I’m starting out with service to self. Because in some ways, if you’re not taking care of your body, mind, and emotions in your life, how helpful can you be to others? Or concentrate on the God of your understanding?
But then again, on the other side of the coin, sometimes to get out of yourself when you’re in that negative place; helping others and doing service at your Twelve Step group, temple, church or whatever organization that you might attend can also be helpful.
Each of us is different. But do a gut check first. Are you avoiding an opportunity to work on yourself by doing service else where? Are you procrastinating? You’ll know just by your belly barometer, and it’s always good to check in with your spiritual advisor as well.
Things to do to help yourself:
- Doing things in nature. Whatever it is you like to do. For some of us getting close to nature is like getting close to God. The mystics say, “That Silence is God in Creation”.
- Exercise/Yoga are ways to help realign yourself physically and mentally. It normally calms you down emotionally. When your body and mind are in a good place, meditation and prayer comes easier.
- Writing, painting…some of us are creative in different ways and writing or painting/drawing is a way to connect to that creative part of yourself. That creativity is a gift from God and exercising it gives you and God great pleasure. Thus relieving stress and creating a sense of self-accomplishment.
- Music, writing, playing and listening to music also stirs the mind, body and emotions. Again bringing you to a place of satisfaction and enjoyment. When you are at this place, you usually are on more of a solid ground and have a better, more positive outlook.
While all these activities are helpful, there is more to life than satisfying ourselves, service to ourselves. But we do have to recognize that these are positive actions when taken in a useful way and can help us help others and serve God.
