Daily Tips to Create Inner Connection

Do you ever feel like you are stuck in the "rat race?" Are your days ever filled with chaos, discomfort, and suffering?  How can you create a path to well-being and peace in the midst of uncertain circumstances?

A recent article from Anthony Strano addresses the issue of connecting with our inner system and finding spiritual balance. He outlines the discord that people increasingly face in the physical world, and provides some guidelines for taking time out for silence.

I've outlined Strano's tips below for moving from the "survival mode" to the "living mode" in order to create a more balanced life.

1) Each Morning: Awake and Appreciate.

On awakening, take the self out of the bedroom because the vibrations of sleep may put one back to sleep if trying to meditate. Sitting in a quiet corner, I create my first thoughts: "Gently, lovingly, I connect with my soul-self. I am a being of peace and harmony. I appreciate this new day of my life, for there will be fresh opportunities and new learning. I am at peace with myself. I am peace." Taking this shower of positive thoughts in the morning, I am empowered for the day. Length of time in meditation depends on the individual, but most important is complete concentration, not to be distracted by anything, otherwise the energy disperses and the empowering does not take place. One can gently repeat the same thoughts as often as one needs and then come to a stillness where thinking is not necessary. That stillness showers the self with great inner serenity.

2) Daytime: Stop and Link Six or Seven Times.

Take time to create time, even just a minute. For a minute or even 30 seconds, I stop and link in silence to my inner self. With a breath, relax, slowly concentrating on these thoughts: "I relax. I am peaceful... calm... free. I am peaceful. I relax. I am peace." When these thoughts seep into my consciousness, it eases tension. Repeating these thoughts slowly and deeply and becoming stil,l I can feel that shower of peaceful power inside. If done with deep attentiveness and ease, this exercise removes fatigue and refreshes. It's a mind nap that restores energy, especially when one can hold the stillness during after the thoughts.

3) Daytime: Check, Change and Enjoy.

Check habitual negative reactions such as anxiety, anger, labeling and critical conclusions about the self or others. Discern. I dialogue with the self: "Take another route, as you know such thoughts and attitudes entangle you in the same mindset over and over again. Today I will do myself a great favor and stop this." Decide, for without determined decisions, nothing will change for the better. Consistent mindfulness changes self-sabotaging patterns and new patterns of respectfulness create joy in me and others.

4) Each Evening: Evaluate and Rest.

For a deep and relaxing sleep, what can help is to assess the day and ask the self two questions:
What specific thing did I do better today?

What specific thing could have I done better?

What challenges do you face each day? Which ways do you find time to create silence and connect with your spirit?