Connecting with something bigger than yourself…
When I was a child I rejected the idea of religion and of “God” because it often just seemed like something that was being used to control the minds of others. I was naturally freaked out by all the people blindly following what the priest or pastor would say- standing when directed, repeating when appropriate and tithing weekly to save your soul. It just seemed unnatural.
What I wish someone would have explained to me earlier in life is that God is not something to be feared. And, God doesn’t even have to be called God. It can be related to as “the universe,” “higher power,” “source,” “mother nature,” and all the other names in whichever faith you follow. The energy that is God energy is the one that simply connects us all and gives us strength when we might need it most.
I have only in recent years been able to open my mind and to connect with this “source” energy and it has completely changed my life. So many points in my life I have felt lost, bored and as if my life was meaningless. What I didn’t know is that connecting to something that I regarded as “bigger than me,” actually gave me purpose. Once I realized I could pray and be with this eternal and internal source of light whenever I wanted and that there was no obligation to go to church at a certain time, or be in certain clothes or give money to certain people I was able to be open to the love that I might receive from sitting with this power.
Of course, there is some discipline that is helpful to really get the most out of connecting with your higher power. I made some general promises/agreements that have created time and space for me to be with my God. I have created time in my daily life to sit in silence and to give respect to my thoughts and to my body. I have begun to connect more with nature and with the energy that lives in the trees, plants and animals.
Since beginning a practice of sitting in silence- even if it is for only 5 minutes at a time- I have felt my anxiety wane and have experienced a greater excitement for life and the magic that exists within it!
I love hearing other people’s thoughts! If you have any comments about this based on your experience or would like to discuss this topic further with me, please feel free to reach out by sending an email to: lauren@moodmedicine.org