Inspired Thoughts on Living Vivaciously

Spirituality: An Experiential Moment of Knowledge

For thirty days, I took a spiritual fast.

I stopped reading the three or four books I have a tendency to read at one time. I stopped having purposeful, spiritual conversations with others. I didn’t wear my spiritual jewelry. I didn’t meditate intentionally. I stopped everything related to any spiritual thought, moment, doing, reading, listening, eating, everything.

It was hard.

Why did I do it?

I was tired of searching. I was tired of researching. I wanted to rest.

Someone suggested to me to do the very opposite that I always do and see what happens.

What happened next was truly spiritual in itself.

Have you ever heard the saying about love, “When you stop looking, the “one” shows up.”? Well, the One showed up for me. Oneness in myself, with in myself and with God.

Here are a few excerpts from my daily journal ~

Day 1 through Day 5 = Torture! I have nothing to read. No music to listen to and this is challenging for me to have conversations that do not revolve around some level of spirituality (outside of my professional conversations). I am going through withdrawals; however, I was determined to just rest.

The biggest question I am faced with – what does Alison truly believe within her core? It’s not just lip service anymore.

Day 6 – Day 10 = I am finding that everyone has their own opinion of what spiritually is right for everyone else in the world. People all around talk a lot about their own practices, habits and beliefs. I shake my head and make a motion like a zipper closing on my mouth. I am not talking about it!

Okay ~ so I am going to take a real hiatus. I think instead of all this “spiritual” stuff, I am going to focus on something else. I am making a commitment to work out everyday and find the nutritional values of the foods I am eating. I have done okay, but I think now that I have some extra time, I can really dedicate my mind and physical body to increasing endurance, strength, and nutritional health.

I am finding that I am beginning to really enjoy feeling my body move and change shape. I am feeling a sense of clarity ~ sort of like a blank chalkboard.

The biggest question I am faced with now ~ What really is perfection and love?

Day 11 – Day 15 = I am preparing for a trip to Nashville for work and panel interviews for nurses that I am hoping to hire. I am excited because I am also going to connect with people I know in Nashville and some other friends that are vendors.

I soon discover that my body craves a daily workout. I have started running, training my body for a 5K and honestly enjoy it.

Everyday, my feet long to feel the ground, enjoy the smells of the outdoors and feel the Flagstaff wind on my body. I feel much more in touch with who I am, the grace I am feeling inside, and the silence of the sunrise astonishes me at 4:30 in the morning. The level of gratitude for present moments and feelings are truly amazing me.

The biggest question I am faced with now ~ Has the Sun always looked this beautiful everyday?

Day 16 – Day 20 = My conversations with people are just blowing me away! They are spiritual in nature, but there is a sense of ease and confidence of words that are …well…being channeled from my head, to my heart, to my mouth. I am feeling physically energized.

I am also experiencing very challenging, in-your-face relationship conflicts – in the workplace, in my friendships, in my dating circle. I feel empowered in sharing what I want to say and express what I need. I am definitely not perfect in that expression – it’s almost the extreme opposite of what I used to do. So the words are not coming out as I’d like for them to; however, some of those people in those relationships are also empowered to tell me, “Alison, perhaps you should look at what you are saying and how you are saying this or that….”. Thank God there are some people who have enough courage to tell me so.

The biggest question I am faced with now ~ How do I learn the best techniques in effective, supportive communication to myself and with others?

Day 21 – Day 24 = I sent a request to a friend to assist me in my financial endeavors. I am tired of not knowing where the money from my paycheck is going. I have a lot preparation to do – wow! After my meeting, I saw how much attachment I have to the thought of “lack of money” ~ no wonder I am not attracting abundance monetarily as I know I am capable of doing.

I am truly allowing so much to come in to my life. More projects and clients are presenting themselves to me – especially since I shifted my thinking of money. Money is energy – and it is always present.

I am also building some very close bonds with my family and friends again.

The biggest question I am faced with now ~ Am I truly willing to show up for myself in the area of abundance?

Day 25 – Day 30 = Along the way, of this 30 day journey of spiritual fasting, body cleansing and energetic building – I have connected with some of the most amazing people, projects and places.

The greatest discovery – the goddess within me. I woke up, on day 30, totally in love with my life. My entire spine and body readjusted itself.

This week, others discovered the change with in me ~ both physically and energetically.

Thank God I left Spirituality behind.

Now…it is me, spirituality fully integrated, and closer to “One” more than ever.

The biggest question I am faced with now…
Hmmm…I don’t have one. I am just living presently moment to moment.
Perhaps later I will have more questions