June's Breath of Fresh Air from Akasha....

Hi

Well here in the UK, Flaming June has been living up to her name and we have been enjoying some lovely weather.  It’s amazing how a period of sunshine seems to make life look better and really lifts our spirits.  And as my Interfaith ordination rapidly approaches, spirits and spirituality are something that are very much in my focus in the moment. 

It also seems that general interest in spirituality is also increasing.  Just last week, a new TV program* started that is following the lives of four women from varying backgrounds who have entered a Carmelite Convent for the next 40 days and it is fascinating watching the changes that are already occurring.

One of the women has come from a very materialistic background where she earns a lot of money but still she is not really happy.  Which is what I was commenting on in last months newsletter on Happiness…ie that money doesn’t buy happiness.

Again as I said last month (I know I’m repeating myself but this is such IMPORTANT STUFF!), happiness is an internal state that we reconnect to when we start to clear out some of life’s clutter.  In fact happiness and spirituality are closely related.  The happier we feel, the more expansive we feel.   And within that expansiveness is fun, generosity, compassion, caring and thoughtfulness.

A lot of people struggle with the whole concept of spirituality because they link it with religion which for many is a problem.  However, spirituality exists over and above religion and for me being spiritual is something that we already are and not something to be attained outside ourselves.  So in the feature this month, I’m going to share with you my particular definition of spirituality which I hope will uplift your spirits.

* The Convent:  http://www.bbc.co.uk/bbctwo/programmes/?id=convent

Feature:  Down-2-Earth Spirituality

In my talk “High Spirits” this is how I present the word Spirituality.

S = SPONTANEITY.   The feeling of enthusiasm that rushes through you when you wake up on a lovely sunny day wanting to go somewhere or do something.   Spontaneity has a sort of childlike quality to it……it generates a feeling of excitement about life and being alive.  It can also stimulate a feeling of gratitude and joy.
 
P = PRESENT……ie being fully present in the moment.  Noticing what’s around you……rather than just rushing blindly from one thing or place, to another

I = INSPIRATION……..Those moments where suddenly ideas and creativity seem to flood in.   I love the word Inspiration and its link with breathing ………breathing in and expanding inside to give birth to new ideas and thoughts on the out breath.

R = REAL…….Being authentic.  Doing what you say you’re going to do.  Living ethically and in integrity.   Another way of putting it, is Walking your Talk, not being two faced…..not putting other people down……

I = INTUITION…..Like inspiration this tends to happen when we are focused in the present moment and listening to our inner wisdom.  How many of you have had the experience of not listening to it and then thinking “Oh I knew I should have x, or you”….   I get that when I’m driving sometimes…..my inner voice says “go left” and if I ignore it and go right…..I’ll invariably get lost!   I have found that the more I tune in the more intuitive I get……which saves an awful lot of stress.

T = TOLERANCE… For me this about understanding and respecting other people.    They say that people form opinions within 30 seconds, so for me Tolerance is about noticing if I do that, taking a breath to pause and then looking again…  This way I can usually ensure I see the jewel in someone else…..which is always rewarding.

U =  UNITY …..the understanding that we are all one.  No matter where we come from, what we look like, what our life styles are….no matter how different we are, at the fundamental level…we are all one.

A = AWARENESS ……being aware moment by moment of what I’m up to….what I’m thinking, what I’m saying….and whether that is in line with how I choose to live my life. 

L = LAUGHTER ……The expression of an inner happiness that spills over.  Something to share with others.   As I said last month, I really do believe that Laughter is the Best Medicine….. I like to laugh at myself too, when I catch myself being caught up in the drama of life.  I am always aware of how much “enlightened” people laugh (Dalai Lama for one)……their light just shines through and they see the funny side of most things.

I = INTEGRITY….   The constant invitation to check whether you are walking your talk, that you are who say you are and that you follow through and do what you say you will do.  

T = TRUST.....Trusting that everything is perfect just as it is and that everything is exactly as it is meant to be (even when it's really tough...hindsight is usually the confirmation!)

And finally the Y is = a huge YES to life!!!....which of course has to embrace all the downs as well as the ups (and what I have usually found is that the downs have usually contained great gifts leading to an even larger YES!)

What would yours be?

Ask yourself this:

* How often do you really stop and appreciate the magnificence of life?
* How aware are you of your moment by moment experiences/thoughts?

***** Brand new one day program*****

"The Healing Experience" with Akasha Lonsdale on Sunday 30th July 2006 in Wiltshire.  Investment £50.  Click here for full details and to book/pay online using our secure HSBC system.  Alternatively to pay by cheque please email for a booking form.

Because we like them……

We decided that each month we would include a few links to other sites, either because we know the people concerned and think they are great or we were inspired by the site and wanted to share it with you. By the way, these are not affiliate links and no money is received for including them.

www.simplicityfinancial.com

Friendly, practical, helpful and independent mortgage advice.  They are also building a pioneering eco-friendly village in Bulgaria: www.simplibulgaria.com

www.healthypages.net

Masses of useful information on all aspects of health

www.nealedonaldwalsch.com/soulebrate

Neale Donald Walsch is the author of the Conversations with God books and this link takes you to free "Soulebrate" ecards composed by his daughter from the books. 

Really useful information….

Apologies in advance to those of you who don't have children to cook for, but for those of you who have this is a great site for nutritious ideas and recipes  - www.cafedesenfants.co.uk  

If you have some really useful information that you’d like us to share with other readers in the forthcoming issues, email me at
akasha.lonsdale@empoweringpartnership.com
and of course, we’ll attribute the information to you.

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Until the end of July, John and I wish you an inspired and empowered month.

Akasha

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