationships” S. Wonder

What is spiritual wellness? Does it mean that you have to be practicing a religion ? Spirituality is the way you find meaning, hope, comfort and inner peace or peace of mind. Having strong spirituality has been shown to affect owns’ health in a positive manner.

How can we improve our spirituality? Identify things that bring you strength, comfort, ….it could be nature or doing community service. Set aside time each day to connect with your spirit, read inspirational books, doing yoga, even a sport. In the muslim religion it is taught that each organ has a function.

The function of the soul is to: Know its creator, to seek closeness to him or her. When the heart becomes sick, it loses its desire and ability to do right and do good deeds, according to the Qur’an diseases of the heart are listed in the book, could someone read them.

Major diseases of the heart: Arrogance and conceit Ostentation-to impress others Jealousy Suspicion Anger Stinginess Love of Jah, power, money, position

Prayer is known to be talking to God….. Meditation is opening to listening to God

Deepak Chopra and the laws of success : Law of pure potentiality-this means we have the potential within us to make into reality all that our minds can envision. Self power is true power Law of giving and receiving, always give something positive, whether it is a smile, a kind word, a compiment, the universe will respond.

The law of Karma-cause and effect: Every thought, every action Generates a force of energy that is returned to us When something happens it is important to ask “why has this happened, what can I learn from it?” What are the consequences of my choices?

yoga Creating a union of the mind-body-spirit Eight limbs of yoga are: Yama-morality, Niyama-personal observances, Asanas-postures, Pranayama-breathing, Pratyahara- control of senses,Dharana- concentration, Dhyana-meditation on the divine, Samadhi-union with Divine

Forgiveness-one of the keys to spiritual freedom : Read story in chapter 9 Forgiveness is not: condoning insensitive, irresponsible behavior. It is not an act or change in behavior, a change in thinking. It is not repressing anger, it is not having an air of superiority or arrogance.

Seeing core self to core self Not the anger self to fear self How to forgive: I am angry about: The anger helps me hold on to: What would the situation be like if I let go of this anger: Forgiving parents, read and do exercise.

summary If you have resentments and anger, it is difficult to have spiritual freedom. The shackles of anger engulf you and prevent you from fully feeling thejoy in life. Yoga, meditation, forgiveness are tools to release pain, suffering, and anger so you may have spiritual wellness.