Focus on the Things which Uplift

There are things which uplift, and things which bring us down. Some of the latter things are completely out of our control, like a virulent virus or economic depression. Other things we may choose either to avail ourselves of or avoid, from the love of others to good food, from the lofty cadence of Scriptures to the strains of the music which elevates our soul.

In these troubling times, spend some time daily focusing on that which uplifts. These are among the things which uplift me daily, guarding my heart and grounding my peace:

– Prayer and meditation: Too few realize how uplifting it can be to daily let go and let God, to turn to the Absolute in accordance with your understanding and tradition.

– Devotional literature: Whether you turn to Scriptures or inspirational writing, it is as food for the soul to ingest the guiding, calming wisdom of others. Nothing can heal or bring greater assurance than the right word at the right time.

– Loved ones and friends: Others can of course bring down as well as uplift. Yet as the poet teaches, it is only that which has given you joy which brings you sorrow; you cannot have the one without the other.

– Music of the soul: Whatever music speaks to your soul, listen to that every day. For me that is classical music. I crave its beauty constantly. Life is to be lived with background music!

– Doing good for others: There is no better “anti-downer” than doing something good for another. As love is not love until it is given away, joy is not joy until it is shared.

– Writing and speaking words of and from the heart: A burden that cannot be shared cannot be lifted. Giving voice to what is within you offers release to the soul. Only through language can you unfurl your hidden wings.

– Books and reading: Books offer an entire world in which to live and move and have your being, even for a time. Expand your mind with good books.

– Food and drink: More than ingest to live, you need to live to ingest! Appreciate the gifts of food and drink. Cooking can be a great adventure. My mother’s motto: “Eat, eat, you’ll feel better!”

– Nature and pets: From pets to oak trees, Iowa skies to Minnesota lakes, cut flowers to fresh vegetables, I cannot get enough of the uplifting beauty of God’s wondrous creation. Walking our dog along the Mississippi is one of my daily pleasures, offering essential exercise for my soul and well as my body.

– Humor: A day without laughter is definitely a down day. When I don’t get enough laughter, I begin to feel stuck, earthbound, mired in the mud of self-concern.

– Play: If you cannot play, you cannot fully love, nor can you become as children, which means to regain your spontaneity and freedom. You need exercise to know peace of soul and expansive sense of physical well-being. Body and soul are one.

– Entertainment: Good movies, television and plays, though harder to find these days, provide an alternative universe to enter and find enjoyment. The stories of others can encourage and strengthen you on your way.