Seven years ago I was in a Spiritual Psychology master's program. As a way of trying to describe to friends this unusual program, and my passion for this work, I began asking people this question:
In all your years of schooling from kindergarten to whatever year you completed, did you ever take one course that taught you how to navigate the hurts, dramas, traumas, upsets and disappointments that come with life? Ninety-eight percent of the time I ask this question, the answer is "No." I then follow up with "this kind of work is that course."
I find that "No" answer insane and unacceptable. A challenging past hurt, drama, trauma, upset or disappointment is the one thing everyone has in common.
When it comes to physical fitness we all know the importance of diet and exercise. With the obesity epidemic, even grade school kids are learning the importance of diet and exercise. What about the importance of inner fitness -- acknowledging and resolving our hurt feelings, dramas, traumas, upsets and disappointments? Inner health and emotional well-being have as big an impact on our lives and society as does physical fitness. Have you experienced having a little childhood hurt harass you to point of distress?
In working with clients for the past 15 years as a spiritual practitioner, life coach, and inner fitness advocate I approach my work through the lens of inner fitness. I look to see how clients see themselves, and whether they can increase their self-love, acceptance and appreciation, and make peace with hurt feelings. I help them think in terms of what's possible for their lives from this point forward.
Navigating the challenges that come with life is tough stuff. There are several go-to concepts that consistently help me be affective in my work with clients. Having guidelines and tools helps. Here are 14 practices that as a coach I consistently turn to in both helping others, and in taking care of my own inner fitness. They can help you take charge of your inner fitness the way physical fitness helps you take charge of your physical fitness.
On any given day, with any given challenge, one or all of these can help you navigate the choppy waters of life. Say these statements out loud to yourself and learn to feel the truth in them.
- I turn my life over to a Force greater than me that loves me and responds to my heart. Feeling like we matter in this big world is a first step in building the sense of self and confidence needed to overcome the past.
Creating the success and happiness that most want yet few achieve takes work. You and happiness take inner fitness. Physical fitness creates a great body. Inner fitness creates a great life.
For inner fitness tips and practices from Tina Lifford, visit www.wakingupfabulous.com. You can also buy her book "The Little Book of BIG LIES" on Amazon.