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Spiritual Fitness for Entrepreneurs

Guest post by: Monique Flaherty

Article Overview: Let's face it. Life as an entrepreneur can be a challenge. Sometimes it feels like we're jugglers trying to juggle in a tornado! The over-stimulation of the daily whirlwind of activities especially during a recession creates high levels of stress and anxiety. We run ourselves ragged and pay a huge physical and emotional toll with stress related illnesses. But how many of us are aware of the price we pay spiritually?

Spiritual Fitness for Entrepreneurs

Let's face it. Life as an entrepreneur can be a challenge. Sometimes it feels like we're jugglers trying to juggle in a tornado! The over-stimulation of the daily whirlwind of activities especially during a recession creates high levels of stress and anxiety. We run ourselves ragged and pay a huge physical and emotional toll with stress related illnesses. But how many of us are aware of the price we pay spiritually?

To cope with life's demands many of us shut off or ignore our hearts and souls. This is very dangerous as entrepreneurs as because eventually we start to notice that life has lost its meaning and we no longer know what's really important to us. We notice a void, a gaping hole that we try to avoid by over indulging in mind numbing activities such as worrying or fill by staying busy, over eating, over shopping, over planning, etc. We focus on what's next rather than on what's here. We long for weekends, vacations and retirement. We tell ourselves, "Someday, when I have time I'll...." You fill in the blank! We think these externals and a future orientation will bring us fulfillment.

What's missing? The vital connection to our deepest self, to the essence of who we are, to the part of us that is contained in and enlivens our bodies. This is the part that speaks to us in a still small voice we often don't take the time to hear.It is that part that once sparked and now fuels our entrepreneurial spirit. This core of us is the soul. Our experience of it is what I call Spiritual Fitness.

Spiritual Fitness creates the opportunity to consciously bring your soul into your business and to have a life that is fulfilling, purposeful, meaningful and joy-filled in any moment. It raises your consciousness and experience of the interconnectedness of life. It enables you to discover and live in your unique purpose. It helps you learn how to embrace and accept all of who you are, while still striving to better yourself. It is an aspect of your well-being that is as precious as your physical, mental and emotional health. In fact, it is essential. So, how can you begin to build your Spiritual Fitness?

Like a physical fitness program, beginning a Spiritual Fitness plan requires a commitment, positive attitude and effort. It may require shifting your priorities and routine. The most important element is your willingness to be engaged with your Higher Self. It may be difficult at times; yet nothing changes if you don't! So, make the time to acknowledge the spiritual part of your life. Here are five simple, easy to implement suggestions that can help you begin.

1 Breathe. Take 5 deep conscious breaths whenever you feel caught up in your thoughts. Acknowledge the part of you that is wise, eternal and connected to Love.

2. Listen. Pause periodically and listen to the sounds in your environment. Listen closely, paying attention to the experience listening creates in your body, thoughts and emotions. Ask your self- Who is listening?

3 Explore. Change one thing you do routinely: Take a new route home from work; brush your teeth with your opposite hand; turn off the TV at dinner time, leave dishes in the sink - or do them! This increases your awareness and loosens your attachments to the sameness of your life, preparing you for the abundance of experiences that await you.

4 Silence. Be still and silent 5-10 minutes every day. It is in the silence that you can hear the still small voice of the Divine.

5 Send thanks to the Higher Being of your understanding regularly. Practice gratitude for the little things you notice - a smile, a referral, a flower growing in the crack of a sidewalk.

BLESS your self and your life by practicing these simple steps. Before you know it they will have become helpful habits to building your Spiritual Fitness! You deserve it!

Ibelieve in all that has never yet been spoken.

I want to free what waits within me

so that what no one has dared to wish for

may for once spring clear

without my contriving.

If this is arrogant, God, forgive me.

but this is what I need to say.

May what I do flow from me like a river.

no forcing and no holding back.

the way it is with children.

Then in these swelling and ebbing currents,

These deepening tides moving out, returning,

I will sing you as no one ever has.

streaming through widening channels

into the open sea.

-Rilke

May this poem find you.

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Article Tags: entrepreneurs, higher self, meditation, moniquemorimoto flaherty, soulworkscoaching, spiritual fitness, women



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