Spiritual care is the care of the inner person or soul. The goal is to promote a positive wellbeing, healing, peace, calmness, rest, a sense of purpose and fulfilment. Spiritual care is an aspect of self-care and self-love we often neglect to discuss, but it is just as valuable and needed as tending to our physical, emotional, and mental needs. Spiritual care includes spending quality time with loved ones, in nature, or engaging in your favorite hobbies. It may even include spiritual practices like prayer, meditation, yoga, or reflection.
This past Sunday morning, I felt the overwhelming need to have a spiritual experience rather than attend church service as usual. Often, I feel closest to God when I’m in his creation (nature) rather than a man-made building. I find comfort and peace sitting by a lake, river or oceanside. But this day, I decided to climb to a mountain top. Hiking is something I have always loved, but seldom take the time to do. But this Sunday morning I craved to embrace God’s creation hiking up Pinnacle Mountain in Little Rock, Arkansas. I had not hiked it in over a year, so my visit was long overdue. Rarely do I have time in my week to spend alone—most days are filled with responsibilities of parenthood, work, and just the daily grind of life. But today was a day to focus on my connection with my inner person, to show myself some self-love through spiritual fulfillment.
As I started on my path, I met many others – individuals, couples, families, and some with their canine companions. I smiled and spoke as I passed by but I was intentionally focused on self-reflection. I was not sure if my body was in top physical condition for the journey, but I was determined to make it to the mountain top even if it took me serval stops along the way. Each step I took up the side of the mountain reminded me of my journey in life. Some steps were easy, but others were a bit more challenging with unsteady ground and steep steps. And every now and then I would look up and could not see the path, but with faith I continued my journey, climbing, knowing eventually I would reach the top. A few times I stopped, sipped some cold water, wiped the sweat from my face, caught my breath and pressed forward, never considering giving up. I normally seek the sounds and rhythms of nature when I hike, but today the trail was filled with chatter, barks, and a variety of music from other hikers. Rap, gospel, reggae would at times consume the air and then fade into the distance. But I continued, each step I took closer to the top was filled with gratefulness.
After overcoming a couple of stumbles and slips along the way, I made it to the top of the mountain. I felt relief, success, and a sense of accomplishment. I sat, took in a deep breath of the fresh morning air, and exhaled. My mind immediately went to the thought of respite and sabbath…what does that really mean? The word sabbath means to rest. That’s exactly what I needed that Sunday morning. As I sat on the rock and looked out, my eyes were immediately drawn to an inviting lake, bunches of vibrant trees, and a vivid blue sky with birds soaring high heading towards the heavens. I closed my eyes as the rays of the sun brought warmth to my face, a gentle breeze kissed my cheeks, and I sat in gratitude for that moment, that day, and all my blessings. I then began to refocus my thoughts from everything I had overcome in life to God’s future intentions for my life. My journey was not over, so I prepared myself to continue on a familiar path down the mountain. Things looked different going down, my point of view had changed, it was not any less taxing, but I was up for the challenge.
So, now I challenge you. Do a daily check-in with your spirit. What is your inner person seeking? Are you being filled with what brings you peace, calmness, and a sense of purpose? If not, what are you going to do to make a change?
Be a Butterfly…Transform Your Life!
Love this.