Spirituality is different for everyone. Some call it a life source, the higher source, higher self, the light, energy, God, Allah, cosmic consciousness, etc. Heightened spirituality can offer connection and meaning to one’s life. This connection, wholeness, or oneness can provide pleasure, joy, and solace as well as a sense of purpose and guidance. Spirituality is about who we are in relation to ourselves, others, and the universe.
Unlock Your Spirituality
One's spiritual journey is unique but here are a few ideas that may help to rediscover one's spiritual self. If you would like to dive deeper into spiritual content, I have a huge spiritual section on my website. You won't find much on religion, but primarily metaphysical topics like the ones listed below. Click here to enter the spiritual center.
*Affirmations - Simply stated, a positive affirmation is an intention or statement focused on something you want to be or to manifest into your life. These statements are typically repeated over and over with the goal of bringing forth various outcomes such as more friends, a joyous life, heightened self-esteem, health, wealth, success, body positivity, and so much more. I have a great Positive Affirmations and Activities Staff In-Service available here.
*Animals and nature such as pets, sensory gardens with bird feeders, aromatic plants and flowers, water fountains, walks in the park or on the beach, etc.
Children: Young children especially, are more open spiritually than you may think. If you don't have young children around you, then try spending time at schools, day care centers, etc.
*Community projects such as for Veterans, animal shelters, homeless shelters, etc.
*Crystals have been used for healing and spiritual purposes since ancient times. Crystal healing is a term used to describe an energy healing modality that uses crystal energy to promote wellness of the mind, body (emotional and physical), and spirit. I don't particularly care for the use of the term "healing" but it is the popular terminology at this point. Please know that crystal healing is a complimentary wellness technique and should never be used in lieu of obtaining professional medical or psychiatric help. It is not to be used to diagnose, heal or cure but rather as an extension of existing medical services. If you want to read more on the subject, here's a great introductory article I wrote about the subject. Re-Creative Resources Inc. also has an online crystal store. Click here to shop.
*Deep Breathing is crucial to most relaxation techniques. When we relax, our breathing becomes deeper and slower and our heart rate decreases.
*Dreams - Journaling: You'll find that writing down your dreams and keeping track of what is going on in your life, helps to understand what the dreams mean. We often have some vital spiritual meanings in our dreams.
*Dreams - Lucid Dreaming: Lucid dreaming is when you become aware you are dreaming and you are able to control the dream.
*Documentaries such as a documentary of someone who was a victim of the Holocaust. This helps us develop empathy.
*Expressive arts such as drama, dance, and movement.
*Gratitude is something that we all need to practice more often. Take a moment to either say outloud, think, or write down what you are grateful for.
Attitude of Gratitude
Things That Make Me Happy Jar
*Guided Imagery to create a positive mental representation of things we know or can fantasize.
*Meditation – a technique that allows an individual to reach an altered state of awareness and focus. Meditation is great for stress management as well as our over-all health. To learn more about meditation, please click here.
Letting Go Guided Meditation
Grounding Guided Meditation
*Music and sounds such as relaxing music, inspirational music, chimes, nature sounds, playing an instrument, drumming circles, bell ringing, tuning forks, singing bowls, etc.
How to Use Tingshas
Working With a Tuning Fork
*Mystical experiences such as paranormal experiences or synchronicities.
*Metaphysics - A branch of philosophy focused on explaining the fundamental nature of being and the world.
*Nature or spiritual videos and movies.
*Personal growth opportunities such traveling, volunteering, voting, activism, etc.
*Prayer - take time each day to express your gratitude and send blessings.
*Reiki - A form of energy healing.
*Tai Chi – A Chinese martial art that is primarily practiced for its health benefits, including a means for dealing with tension and stress. Referred to as meditation in motion.
*Walks outdoors, especially in nature. Get outside!
*Yoga - A set of physical practices that include gentle stretches, breathing practices, and progressive deep relaxation.
Spirituality and Sensory Stimulation
Worship Services Intervention
This is a great resource designed to help residents with dementia maintain a
connection to their past spirituality in order to recall the memories of past
faith experiences that evoke a sense of the love of God and their faith
community, so that they may be supported to hold on to a spirit of hopefulness
and a sense of their own humanity. Learn
More
S.P.I.R.I.T. e-Kit for Seniors - 50% OFF
Sent as PDF documents
The S.P.I.R.I.T. e-Kit (Spiritual Practices, Inspiration, Religious, and Individualized Techniques for Seniors) consists of a variety of activities and tools that are designed to enhance one’s spiritual journey. These activities may be done in a group setting or on a one to one basis. Some activities such as word searches, affirmations, anagrams, mandalas, etc. may be done independently as well. The activities in this e-Kit can be adapted for individuals with a variety of cognitive abilities and are designed for older adults and seniors. Many of these activities are wonderful for the care provider too! Includes 30 PDF documents + bonus access to a letting go meditation video on Youtube. View the table of contents.
Check out these great staff in-services!
Introduction to Religion and Spirituality Inservice - 50% OFF
This 60 minute introductory in-service is designed to assist the Recreation/Activity Director, or Staff Educator in providing an overview of Religion and Spirituality as utilized with older adults and elders. This inservice comes with a handout, teacher's outline, certificate of attendance, inservice sign in sheet, flyer to announce the inservice, an interactive exercise, and an inservice evaluation form. Participants will be able to:
*define religion and spirituality and state the difference.
*state at least 5 benefits of religion and spirituality programs.
*name at least 5 religious activities and 5 spiritual activities.
Positive Affirmations and Activities Staff Inservice - 50% OFF
This inservice is designed to assist the Recreation/Activity Director or Staff Educator in providing an overview of positive affirmations as it pertains to older adults and elders and may also be used for team building as well as increasing staff morale. It comes with a handout, teacher's outline, certificate of attendance, inservice sign in sheet, flyer to announce the inservice, an interactive exercise, and an in-service evaluation form. FOR ENTIRE STAFF! Participants will be able to:
*define positive affirmations
*state at least 5 benefits of incorporating positive affirmation into the Recreation program and into one’s life
*name at least 5 positive affirmation activities or ideas for use
*state at least 5 affirmations for self or others
Visit my Kimpiration section for spiritual coaching, techniques,
crystals and more. Click the banner to explore today.