What Defines Spiritual Practice?

When we think of spiritual practice we may think of an image of a Buddha, or someone sitting on cushions as they meditate, or someone in a yoga posture. However, each persons practice is as unique as the individual. Our spiritual practice may or may not include sitting meditation. Perhaps we meditate while: walking, enjoying nature, meandering through a fine art museum, cooking, cleaning, going on retreats, having quiet times at home, skiing or kayaking. Whatever we do during the day, whether we are working or parenting, there are many ways to practice ethics and kindness. At the office, we can attend to tasks mindfully and listen to colleagues and co-workers attentively. Taking a moment each hour to close our eyes and focus on our breathing can help us be more mindful and peaceful at work.


We can set our watches to beep each hour, of set a mindfulness chime on our computers. At home, with the children, tuning into their needs, moods, joys and sorrows -- cooking mindfully -- enjoying the process as well as the product -- looking at the colors and textures of foods, tasting herbs and spices, smelling delicious aromas -- all spiritual practice. When we are out and about, we may practice by smiling at people, being kind to store clerks and strangers. Several years ago I lived in a university town where there were many students walking about the campus, especially between classes. I remembered when my two sons attended university and opened my heart to the students in the same way I open my heart to my sons. We can express our spirituality by extending kindness to each person we meet on our daily path. Talking less and listening more -- giving our undivided attention to people is giving a spiritual gift to them. Listening with our hearts as well as our ears will deepen our relationships as well as our spiritual practice. What does your spiritual practice look like?

Saddhamala (Nancy Nicolazzo) is a twenty-year veteran of teaching, consulting and coaching and the founder of her business, MindfulWorkshops.

As a mindfulness coach, she leverages what she has learned to offer a unique, relevant and valuable perspective to individuals and groups.

For a chance to win a free month of mindfulness coaching, click here http://mindfulworkshops.com/

Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Nancy_Nicolazzo

Photo by Christopher Nolan

Help Us Spread The Word

Rob and Janelle Alex want to help improve relationships world wide. 

The Couples Spot is wanting to help as many couples find happiness as it can.  We would love for you to help us spread the word.  Send links for The Couples Spot to your family, friends and acquaintances.  Any one can benefit from the advice on The Couples Spot even if they are not in a relationship at this time.  The Couples Spot can help you be prepared for when you do enter into a relationship.  Our goal is to help promote healthy and happy relationships all over the world. Way to often relationships are given up on way to soon.  Every relationship has it's ups and downs but with ideas and suggestions form The Couples Spots the downs don't seem so fart down and the ups go higher and higher.  So help us spread the word and build these wonderful relationships around the world.

Spread it on facebook, twitter, at your book club, seminars etc the sky is the limit and amazing relationships are the goal. 

Time to Stretch

Have you sat at your computer too long? Okay, well take a break. Stand up. Stretch. Take a deep breath. Bend over and let your arms hang to the floor. Then slowly roll back up. Now take another deep breath.

I hope you have felt some tension release. This is a good and easy way to relieve stress and reconnect with you - even if only briefly. Your body and your spirit will thank you!
 
Photo by Cindy Wilson

Tag your it!

Can you use the simple game of tag to improve your conversations?

Why not use the simple game of tag we played as children to help us in our conversations.  Instead of letting your conversations run over the top of each other.  Why not take turns by using the tag method.  While your partner is speaking gently tap them on the arm when you have something to add to what they are saying.  Then when they finish their statement they can listen to your addition to the conversation.  This way you don't interrupt their thoughts and they know by your tagging them they you have a valid point to add.  Using the tag method allows the conversation to flow and allows both partners to get their points across without having to stop and start continuously.

A Quote from Jung

“We may expect to find in dreams everything that has ever been of significance in the life of humanity. -- Jung

Banned Sexy McDonald's Commercial

Relationship Quote

Spicy is good in food and sex!

"Sex is like food, the spicier you make it the more exciting it gets"

-Rob Alex-

Dream Yoga

Dream Yoga is a form of lucid dreaming. What is lucid dreaming you ask? Well, simply put lucid dreaming is when you are aware you are dreaming. Some people have learned how to gain some control within their lucid dreams – some request to fly or speak with a particular person or change the dream in some way. Most people recognize there are dreaming when something odd occurs. One of my lucid dreams involved having to climb over a fence, but above the fence was a giant - though beautiful - spider web. There were actually three or four of these in a row. After I climbed over the first one I looked back and realized the spider web was still intact. I knew that could not be possible. Suddenly I realized I was dreaming. I tried to take control of the dream or guide its direction. I do not claim to be very good at that. I more often just try to make note that I realize I am dreaming, accept it, and pay attention.


It is said that Tibetan Buddhists developed dream yoga around 1000 years ago. The intent was to not only become aware during one’s dreams, but to accomplish specific tasks. Dream yoga is supposed to be another method to find answers, connect with the Divine, travel to different places, and more. For more in depth information on this spiritual practice check out the following book.
 
   Click Here

Let You Love Flow

Holding Hands is a outward sign of love.

One thing I feel very strongly about is being open with your love.  I think there is a huge benefit to not only our children to see love but our society on a whole.  Now I am not talking about having a total make out session in public.  However casual kisses should be in the public eye as well as hugs and hand holding.  The people of this planet need to stop hiding love and start showing it more.  Next time you are out someplace watch and see how many couples are holding hands or are touching each other.  The joke is that you can tell the married people because that usually don't touch each other.  This is sad, love should bring you closer and closer as you grow with it.  It should make it easier for us to touch and feel each other the longer we are together.  Imagine a wonderful place where love was every where you looked wouldn't that be a wonderful thing for our children to see?  Why not start by doing your part today.

Breathe

The stress of project deadlines at work, bills arriving in your inbox, dirty laundry waiting to be washed, the dog begging to go out, the oil needing to be changed in the car, and the neighbor practicing his drums at odd hours can cause the flow of energy in your body to encounter blockages. Shoulder muscles may tense up and you forget to breathe – no, I mean really and truly breathe.

When this happens a lot more than just a stiff neck or aching shoulders occurs. Without a good flow of energy through your entire body suffers as well as your spirit. One easy and wonderful way to relax and open yourself back up to the flow of energy is to take five minutes (quiet minutes), lay flat on the floor on your back, lay your arms out to your sides with palms up, and take slow deep breaths. Do this regularly and you are likely to discover a wonderful transformation within yourself.
 
Photo by Shawnzrossi