Values. We all have them but how conscious are they? I have to admit, it isn’t something I think about a lot but I’m getting ready to do a talk this Sunday and the topic I’ve been presented with has to do with something of a spiritual tune up. It’s about checking in with where we are in relation to our values in regard to spirituality, time, relationships and health (mind and body).
It’s got me thinking about how my values have certainly changed over the years. When I was younger my values were outer focussed and now in my third phase of life they are definitely more inner focussed. At one time it had to do with getting my needs met and career, now it’s about love, peace and joy. Even those words have a different meaning for me now.
Take love; what I valued in earlier years was getting it, now it’s about being Love. Peace didn’t even come into the picture to be honest. I was in a lot of turmoil inside even though I seemed to be doing ok on the outside. I didn’t particularly value health or spirituality back then either. I was relatively healthy, and I had rejected all thing spiritual. As far as mental/emotional health was concerned, I just had to live with the crazies going on in there, not aware there was anything I could do about it.
Now I place great value on health, especially mental/emotional health which for me comes from a strong spiritual life and radiates out into all parts of my being, body and soul. When I think of the difference it’s a little mind boggling.
I’ve come to realize how much value I’ve always placed on time as well. I wouldn’t have said that 30 years ago but on reflection I can see it’s always been very important to me. It’s very helpful to be aware of it though because it caused me great stress when it was unconscious. Now I have a working relationship with my body so I am aware of when I start tightening up around time and I can make informed choices to relax or to make a change.
When I think in terms of relationships, again, night and day from the first third of my life. In the second third I went through some major changes in understanding and priorities, and I have to say I’m rather enjoying the fruits of all the work I’ve done even though there’s always more to do. In the earlier years, communication was a huge challenge; I had no idea how to communicate effectively. I realize now how essential honest, real communication is and I treasure it.
It’s all related in the end. When I know love, peace and joy are on the top of my values list that is what guides me in how I interact with people, my spiritual practices, where I spend my precious time and how I treat myself and others.
I’ve really appreciated this time of reviewing my values. There’s something about bringing greater awareness that makes me feel a lot of gratitude for the transformations that have been taking place in the past 30 years even more. I am truly blessed.
What about you? When’s the last time you checked in on where your values are and whether or not you are living in alignment with them?
Namaste
