FOUR FOR FRIDAY 23: SPIRITUALITY

“Allow your actions to be all that is necessary.”

Mantra of the week

A mantra is a word, sound, or phrase that is repeated to aid concentration in meditation or prayer. Originating from Sanskrit, the term literally means "a thought" or "instrument/ tool of thought". Mantras are often used in various spiritual traditions, including Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism, where they are believed to have spiritual or magical powers.

In a broader sense, a mantra can refer to a frequently repeated statement or slogan used to reinforce a particular belief or mindset. This week, my specific word has been Ahimsa. Ahimsa, as I understand it, means non-violence. To me, this extends beyond “no physical violence to another or self” to include avoiding mental, emotional, or psychological harm to myself or others.

This concept has been challenging, particularly in terms of non-physical harm. For me, this means not allowing myself to enter situations that may be mentally or psychologically harmful as well. This can look different depending on the context. In some situations, it means having a necessary conversation; in others, it means holding back to promote peace and good.

Initially, I interpreted Ahimsa in the literal sense of avoiding physical harm. However, as the week progressed, I realized that harm can take many forms. My goal is to create the most good and promote peace. Another word for this is benevolence.Lastly, this practice is all about intention. Intention means putting in effort, not striving for perfection. The goal is to actively try and create awareness around your actions and thoughts. That effort and mindfulness are the true wins.

What are you reflecting on this week? What is your word, phrase, or mantra? I encourage you to think about this and how it applies to your life.

2. Resource of the week: Morning Pages from The Artist Way, Julia Cameron

The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron at its core is a book that guides readers through a twelve-week program how to unlock their creativity and overcome artistic blocks. One of the key practices from this book that stands out to me is something called "Morning Pages". Morning pages are  a daily journaling activity designed to help clear the mind and foster creative growth.

Morning Pages involve writing three pages of longhand, stream-of-consciousness thoughts every morning (I prefer to do these at night, as this is when I reflect on what I’m feeling in a current moment or from the given day). This exercise is not about producing polished writing but rather about releasing mental clutter and unblocking creativity. By writing whatever comes to mind without judgment, individuals can begin tapping into their subconscious, process emotions, and generate new ideas. I highly recommend this practice as I have seen it to be extremely beneficial in my own life.

The Artist's Way has inspired countless artists, writers, and creatives to reconnect with their creative selves and pursue their artistic passions with renewed vigor and confidence. Through practical exercises and motivational insights, Julia Cameron offers a comprehensive toolkit for anyone looking to nurture their creativity.

3. A quote thats resonating with me

"Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony."

• Mahatma Gandhi, (on living with integrity)

4. What allows you to do the job at hand

What allows you to do the job at hand? Sometimes it's the environment that inspires us, sometimes it's specific situations. I had this thought recently while attempting an evening meditation. I’ve found it challenging to consistently sit down twice a day for extended periods. In working with myself, I decided to reduce the time from twenty minutes to ten. This small change made it more feasible for me to start the practice, which at its core is about decluttering my mind, deepening self-awareness, and reflecting on the day.

This reminded me of a quote I recently shared about archery from a vlogger who emphasized that the correct form is the one you can do most consistently, regardless of how it looks. This resonates with the idea that the process's appearance is less important than its consistency and effectiveness. There’s humility in recognizing and accepting what truly motivates us.

Jordan Peterson discusses a similar concept in his book "12 Rules for Life." He suggests that while our motivations are complex and often subconscious, they are essential for driving us to accomplish tasks and achieve goals. Peterson argues that understanding every detail of our motivations is less important than acknowledging that they help us get things done. Our actions reflect our deepest beliefs and values, even if we can’t fully understand or articulate them.

So, what allows you to get the job done? Can you be honest about this? Can you accept it for what it is and let go of hyper-judgment or criticism?