When it comes to healthcare, there’s loads of support and focus on our mental health these days and for good reason. It seems many of us in this fast-paced modern world are either anxious, stressed or depressed and a large number of us are on anti-depressants. We also know the benefits of looking after our physical and emotional wellbeing. But we aren’t just physical beings, we are spiritual beings having a physical experience. So how do we support and look after this often overlooked aspect of our being?
I’m walking 60kms throughout Mental Health Month this October to raise funds to support Black Dog Institutes crucial mental health research and services. Did you know that 1 in 5 Australians experience a mental illness each year, 9 people die by suicide each day in Australia, and 50% of people living with a mental illness will not seek professional help. Disturbing facts right!
I’ve had my own struggles with mental health over the years and I wouldn’t be the person I am today without the help of friends, family and counsellors to talk to. I lost a boyfriend to suicide years ago and it seems to me that our modern society is detrimental for our mental health rather than supporting it. Just look at the negative effects of social media and the social isolation which was made worse through the covid lockdowns. We are more disconnected from each other, mother nature and our true selves than ever before. I know my own mental health is not what it used to be. But maybe that’s due to menopause!
Remember back in the 80’s and Olivia Newton John’s video for her song ‘Physical’? I had a similar leotard and head band and I loved going to the gym to parade around in the
aerobics class! While I don’t wear a leotard anymore, I still love going to the gym, doing yoga, walking and keeping fit. I feel so much better about myself both mentally and physically when I exercise, eat healthy, drink plenty of water, meditate and look after myself. Chocolate helps too!
Which brings me to Spiritual Health. And what is it anyway? As I mentioned earlier, we are spiritual beings and eternal souls here in the physical to experience all life has to offer and find our true purpose.
Spiritual health includes opening up to our faith or beliefs and the deeper meaning in life. You don’t need to be religious to believe in a higher power or god or universal life force. Praying and having a conversation with god is helpful, especially when you have challenges or difficulties in life. I find the simple act of handing over my problems to god, my guides and angels and asking for help, gives me a sense of relief and inner knowing that I’m not on my own with this. I then need to trust that the answer or guidance will come to me in divine timing.
I feel out of sorts and disconnected if I haven’t taken care of my spiritual wellbeing each day. Meditation, yoga and walks in nature are my go-to practices for giving me a sense of spiritual connection. I aim to do 15 minutes of yoga each morning and meditate for 20 minutes morning and night and take a walk in nature. But of course life gets in the way sometimes! I find journalling also helps or doing something creative where I feel ‘in the flow’.
As a medium, I have a deep belief and knowing that our soul lives on in the spirit world after we depart this life. I find great comfort in connecting with my loved ones in spirit and I feel honoured to provide comfort and healing for others through my medium readings. Having a reading or energy healing such as reiki are great ways to enhance your spiritual wellbeing.
If there’s only 1 practice that you could do each day which has the greatest benefit for your overall wellbeing its meditation. Just 10-15 minutes each day is all you need to feel more calm, centred and connected with your true self. It’s scientifically proven and has a long list of health benefits, here’s just a few: reduces stress, anxiety and depression, calms the mind, boosts your mood, enhances intuition, lowers blood pressure, and the list goes on!
Ultimately, spiritual health contributes to your overall wellbeing and inner peace, helping you cope with the ups and downs of life and feel more fulfilled. It’s an important part of your wellbeing alongside mental, physical and emotional health that can help you feel more connected and joy in life. And who doesn’t want that!
How do you look after your spiritual health? I’d love to hear, let me know in the comments.
Lastly, this October I have a special where I am contributing 100% of my Walking Medium Readings to the Black Dog Institutes fundraiser One Foot Forward for mental health. Let’s take a walk together so you can get your steps in while l connect with your loved ones in spirit, it’s a great way to boost your physical and spiritual wellbeing at the same time!
If you'd like to contribute to the One Foot Forward fundraiser for mental health go to https://www.onefootforward.org.au/fundraisers/tracieallan
Or contact me for a reading at www.tracieallan.com
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