Trees are fascinating. We can appreciate their uniqueness and beauty, their complicated root systems, and the way they seem to offer a sense of peace and serenity when we enter their presence. Yet, we can find the greatest fascination by exploring tree symbolism, how it relates to us and our universal connection to all things.

Trees are perhaps best known as metaphors for life and spiritual growth. So by looking closely at tree symbolism, we can see correlations with our own lives. We can learn lessons that may inspire us and provide insights along our own spiritual paths.

Avia Venefica is well-versed in cultural symbolism. She earned her undergraduate degree in anthropology and has spent years studying the cultural and archetypal meanings of symbols. According to Avia, “trees are perfect examples of how to live, grow, transition, change and even die with grace.”

What Can We Learn from Trees (and Why?)

Avia explains, “Trees invite us to absorb their essence entirely, and we do this by tapping into their infinite branches of energies. Tree symbolism is a way of classifying, identifying and organizing the array of energetic knowledge they contain and incorporating this array in our daily life.

Our collective human intuition is beginning to touch this understanding: ‘To know something is also to join with it.’ And, to join with a thing causes entanglement with it.

Effectually, to connect with something on various levels is to create a new thread of creation in our own lives.

The process of learning and connecting with trees (or anything else for that matter) insures our longevity and places us in a position of higher vision.”

Lessons We Can Learn from Tree Symbolism

The following thoughts can aid in your awareness of what we can learn from trees:

• The importance of staying grounded (or deeply rooted) while simultaneously growing and reaching new heights to gain a higher perspective. We can view our beliefs and spirituality in much the same way. They serve as our “anchor” while we explore along our individual paths.
• Overcoming obstacles – tree branches will grow in and around any obstacles in their path – always finding another way.
• Always growing – if you notice tree branches, they are always reaching, growing, contorting, and expanding. We can relate that lesson to our own spiritual path to persevere in always expanding our knowledge and awareness.
• Tree trunks have an outer layer for protection (which correlates to our outer “ego”) and their inner core is where the tree regenerates and finds nourishment. We can relate this with our own lives in realizing that our own spiritual nourishment and development must begin from within.
• Trees incorporate the four elements of life: water (nourishing their roots and found in tree sap), earth (their roots burrowing into the earth for protection), air (where branches reach into the sky), and fire (using their wood rubbed together to create warmth). So trees are often viewed as a symbol of creation as a whole. We can learn from trees in seeing how they navigate and relate to life’s different elements.

Historical Cultural Awareness of Tree Symbolism

We can look back through the history of various cultures to further understand the importance of tree symbolism.

Here are just a few historic examples:

• Famously, related to Buddhism beliefs, Siddhartha Gautama became enlightened while sitting under a fig tree. There, he was born as Buddha and named the tree Bodhi.
• In Judeo-Christianity, from the Book of Genesis, we see parables about both the Tree of Life and the Tree of Knowledge.
• Sacred groves (a grove or gathering of trees symbolically important to particular cultures’ religious beliefs) were mostly prominent in the Ancient Near East and prehistoric Europe, yet also extend to various cultures throughout the world. These include “Celtic, Baltic, Germanic, ancient Greek, Near Eastern, Roman, and Slavic polytheism, and were also used in India, Japan, and West Africa.”

In sum, as you notice trees in your life, take a few moments to connect with “tree energy” and relate to the lessons we can learn. You may notice that you feel humble when connecting to tree energy – or peaceful, serene, or perhaps grateful.

In their grace and longevity, trees speak to us and offer depths of wisdom through their symbolism.

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My spiritual journey began with a chance encounter with the book Conversations With God Book 1.

Ever since, I’ve had a high regard for books on spirituality; and as Francis Bacon aptly put; “Some books should be tasted, some devoured, but only a few should be chewed and digested thoroughly.”

These ten books on spirituality are those you should devour and take your time to truly digest, and internalize the teachings. They are for spiritual beginners, as well as people further along on their spiritual journey.

1. Conversations with God: An Uncommon Dialogue, Book 1

If you were to read only one spirituality book on this list, then let it be Conversations With God Book 1. Authored by Neale Donald Walsch, this work is truly life-changing.

The author has a different take on what God is, and the work is easy to follow and understand the subject.

The book tackles common questions, from money, to love, to why the world is the way it is. It also offers answers on how you can live a better and more fulfilling life.

2. The Power of Now

Authored by Eckhart Tolle (of course Eckhart had to be on this list), the book recognizes how we are preoccupied with the future, or burdened by the past and urges us to come back to the present moment.

It also teaches us to go beyond the mind-consciousness to the true self; for letting go of the mental insanity is the first step to enlightenment. It is also great for people on the hunt for a self-help book that will alleviate depression and anxiety.

3. A New Earth

“Every Ego wants to be special. If it can’t be special by being superior to others, it’s especially happy with being miserable.” Eckhart Tolle.

A New Earth is another of Tolle’s work but one that revolves around letting go of your ego. It gained popularity thanks in part to being recommended by Oprah, A New Earth is a must read if you wish to reduce your inner & outer conflict.

4. The 40 Rules of Love

The 40 Rules of Love is not as famous as our other top picks, but it’s just as good as any of the other books on spirituality.

It is more of a fictional work, albeit with a lot of spiritual teachings.

It is an excellent work on Love, with a beautiful story, “Fantabulous” quotes, and is a valuable educational experience.

5. The Untethered Soul

Written by Michael A. Singer, The Untethered Soul gives a perfect example of how we are lost in a dreamlike state.

It is one of the best books on spirituality, if you want to understand how your mind runs your life and what you can do to get out of that illusion and get to the seat of the soul; to consciousness.

6. The Secret

The Secret focuses on the law of attraction and teaches us how we can use it in our day to day lives.

One takeaway from the book is that you can have virtually anything you focus your energy on.

Therefore, be sure to focus on whatever you desire and not what you don’t want.

7. The Tao Te Ching

The Tao Te Ching is a 4^th Century  B.C. work by the founder of Taoism, Lao Tzu, and offers insights on duality, balance, compassion, etc; lessons that are still applicable today. As far as classics are concerned, it takes the cake.

The book seeks harmony and will free you from the caustic effects of greed, desire, and judgmental thinking. The Tao Te Ching is both a quick read and a long study, you will gain much from both.

8. The Celestine Prophecy

If you can get over the fact that it is not well-written, you will appreciate the wealth of ideas in The Celestine Prophecy.

Unlike, The Power of Now, it encourages you to look at yourself both in the present and the Future, while also offering insights on how to take a more positive and active approach.

If you like spiritual books with a tad of fiction, then check out The Celestine Prophecy.

9. The 7 Spiritual Laws of Success

Deepak Chopra is renowned for his ability to take Vedic teachings and present them to a western audience.

The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success happens to be one of his best works and emphasizes the importance of success.

The laws themselves aren’t groundbreaking but rather, familiar, but that is precisely what makes it appealing; the fact that they are easy to relate to.

10. The Alchemist

The Alchemist is more than a book and has taken on a life of its own, inspiring movements across the globe.

Santiago’s Journey, as he pursues his legend, is one most of us can relate to, and the book shows how the universe conspires to help you achieve your dreams.

It is well written with tons of spiritual lessons to absorb, no wonder it’s gained such a cult following.

It is only when the student is ready that the master appears.

So if you have found your path to this list, welcome, and we hope that you have found what you are looking for. If you wish to recommend any books on spirituality, please share with us in the comments below and may joy and peace find you every minute of every day.

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The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success is a book authored by Deepak Chopra, based on Hinduist and spiritualistic concepts. It explains that our personal success is not dictated just by the amount on work we put in, nor dictated by the things we accumulate, but rather the level of understanding we have about our own nature and our interaction with the laws of nature themselves.

According to the book, when we understand and apply these laws in our own lives, everything we want can be created, “because the same laws that nature uses to create a forest, a star, or a human body can also bring about the fulfillment of our deepest desires.”

The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success

1. The Law of Pure Potentiality – Seven Spiritual Laws

Take time to be silent each day.

Meditate every day.

Practice non-judgment.

We all need time to ourselves each day, time to calm the storm in our minds, to practice gratitude for how lucky we are but also to remind ourselves of our goals and purpose in life.

Give yourself 30 minutes each day.

The results will amaze you.

2. The Law of Giving – Seven Spiritual Laws

Today, bring whoever you encounter a gift.

A gift, a flower, a compliment or even a smile.

Receive gifts gratefully. Keep wealth circulating by giving and receiving care, affection, appreciation and love.

3. The Law of Karma – Seven Spiritual Laws

What we put out into the world will come back to us.

Every action generates energy that returns to us in like kind.

Choosing actions that bring happiness and success to others ensures the flow of happiness and success to you.

4. The Law of Least Effort – Seven Spiritual Laws

Accept people, situations, and events as they occur. Don’t resist what is.

Have faith that everything you truly need will come to you.

There’s no need to struggle to gain the greatest things in life. Allow it to come to you, and know you deserve it.

5. The Law of Intention and Desire – Seven Spiritual Laws

Inherent in every intention and desire is the mechanics for its fulfillment.

Make a list of desires. Trust that when things don’t seem to go your way, there is a reason.

Trust the plan the universe has in place for you, sometimes when things go wrong they are guiding us onto a new path we never knew existed. Have faith.

6. The Law of Detachment – Seven Spiritual Laws

Allow yourself and others the freedom to be who they are.

Do not force solutions—allow solutions to spontaneously emerge.

Uncertainty is essential, and your path to freedom.

Don’t become overly attached to a specific outcome, let things flow.

7. The Law of Dharma – Seven Spiritual Laws

Dharma: refers to one’s duty in this life.

To give is to get.

Everyone has a purpose in life, a unique gift to give to others.

It’s your duty to find your purpose.

When you do you will be overwhelmed by the exultation of your spirit. Our ultimate goal in life.

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Deepak Chopra is a bestselling author, public speaker, and alternative medicine advocate. His work is highly regarded Deepak Chopra is a global powerhouse in alternative medicine and spiritual health.

His books, videos, and lectures have inspired millions of people around the world to live a more spiritual life.

Use these insights from Deepak Chopra to harness your inner power.

“Holding on to anything is like holding on to your breath. You will suffocate. The only way to get anything in the physical universe is by letting go of it. Let go and it will be yours forever.” – Deepak Chopra Wisdom That Will Unleash The Power Within You

In life, you’ll have to learn when to let things go and when to hold on. Don’t be afraid to let go when it’s time. Listen to your intuition, it’s almost never wrong.

“I’ve worked all my life on the subject of awareness, whether it’s awareness of the body, awareness of the mind, awareness of your emotions, awareness of your relationships, or awareness of your environment. I think the key to transforming your life is to be aware of who you are.” – Deepak Chopra Wisdom That Will Unleash The Power Within You

Have you put in the work to become aware of your mind, body, and emotions?

Your awareness in these areas is the key to living a happy, beautiful, and positive life. But unless you actively invest in yourself and work on personal development this awareness won’t magically appear. Success starts on the inside, then moves outward.

Start becoming more aware in these areas by spending time alone, writing in a journal, meditating, and doing yoga. Get your mind clear so you can figure out what you really want to achieve in life.

“There is just no getting around that turning bad things into good things is up to you. You can’t make positive choices for the rest of your life without an environment that makes those choices easy, natural, and enjoyable.”  – Deepak Chopra Wisdom That Will Unleash The Power Within You

Every bad situation can be turned into a learning opportunity if you choose too. Life isn’t meant to be perfect. If you want to live a fulfilling life you need to learn how to flip a negative into a positive.

Think of each bad or negative experience as an opportunity to learn, grow, and develop. The happiest people in the world aren’t affected by small, minor inconveniences.  They use each moment as an opportunity to get better. 

“Always go with your passions. Never ask yourself if it’s realistic or not.”  – Deepak Chopra Wisdom That Will Unleash The Power Within You

The biggest mistake in life is not pursuing what you love to do.

If you truly love it you will find a way to make it work in your life. While it may not be the easiest route it will be the one that leads to lasting fulfillment and happiness.

“The highest levels of performance come to people who are centered, intuitive, creative, and reflective – people who know to see a problem as an opportunity.”  – Deepak Chopra Wisdom That Will Unleash The Power Within You

When you are completely aware of yourself, your environment, and your behaviors you can truly unleash the nearly unlimited power of your mind. Investing in yourself and your development is always the best option in life.   

“Even when you think you have your life all mapped out, things happen that shape your destiny in ways you might never have imagined.”  – Deepak Chopra Wisdom That Will Unleash The Power Within You

You can’t plan everything perfectly, sometimes the Universe has a different plan. Don’t fight fate, keep moving forward no matter what is happening in your life.

Use these Deepak Chopra quotes to become 100% aware of who you are and what you want for the rest of your life.

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India Arie is a famous American singer-songwriter, actress, and musician. Her music is deeply powerful and poetic with strong themes of universal love and personal empowerment. Here are 11 Of The Greatest India Arie Quotes That Will Change Your Life

11 India Arie Quotes That Will Inspire You To Chase Your Dreams

1- Life is a journey, not a destination; there are no mistakes, just chances we’ve taken. India Arie

There is no road map to this wonderful life, and even if there were would you want to see it!? One of the most exhilarating parts of life is not knowing what is coming next. Trust your journey and trust yourself!

2- No matter what anybody says, what matters most is what you think of yourself. India Arie

Your opinion of yourself is the ONLY opinion that truly matters. Other will always judge you, how you see yourself is ultimately what defines your happiness and contentment.

3- Success is clarity of my intention….and reaching that intention while being true to myself and with joy. India Arie

You don’t need to ‘sell out’ to be a success. Success means feeling fulfilled, having integrity and being PROUD of who you are.

4- Your real job in this world is to be you. India Arie

There is not a single soul on this Earth with the same skills, unique talents and quirks as you. The greatest journey in life is to uncover all of the things that make you who you are.

5- I’m just in that stage where I pray for God to show me how I can be effective in the world and things come up and I go. But I have yet to really dig in. India Arie

Having a bigger purpose in life keeps us grounded, and gives life meaning! Pray, meditate, contemplate, do what you gotta do. All that matters is that you consider your reason for being, and when you find it, you live from there.

6- Because you never know where life is gonna take you, And you can’t change where you’ve been, But today, I have the opportunity to choose. India Arie

Life is unpredictable, no doubt about it. You may have had some great successes in your life, and fallen on your face a couple of times too. No matter where you have been, right now, in every new moment, you have the opportunity to create what it is you want.

7- The difference between living and feeling alive, is using your fear as fuel to fly. India Arie

Living and existing are not the same thing. We all get scared, we all get comfortable and even complacent about life. The great thing is, we always have the choice to step up and use our challenges as fuel rather than letting them tear us down.

8- The worst disease in the world is hate. And the cure for hate is love. India Arie

Don’t let the negativity of the world get you down, though it will try! You are far too wonderful to let hate into your heart. Find the love and live from there.

9- Your work is to find healing. And I find, for me, it’s a little bit at a time, and eventually it’s barely there. And the journey is finding what works for you and doing it. India Arie

We all have wounds that we have collected from our life experiences. Our only job is to seek out healing for those wounds so we can be more and more of who we truly are, rather than the lies of fear we so often live through.

11- There are rules but there’s really no wrong way. India Arie

I’ve said it once and I will say it again. There are no mistakes. Ever. Only learning.

10- If I’m not doing anything to make a change, then I’m responsible. India Arie

If you think you are too small to make a difference in the world, think again. We all have the capability to make a difference, no matter how small. Start with loving yourself, then loving your family, then the whole world.

Do you have a favourite India Arie quote? Share it in the comments!

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Life tests each and every one of us.

It’s important to have a positive mindset to help navigate the ebbs and flows of life.

Eckhart Tolle has experienced the best and worst of life. At age 29, after suffering from crippling depression for most of his life. Eckhart awoke in the middle of the night and experienced a life-changing epiphany, what followed was an amazing spiritual journey.

Eckhart Tolle is now regarded as one of the most gifted spiritual teachers in the world.

Here are some quotes by Eckhart Tolle to enlighten and empower you.

25 Quotes by Eckhart Tolle on Life, Happiness, and Suffering

1. Realize deeply that the present moment is all you ever have.

The mind works in mysterious ways. Our thoughts can make us afraid for the future or regretful of the past. But our real power lies in the present moment.

Living in the moment or ‘mindfulness’  is being consciously attentive on the present moment. When you become mindful, you realize that you are not your thoughts, you become an observer of your thoughts without judging them, thus allowing you to enjoy life as it’s happening.

Realizing the present moment is all you ever have will allow you to live life in much richer detail. Presence brings power.

2. Life is the dancer and you are the dance. | Quotes by Eckhart Tolle

How you think and act determines your reality. Most people don’t acknowledge that you can influence your own reality.  They believe life is down to luck. That their current situation is their final destination. When really your attitude determines your altitude. A positive outlook will deliver a positive life.

3. Where there is anger, there is always pain underneath.

Some people confuse aggression and anger with dominance and control. But the truth is that anger is a sign of weakness. It says that you were hurt in the past and you are carrying it into the present. This is one of the most enlightening Eckhart Tolle quotes ever. If you carry anger you must look inside yourself for the answer.

4. Give up defining yourself — to yourself or to others. You won’t die. You will come to life. And don’t be concerned with how others define you. When they define you, they are limiting themselves, so it’s their problem. Whenever you interact with people, don’t be there primarily as a function or a role, but as the field of conscious presence. 

Don’t worry about what people think of you or how they label you. Live your own life, discover your own hopes, wishes, talents, desires, and dreams. Fall in love with who you are without having the need to define yourself by a single sentence or achievement. The human spirit is too intense to be captured in a few sentences.

5. Being spiritual has nothing to do with what you believe and everything to do with your state of consciousness. | Quotes by Eckhart Tolle

Spirituality doesn’t mean you have to worship a Godly figure. It’s all about achieving a higher state of consciousness or understanding, where you intuitively know the deeper meaning in ordinary things and can read between the lines.

6. Whatever you think the world is withholding from you, you are withholding from the world.

We often blame the external world for our dissatisfaction with life. But the truth is that we never see what we are withholding from the world. Every painful life experience carries a lesson and induces suffering. We must accept that difficult lessons in life will not leave us until they have taught us what we need to know.

7. Anything that you resent and strongly react to in another is also in you. | Quotes by Eckhart Tolle

The faults we find in others are actually the parts of own self, that we recognize and cannot come to terms with. We need to be more accepting of others to better accept ourselves. Instead of looking and judging others we must look inside of ourselves for the answers we seek.

8. Being must be felt. It can’t be thought.

We need to turn off our minds and turn on our hearts. Ask yourself, “How did I feel all day today?” Honor your feelings and understand your heart’s longings. Among all Eckhart Tolle quotes, this one really stands out. Taking time to meditate and be present will help expand our conciousness.

9. To love is to recognize yourself in another. | Quotes by Eckhart Tolle

We are all one, swimming in the same ocean of existence, experiencing life from different shores. When you cross paths with someone, take the time to know them on a deeper level because you have met them for a reason.

10. The past has no power over the present moment.

If there are certain things you regret about the past, know that the only power it has is the power you give to it. You are not what happened to you, you witnessed the past but cannot change it and no amount of stress or anxiety will change the past. Therefore, it’s in your power to change your focus and witness a better reality for yourself in the present moment. Be the change you want to see in the world.

11. Life isn’t as serious as the mind makes it out to be. | Quotes by Eckhart Tolle

Some people are too serious. They make long lists of what to do, how to live and overthink things all the time. Don’t take life too seriously. No matter how deep you are, find joy in the little things. Know that you’re not alone and if you have a single person who cares for you, you are truly blessed.

12. What a liberation to realize that the “voice in my head” is not who I am. Who am I then? The one who sees that.

You are not your thoughts. The thoughts that run through your head are just temporary reflections of your mind. Don’t identify with them. But then who are you? You are the witness that hears the thoughts, observe your thoughts but do not live by them.

13. You can only lose something that you have, but you cannot lose something that you are. | Quotes by Eckhart Tolle

People are so afraid of losing things and losing people. But the agent of creation lies within you. No matter what you lose, you won’t lose your creativity which can create all the things you want all over again. You won’t lose your ability to enjoy the human experience, so enjoy it.

14. Whatever the present moment contains, accept it as if you had chosen it. | Quotes by Eckhart Tolle

Every person on Earth will experience some difficulty that they cannot change. This fact can either imprison you or enlighten you. When you encounter difficulty, accept it as if you had chosen it, experience it and figure out what you can learn from it.

15. Life will give you whatever experience is most helpful for the evolution of your consciousness. How do you know this is the experience you need? Because this is the experience you are having at the moment.

If you have been keen to change something in your life for a long time, try to understand the hidden lesson it carries. What’s life asking you to do? If you are tired of being stressed all the time, life is pressing you to think differently. If you haven’t found love and intimacy yet, life is telling you that you need to learn how to love yourself first..

16. Some changes look negative on the surface but you will soon realize that space is being created in your life for something new to emerge.

Beautiful creation often starts with dark destruction. When you feel you are buried in a hole, you are actually planted like a seed, ready for a magnificent future. Darkness defines the light. Without suffering, we wouldn’t appreciate the happier times.

17. The primary cause of unhappiness is never the situation but your thoughts about it.

No matter what you have been through, a situation is defined by the meaning you give to it. Some people can survive death without much hassle and others get frustrated at simple things, it’s all about perspective and your thoughts about a situation.

18. Time isn’t precious at all, because it is an illusion. What you perceive as precious is not time but the one point that is out of time: the now. That is precious indeed. The more you are focused on time—past and future—the more you miss the now, the most precious thing there is.

Time is a man-made concept. There is no time, there is a long, eternal “now” that we live all our life. You can only influence the present moment. Reclaim your power by living fully in the present moment.

19. Any action is often better than no action, especially if you have been stuck in an unhappy situation for a long time. If it is a mistake, at least you learn something, in which case it’s no longer a mistake. If you remain stuck, you learn nothing.

It’s better to move forward in any direction than to stare at your problems and suffer from anxiety and fear. Albert Einstein said that you have to keep moving in life to maintain your balance. If you’re unhappy take action now and start living life by your terms.

20. All negativity is caused by an accumulation of psychological time and denial of the present. Unease, anxiety, tension, stress, worry – all forms of fear – are caused by too much future, and not enough presence. Guilt, regret, resentment, grievances, sadness, bitterness, and all forms of non-forgiveness are caused by too much past, and not enough presence.

This is one of the greatest Eckhart Tolle quotes as it explains all suffering with a simple concept. When our mind is fixed in the future, we suffer from fear, anxiety, and worry. When it is fixed in the past, we suffer from regret, sadness, hatred, and depression. We need to live in the present moment and say “yes” to what the now has to offer.

21. If you get the inside right, the outside will fall into place. Primary reality is within; secondary reality without.

There is nothing out there taking the joy out of your life. Everything is inside you. It is your thoughts, beliefs, actions, and the use or misuse of your own imagination is creating your life. If you want to change your life, change your mindset.

22. It is not uncommon for people to spend their whole life waiting to start living. | Quotes by Eckhart Tolle

Some of us live our lives in quiet desperation, hoping for a better tomorrow never realizing that our true power lies in the now. We are the creators of our own lives, we can live life our own way and chase our dreams. Don’t think just act.

23. The past gives you an identity and the future holds the promise of salvation, of fulfillment in whatever form. Both are illusions.

We define ourselves by what we have done in the past not realizing that we are limiting ourselves by doing so. Realize that something completely new can happen for you and change that definition. Moreover, we should stop seeking happiness in the future. It’s not something that will arrive in the mail. Happiness is a by-product of how you act in the present. It is not the end goal. Life joyously in the present moment.

24. Acknowledging the good that you already have in your life is the foundation for all abundance. | Quotes by Eckhart Tolle

See the good in every situation and experience. We are so blessed to experience this life. Gratitude is your superpower. Practicing and developing gratitude will not only make you happier in the present moment but it will drive you to change the world.

25. Instead of asking “what do I want from life?,” a more powerful question is, “what does life want from me?”

Sometimes our truth is right in front of us, but we fail to see it. Think for a moment. Talk to the part of you that feels dissatisfied with your life. What does that part of you want from life? What are its complaints? Now change your perspective for a moment and turn the tables.

Ask yourself, “What does life want from me? What is the obvious lesson here?” Chances are you need to overcome a limiting belief or learn a certain skill to get to the place you want to be. Whatever it is you must learn the lesson to move forward.

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Improving emotional wellness involves understanding how our thoughts, feelings and behaviours are all connected. If you deal with them in unhealthy ways, it will affect your overall wellness. Learning to accept them with compassion, and without judgement and putting the right steps in place means you can flourish and be your best self.

Here are some tips to improve your emotional wellness.

Awareness

The first step to improving your emotional wellness is becoming more aware of any negative thoughts and being able to eliminate them when they arise. Try replacing each negative thought with three positive thoughts. If you find this a struggle, start with a gratitude list and note everything in your life you are appreciative of, and then revisit these thoughts when you find yourself in a negative spiral.

Positive affirmations

Practise positive affirmations by choosing something that is meaningful to you – for example, ‘I am kind’, ‘I am strong’ – and saying this out loud. My favourite affirmation is ‘I am enough’.  The more you practise, the more your mind will believe it. Try it in the shower if you feel a little uncomfortable at first!

Michael Beckwith: You Are Not The Body, You Are Not The Mind:

Focus on the good times

If you find your mind starts to wander and focus on negative thoughts, try to take a step back, pause and reflect on a happy memory or moment that brought you joy – whether that’s a recent conversation with a friend or loved one, a birthday or other occasion, or a significant achievement in life.

Be present

Instead of reflecting on the past or worrying about what’s ahead, focus on your breath and become mindful with your thoughts and feelings. This bring you to the present moment and will help you feel more calm and relaxed and to have clearer thoughts.

Journaling

Journaling is a powerful way to give clarity and perspective to your thoughts and feelings as they arise. Try for an entry or a day or every few days – whatever works best for you. Note down all worries and all successes and how they made you feel. Give it a few days and look back over what you have written so you can track your progress and identify any commonalities.

Stress

Stress has a big impact on our emotional wellness – almost two in five of us identify with feeling stressed at any one time.   The good news is that stress can be prevented and is manageable if it arises.  Give the below a go to prevent burnout.

Self-care

You can practise self-care by doing one thing every day that you enjoy. It could be anything from drinking your favourite tea, to wearing your pyjamas or watching your favourite show on Netflix.  Let  yourself the time to be fully present in that activity without guilt or distraction.

Balance

Finding balance in life is vital for our wellness.  If you struggle with balance, try keeping a diary and setting aside time for different tasks, including your self-care, and stick to it. Let family and friends know that you prefer to stick to regular meeting dates and times and let them know it has a positive impact on your wellness.

Balance – Inspirational Video:

Accept 

Accept that mistakes happen – perfection doesn’t exist in wellness. Acknowledging and accepting the situation will enable you to learn, grow and move on.

Emotional wellness and positivity

If consciously choose to nourish our minds with positivity, love, kindness, beauty and fun, it will improve our wellness.

Here are some tips to assist with positive thinking.

Breathe

The power of breath is an incredible thing. When you feel stressed or anxious, spend one minute breathing long and slow, deep breathes. Whenever I feel overwhelmed, I stop and take a breath. It has changed my life and I promise it will change yours!

Be grateful

Practice gratitude by taking time to remind yourself of all the blessings you have in your life. Write them down. Connect with nature and smell the air, feel every sensation in your body when you take a step and fully connect with everyone and everything around you.

Be yourself

Be who you want to be and not what you think you should be. Never forget that you are unique and the expert about yourself. No one knows you better than you.

Be your best friend

Treat yourself as you would your best friends. Self- love and respect is key for emotional wellness.

Be visual

Guided visualisation is a powerful tool that helps guide the mind into positive thoughts.

Here is a guided visualising exercise that you can try at home.

Find a relaxing and quiet place.
Get comfortable, close your eyes and ask yourself “what can I do right now that will make me feel good”
Decide what it is that you want to do or where you want to go.
• Let your mind run free to that place or thing.
• Have fun, relax with and immerse yourself in your vision.  Guided visualisation can bring you instant happiness.

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The word ‘spiritual’ seems to get thrown around a lot these days, but what does it actually mean to BE spiritual?

What Does It Actually Mean To Be A Spiritual Person?

In order to figure that out, let’s get clear on what you don’t need to be.

You don’t need to be religious.

You certainly don’t need to be ‘perfect’.

You don’t need to shave your head.

You don’t need to practice yoga and meditation every day.

There seems to be a lot of contradictions in the world regarding what it means to ‘be spiritual’. There also happens to be a lot of money to be made by institutions who claim to have all of the answers in regards to personal enlightenment. Spirituality, however, can’t be bought.

Ultimately, spirituality means different things to different people; there isn’t just one way to practice it! No one can tell you what spirituality is to you, because you are as individual as a rose or a blade of grass. There literally is not a single other person who is exactly as you are.

It is up to you to define your own version of spirituality. And we do that simply by seeking it out.

From my perspective, being spiritual means having a genuine passion for seeking out the truth of all things. It means placing yourself on a sacred path of self discovery and living your life with a curious, grateful heart that seeks to see love and purity in all beings.

To be spiritual means holding a strong connection, to yourself, to the Earth and all it’s inhabitants.

It is a daily practice in being kind to yourself and others.

It is being grateful for what you have.

It is doing the best that you can.

It is being of service to the world.

Focusing on being spiritual does not need to define you or overtake your entire life. You can be spiritual as much or as little as you like. Sometimes life gets busy and our responsibilities can get in the way. At these times, the last thing you feel like doing is sitting down to meditate or engaging in your spirituality. It’s important to honour this and allow it to be. Spirituality demands your attention, but not to your detriment. Allow yourself to leave and come back to it when you are ready.

There is no single path of spirituality, you need only find what works for you. Spirituality is personal. If you are making an effort to show up in your life every day as the best version of yourself, then that is as spiritual as anyone needs to be.

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Harbhajan Singh or Yogi Bhajan as he is known to his followers, was a yogi, spiritual teacher, and entrepreneur, who introduced Kundalini Yoga to the United States. He was also the director of the Healthy, Happy, Holy Organization Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to sharing the teachings of Kundalini yoga around the globe. Here are 14 Spiritually Enlightening Yogi Bhajan Quotes To Inspire You.

14 Spiritually Enlightening Yogi Bhajan Quotes To Inspire You.

1-When you don’t go within, you go without. Yogi Bhajan Quotes

The truth of our being lies within us. We must all take the time to get to know that truth.

2- I do not believe in miracles, I rely on them. Yogi Bhajan Quotes

Miracles happen every day. The question is, do you have your eyes and heart open to see them?

3- To conquer the unknown you must trust. Yogi Bhajan Quotes

You don’t always need to know the answers, but you must trust that you will always have the answers that you need.

4- It’s not life that matters, it’s the courage you bring to it. Yogi Bhajan Quotes

Live your life bravely and boldly. Blaze a trail.

5- Where there is love there is no question. Yogi Bhajan Quotes

Love is all there is.

6- You owe it to yourself to be yourself. Yogi Bhajan Quotes

There is no other in the world just like you, and that is your greatest power.

7- Your mind is your servant, your body is your vehicle and your soul is your residence. Yogi Bhajan Quotes

Your mind is your servant, it is not the other way around.

8- There is nothing outside of us. It’s all in us. Yogi Bhajan Quotes

Everything you need is within you.

9- The art of happiness is to serve all, and all shall serve you. Yogi Bhajan Quotes

Be of service and you will be happy.

10- If you cannot bless yourself, then nobody can bless you. Yogi Bhajan Quotes

Self care is a divine responsibility; you must take good care of yourself if you wish to be of service to others.

11- Hope is not a prediction of the future, it’s a declaration of what is possible. Yogi Bhajan Quotes

The hope within your heart knows exactly what you are capable of.

12- If you want to progress in your life and grow, act not to react. Yogi Bhajan Quotes

Live an active life, not a reactive one. Choose your path with clear intention, rather than being swayed by the winds of emotion.

13- You are very powerful, providing you know how powerful you are. Yogi Bhajan Quotes

KNOW IT. BE IT.

14- Happiness is your birthright. Live it! Yogi Bhajan Quotes

Live your life as if it were the greatest gift you have ever received, because it is.

Do you have a favourite Yogi Bhajan Quote? Share it in the comments!

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Marianne Williamson is an internationally acclaimed American spiritual teacher, author and lecturer. Seven of her twelve published books have been New York Times Best Sellers and four of those made it to the number one spot. Here are 12 Enlightening Marianne Williamson Quotes To Empower You

12 Enlightening Marianne Williamson Quotes To Empower You

1- Anytime you try to be a loving person, you’re doing your part to save the world. Marianne Williamson Quotes

Love can save the world. Practice being kind.

2- We ask ourselves, ‘Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?’ Actually, who are you not to be? Marianne Williamson Quotes

Playing small, thinking small, and generally shrinking yourself in this life serves nobody. It is your responsibility to share your unique talents with the world.

3- Love is what we were born with. Fear is what we learned here. Marianne Williamson Quotes

Fear is not our natural state. It is what we learn here and it is a part of our journey as human beings. Remember though, that you always have the option to choose love instead.

4- With thoughts of the past and concerns about the future, we rob ourselves of a full experience of the present. Marianne Williamson Quotes

Being fully present in our lives is the only way to experience life in all of its exquisite beauty.

5- The practice of forgiveness is our most important contribution to the healing of the world. Marianne Williamson Quotes

When you forgive a person who has hurt you, you heal yourself. And when you heal yourself, you help to heal the whole world.

6- The spiritual path – is simply the journey of living our lives. Everyone is on a spiritual path; most people just don’t know it. Marianne Williamson Quotes

We are all spiritual beings having a human experience.

7- Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our Light, not our Darkness, that most frightens us. Marianne Williamson Quotes

Embrace your light. Don’t fear it, celebrate it!

8- Nature is infinitely creative. It is always producing the possibility of new beginnings. Marianne Williamson Quotes

Every new breath you breathe into your lungs presents with it the chance for a new start. Don’t give up hope.

9- It takes courage…to endure the sharp pains of self discovery rather than choose to take the dull pain of unconsciousness that would last the rest of our lives. Marianne Williamson Quotes

To practice self awareness and self honesty is certainly not easy, but if you want to grow and expand in this life, it is essential.

10- And no one will listen to us until we listen to ourselves. Marianne Williamson Quotes

Be your own number one fan. Respect yourself and others will respect you!

11- Until we have seen someone’s darkness, we don’t really know who they are. Until we have forgiven someone’s darkness, we don’t really know what love is. Marianne Williamson Quotes

We all have darkness within us. To be able to honour your own flaws and to forgive those of others is the greatest act of love that there is.

12- Joy is what happens to us when we allow ourselves to recognize how good things really are.  Marianne Williamson Quotes

Joy is our natural state. We don’t need to seek it out, it is already fully present within us.

Share your favourite Marianne Williamson quote in the comments.

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