I’ve often mused on how my spiritual needs have evolved through each passage of life, and how at every phase there are powerful spiritual tools to center and elevate.
In our youth, we’re often driven by ambition, the pursuit of love, and the creation of our little universes. But as we blossom into our fabulous fifties and beyond, our focus subtly shifts.
Our gained wisdom pushes us to seek deeper meaning, richer connections, and a tranquil sense of being that resonates with our soul’s rhythm. It’s a time when spirituality takes on a new hue, glowing ever brighter.
Our spiritual side needs attention. Which spiritual tool brings you peace?
If you are feeling a gap in your spiritual side, I’d love to share some advice. These are some of the most profound spiritual tools that have impacted me as well as many other women I’ve had the pleasure of knowing. These are not just practices but mental shifts. I recommend every single one!
Spiritual Tool 1: Find Strength in Acceptance
Acceptance, my lovely readers, is not about giving up or surrendering to fate. It’s about embracing the reality of our lives with grace and understanding. It’s a recognition that while we cannot control every aspect of our journey, we hold the power in how we respond to life’s twists and turns.
Darlings, I want to share with you a story of strength, not the kind that roars, but the kind that whispers and sustains us through life’s unexpected turns. It’s a story about acceptance, a powerful tool in our spiritual journey, especially as we embrace the wisdom of our years.
I’ve told the story of my experience in the sacred labyrinth before. When I think of it, I recall walking through the labyrinth on a path that twisted and turned, much like the journey of life itself.
I entered with a heart full of questions and picked a stone, hoping it would symbolize the strength I sought. I envisioned myself holding a stone inscribed with the word “power,” a testament to the emotional fortitude I yearned for.
However, the universe had a different plan.
Accepting “Acceptance”
The stone I selected bore the word “acceptance.”
At first, this felt like a gentle letdown. But, as I pondered over it, the profound truth of acceptance began to unveil itself to me.
Acceptance, my lovely readers, is not about giving up or surrendering to fate. It’s about embracing the reality of our lives with grace and understanding. It’s a recognition that while we cannot control every aspect of our journey, we hold the power in how we respond to life’s twists and turns.
And life really knows how to twist. By the time we reach our fabulous fifties and beyond, we’ve lived through many changes. We’ve loved, lost, celebrated, and mourned. We’ve watched as our bodies changed, our relationships evolved, and our careers took unexpected turns. Each of these experiences is a lesson in acceptance. Accepting the natural progression of life, the ebb and flow of our relationships, the shifts in our professional paths – it’s all part of the dance of life.
The dance of acceptance.
How to choose acceptance daily
It starts with mindfulness, acknowledging our feelings and thoughts without judgment. It’s about counting our blessings, recognizing the beauty and gifts that each day brings, even amidst challenges. And importantly, it’s about releasing the tight grip of control, understanding that some things are simply beyond our reach.
Choosing acceptance doesn’t mean we stop dreaming or striving for better. It means we approach our goals with a heart at peace, knowing that our best-laid plans might need to adapt to life’s unpredictable nature. It’s a delicate balance of effort and ease, a dance between doing and being.
The path to acceptance, much like my unexpected stone, may not be what we initially seek, but often, it turns out to be exactly what we need. It teaches us resilience, patience, and the courage to face each day with an open heart. And in that openness, we find our true strength.
After my experience in the sacred labyrinth, I have connected to a many crystals and rocks, some with inscriptions like the “acceptance” rock from my story.
Spiritual Tool 2: The Joy of Simplicity
A little known spiritual tool is Simplicity. Creating a simpler lifestyle refreshes and revitalizes the soul. Simplicity doesn’t just mean tossing out unused clothes or household decorations. It also applies to our schedule and our routines.
Simplicity in Belongings
Let’s start with our belongings. Simplifying our possessions is essential to feeling peace. You must let go of what no longer serves you. Begin by decluttering your home, keeping only what is necessary or brings joy. I love following the Konmari method. Darlings, it’s astonishing how liberating it feels to be surrounded by fewer but more cherished items. Each piece in my home now tells a story, a memory, or brings a smile.
Simplicity in Scheduling
Then there’s our schedule. Once packed to the brim with commitments, I learned to say “no”, and to prioritize what truly matters. It’s about quality, not quantity. I cherish long walks, coffee with a dear friend, or quiet evenings with a good book and my Ultimate Concierge. A slow, mindful day is usually chosen instead of a calendar crammed with engagements. This simpler schedule has opened up space for spontaneity and for life’s unplanned joys to seep in.
Simplicity in Routines
Our daily routines can also be simplified. Over the years, I’ve adopted rituals that bring tranquility and balance. Mornings are no longer a race against the clock but a serene time for meditation or a gentle yoga session. Evenings are for reflection and gratitude. This simplicity in my daily routine brings a rhythm that is both soothing and energizing.
Simplicity Makes Room for More
Adopting a life of simplicity isn’t about having less; it’s about making room (emotionally and physically) for more – more peace, more joy, more meaningful connections, and the more profound experiences.
Simplifying life makes space for more connection and growth.
Spiritual Tool 3: Meditation and Mindfulness
I remember a time when the concept of meditation seemed distant, almost elusive. My days have always been filled to the brim, leaving little room for quiet. But as the pages of my life turned, bringing with them the wisdom of experience, I discovered the magic of stillness. Meditation and mindfulness are a sanctuary, a place where I can connect with my inner self, and dear readers, it is imperative that you connect with YOU. Here is more reading on implementing meditation.
What Meditation Isn’t
Adopting a meditation practice wasn’t without its hiccups. Like many women, I struggled to quiet my mind, to find that elusive state of peace. But then, I learned a valuable lesson about what meditation ISN’T. Here’s the secret, meditation isn’t about silencing our thoughts. It’s about observing them without judgment and viewing our thoughts and feelings with kindness and understanding. Trust me, this takes practice and is worth it.
Mindfulness: Be Here Now
Mindfulness, on the other hand, is the art of being fully present. This spiritual tool is about savoring each moment, embracing the beauty of the ordinary. I practice mindfulness in the simplest of ways – feeling the warmth of my morning coffee, listening to the melody of birds, or simply being aware of my footsteps as I walk through the garden and appreciating life as it unfolds.
Meditation and mindfulness are some of the best spiritual tools!
Spiritual Tool 4: Self-Love and Physical Wellness
A common sentiment among women over 50 is a shared feeling of invisibility. Self-love and physical wellness are spiritual tools we all must wield. Self-love is a topic close to my heart, as it touches on the feelings of loneliness, the sense of invisibility, and amplifies the ever-present glimmer of hope.
A girlfriend once told me walking down the street, it seemed as though the world was looking right through her, a stark contrast to the vibrant, seen, and acknowledged life she was familiar with. Loneliness and feeling invisible can cast a spiritual shadow. Self-love and physical wellness are a great balm if you are having these feelings.
Choosing Self-Love
Self-love is about looking in the mirror and loving the person we see, with all her stories, scars, and triumphs. It’s about taking the time to care for ourselves, to treat ourselves with the same compassion and kindness we so readily offer to others. Self-love is the antidote to invisibility; it’s a declaration that we see ourselves, even if the world doesn’t.
Physical Wellness as a Foundation
Physical wellness, on the other hand, is the tangible expression of self-love. Moving our bodies is a spiritual tool, not just for the sake of health, but as an act of love. I remember connecting with Michelle Spadafora, the founder of Faithful Workouts, who has been in the fitness industry for over 35 years. Her passion for helping people get strong, both physically and spiritually, was infectious. She reminded me that every step we take, every stretch, every dance move, is a step towards loving ourselves.
Combating Loneliness and Finding Hope
If you are feeling lonely, physical activity becomes a great friend. It connects us to our bodies, reminds us of our strength, and often, leads us to communities of like-minded souls. Whether it’s a yoga class, a walking group, or a simple daily routine at home, these activities are small acts of hope, affirmations that we are still here, vibrant and full of life.
Dear reader, dance in your living room, take brisk walks in the park, and stretch under the open sky. Look at yourself in the mirror and smile at the incredible woman looking back. When doing this, I know you’ll find joy, visibility, and a renewed sense of hope.
Spiritual Tool 5: Your Inner Voice
Can you recognize your heart whispers? Women over 50 often have a strong relationship with their inner voice and the language she speaks. I treat my inner voice as a compass, a navigational and spiritual tool. My inner voice speaks truth, love, and wisdom, shaped by years of experience and understanding. If you want to strengthen your ability to hear and listen to your inner voice, try these suggestions.
Get to know yourself and your inner voice by journaling.
Exercises to Hear Your Inner Voice
Journaling
Start with a simple yet profound practice – journaling. Each day, take a few minutes to write down your thoughts and feelings. Don’t filter or judge what you write; let it flow naturally. This practice is a window into your inner world and playing a get to know you game with yourself. I am a firm believer in the power of journaling. In fact, you are reading this blog because of my desire to know myself better through journaling.
Mindful Reflection
Spend time in mindful reflection. Choose a quiet spot, maybe your favorite chair by the window or a bench in the garden. Reflect on your day, your emotions, and the moments that moved you. This practice of reflection helps in becoming fluent in the language of your inner voice.
Meditative Walks
Go for walks in nature. Some would say that nature is the greatest spiritual tool. Let the rhythm of your steps guide you into a peaceful state…a moving meditation. Observe your surroundings but also pay attention to your inner dialogue. Nature’s soothing tranquility is guaranteed to bring clarity.
Bonus Spiritual Tool: A Grateful Heart
Fact: Gratitude is more than just saying, “thank you.”
It’s an attitude! A way of viewing the world through a lens of appreciation and wonder. It’s about recognizing the beauty in the ordinary, the lessons in our challenges, and the blessings in every situation. You must teach yourself to see through rose-colored glasses and grateful eyes.
Gratitude Is a Superpower
I’ve found that gratitude is a superpower. It shifts our focus from what we lack to the abundance that surrounds us. It’s in the smile of a grandchild, the comfort of a friend’s embrace, the serene beauty of a sunset – these simple, everyday moments are precious gifts, reminders of life’s incredible generosity.
How to Find An Attitude of Gratitude
Here are some of my favorite ways to cultivate an attitude of gratitude.
Daily Gratitude Journal
Set a special gratitude journal near your coffee maker, and begin each day by writing down three things you’re grateful for. They can be as simple as a warm cup of tea, a lovely letter from a friend, or a flower in bloom. This small act sets a tone of positivity for the day and gets your eyes focused on the good.
Gratitude in Challenges
When faced with difficulties, try to find a silver lining. It’s not about dismissing your struggles but about finding growth and understanding when times are tough. Do you believe there is always something good to learn in a bad situation? I do. Each challenge carries a lesson, and recognizing it can be a source of strength and wisdom.
Expressing Gratitude to Others
How do you feel when people tell you “thank you”?
Make it a habit to express your gratitude to others! Write a little thank you note, show appreciation, or acknowledge someone’s impact on your life! It will brighten both your day and theirs.
Gratitude has been a life jacket for me, especially in moments of loneliness or when feelings of invisibility creep in. It reminds me of my worth, the love that surrounds me, and the impact I’ve made on the world. I highly recommend using this spiritual tool often!
Keeping your spiritual tools ready helps you be present and grateful in every moment.
Don’t Let Your Spiritual Tools Get Rusty
How does the saying go? “If you don’t use it, you’ll lose it.”
That applies to spiritual tools as well. Darling, I challenge you to set a goal to try one of these practices and find connection spiritually. Find something that nourishes your spirit and do it often. I’ve found when I am taking care of myself spiritually I am happier, healthier, and good things seems to find me.
My recommendation as you wield these spiritual tools: sprinkle your days with curiosity, dress them in joy, and bedazzle them with wonder. Remember, our years are not mere numbers; they are the stories, the adventures, the love, and the lessons that make you the magnificent woman you are.
What nourishes your soul? Do you use any spiritual tools?
Tell me all about it in the comments!
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