Value the Importance of Your Spirit

I have dreamed of watching a volcano erupting. I don’t know why exactly, but just know I need to see the power of nature in this form. See the colours of the molten lava. Maybe even be close enough to feel the extreme heat. I would also like to go on a hot air balloon trip, maybe across the Serengeti, watching the animals from this unique vantage point. I also enjoy being in the coolness of overgrown forests, breathing in the fresh clean air. Watching the sunrise while out on a morning ride also brings much joy to my spirit. There are many more similar types of undertakings each and every one of us enjoys or desires to do.

Why am I writing about these things in this message?

Well, the question is, “What practical, functional benefits do these things provide?”

On the surface, absolutely none, they are just fanciful undertakings to appease an internal desire. But remember, we are human and part of us is our spirit that makes up our personal character. We also have a soul, but that  is a whole different message.  Just as we need to satisfy of physical body, we too need to satisfy our spirit. A person’s whose body that is nourished but spirit is lacking, won’t be fulfilled until such time that all parts are satisfied. We all know that feeling after a great holiday or an exciting weekend; we can feel tired but somehow, still be overwhelmed with enthusiasm for life.

I think we don’t give enough attention or priority to the whimsical things our spirit wants us to do. We dismiss then as nice-to-haves that we will do when (if) we get a chance. That is our failing because of the pressure of work, family responsibilities and other community activities. All very necessary, but sometimes we need to look at the withered spirit and give it the much needed nourishment it yearns for. Take that early morning walk on the beach and feel the sand between your toes. Go fishing, if you have had it on the to do list forever. Start that hobby you have been planning to do when you get that quiet moment. Play a musical instrument  or perhaps just read a book. It is that simple to do. You just have to start.

Once you feel the rewards, what you initially felt was a sacrifice of time, will be seen as a valuable investment. Your outlook on life will extend past the immediate mediocrity of work and paying bills. There is so much more. With the passing of another colleague, it is a reminder that our time is not indefinite and we don’t know when our last day will come. I would hate to have the regret, when looking back over my life, of not getting out there to see that volcano or taking that balloon trip just because I didn’t value the importance of my spirit as part of my being.