FOUR FOR FRIDAY 7: SPIRITUALITY
“How we treat others and the world surrounding us becomes how they in turn treat us. How they treat us helps us determine our self concept. Our self concept influences how we interact with the world.”
1. “Breaking the cloud”
In the Netflix documentary "Stutz," Jonah Hill engages in candid conversations with his psychiatrist, Phil Stutz. I found this documentary funny, alluring, and charming. One specific part stands out to me: Stutz introduces a tool called "The Grateful Flow."
In this segment, Stutz discusses the power of gratitude—not just stating what we're grateful for, but truly feeling the emotion it evokes. He advises naming three or four things we're grateful for, then letting them go while retaining the positive emotion they generate. This approach allows us to connect to the "source" and "break through the clouds." The clouds symbolize the stress and negativity that weigh us down, while gratitude helps crack this barrier, letting the sunshine of positivity break through. You can see a video of this in action here.
Stutz explains that gratitude can reconnect us to the brightness beyond our troubles. I encourage you to try this method; I believe it can only bring positive effects.
2. Feeding the birds
Feeding the birds is an ancient practice in eastern parts of the world, with accounts dating back 3,500 years in ancient Vedic texts. This practice has long reminded humans of the importance of giving, highlighting our own abundance and the power of serving others.
Psychological research shows that much of our discontent stems from self-centeredness—the belief that we are the center of the universe. Focusing solely on our problems can lead to depression. When we broaden our perspective to include others' struggles, we can alleviate some of our own anxiety, tension, and depressive symptoms. Many remedies for lethargy or sadness emphasize the importance of looking beyond ourselves.
A simple practice like feeding the birds outlined here, can remind us that we are all in this together and that we have the ability to create positive change. By giving, we can find personal reward and fulfillment. A little effort goes a long way, and this practice serves as a reminder that each of us can contribute to making the world a better place.
3. Byodo-In temple, Oahu/ KTD temple, Catskills
Recently, I returned from a week-long trip to Oahu. For my birthday, my partner and I visited the Byodo-In Temple, a beautiful site nestled against the towering peaks of the Ko'olau Mountains. If you're planning a trip to Oahu, I highly recommend stopping by—there's a small fee to enter, but it's well worth it.
The Byodo-In Temple reminded me of another temple I've visited multiple times in Woodstock, NY, called KTD. You can pair a visit to KTD with a beautiful sunrise hike at Overlook Mountain. If you're planning a trip to New York, the Catskills are not far from major cities like New York City or Albany. These temples offer refuge, peace, and a moment of reflection amidst the busyness.
For those in the Denver metro area of Colorado, feel free to reach out for recommendations on similar places. I've found that sitting for 15-20 minutes daily helps me rest my mind, grasp concepts, and better understand my emotions. It's nice to have a dedicated space for this practice.
4. Rumi
This book is filled with pure jewels. Rumi, a 13th-century poet, has been renowned for his wisdom and poetry for centuries. I've been reading this book for a few weeks now, and I'm captivated every time I open a new page. The wisdom in this book is remarkable. Rumi speaks on love, faith, spirituality, existentialism, and everyday living, just to name a few concepts.
The number of underlines and highlights in my copy is countless. Even more, I can read the same lines twice and derive two different meanings each time. I highly recommend checking out this book, even if it ends up being just a "toilet read." The wisdom will get you thinking and heading in a new direction.
“Let yourself be silently drawn by the strange pull of what you really love. It will not lead you astray.”
-Rumi
Disclaimer: These tools are simply options, and what works for one person may not work for everyone. I neither encourage nor discourage their use. Ultimately, the decision of how to use this information rests with you. The information provided regarding the use of supplements is for educational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. It is crucial to consult with a qualified healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen, particularly if you have pre-existing medical conditions, are pregnant or nursing, or are taking medications. Supplements have the potential to interact with medications or cause adverse effects in certain individuals. Furthermore, the efficacy and safety of supplements can vary based on factors such as dosage, formulation, and individual response. Supplements should be approached with caution and should not be viewed as a substitute for proper medical diagnosis, treatment, or management of health conditions. Statements regarding specific supplements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always adhere to the instructions provided by the manufacturer and consult a healthcare professional if you have any questions or concerns.
