The 7 Questions Your Spirit Has For You

Do you ever feel like the world is growing more shallow? Less grounded in reality? More focused on trivialities, banalities, memes, and emojis? If so, it may also feel like something more profound is missing in your life.

It’s hard to find one’s footing in a society that shuns reality and prides itself on being disruptive. It’s hard to get settled or feel at home in a world that’s repeatedly battered by tidal waves of folly and chaos—especially as thousands more perish in yet another extreme climate event.

So how can we ground ourselves in a more honest and satisfying day-to-day reality?

 Normally, when we talk about lifting our spirits, we think about doing something engaging and fun. But now people are so troubled, a prescription drug seems like the easiest solution. If a medical remedy can calm anyone, it likely ignores the needs of our spirit which is crying out for something deeper, richer, more soothing, and permanent.

If you listen to the voice of your spirit, you may be aware that it likes to ask some basic questions. It knows that by asking these questions, it can get you to think about some things it hopes for, and even inspire you enough to fulfill its wishes.  Here are the seven questions your spirit has for you:

1. What good can I do today?

A question like this can bring a flood of ideas to mind, and often leads to a secondary question: who will benefit from the good? If you’re feeling a little low, you might decide that the beneficiary should be you. But if all is well with you, allow someone’s name or face to come to mind. Whoever that is, it’s likely you’re being inspired to get in touch with them. It can be as simple as sending a thoughtful postcard to let them know you’re thinking about them. 

 2. What peace can I make today?

Peacemaking isn’t always about settling a war or blowup with a family member. It can also be a caring action you take to settle someone’s worry—especially your own. Peacemaking can also include simple things like taking time to sit and pensively reflect on all the good you do, or take stock of your many blessings. These are all enriching things to do on a regular basis, but if you are unsettled in an important relationship and would like to resolve it, post a wish into your Wishing Well and allow your tribe to help you figure it out. 

3. What truth will I embody today?

We all tend to wear our truth like a badge of honor. But is it the sacred truth, or just our “holier than thou” opinion of ourselves? Some people embody their title or position to signal privilege or superiority. Others toot their religious or political horns loudly and confidently, believing they hold the keys to the kingdom and you are but a fool. Such a lack of genuine truth creates animosity. So what truth should you embody? The most genuine truth about you is the honest one. It adds up to this: you love deeply. Nobody can argue with it. So embody it through kind words, a hug, a cherished memory, or an honest compliment. Love emboldens and soothes your spirit and everyone around you.

4. What will I appreciate today?

 Another way to enrich our spirit is to make it a point to appreciate life itself on a daily basis, even if you’re stuck in the office most of the day. The medical community has shown us the value of eating healthy and exercising our body, but the spirit that drives our body needs its own healthful regimen. It needs exposure to quality and beauty. This can be achieved by connecting with things that inspire you and giving yourself time during the day to remember the love you receive from others. It also includes appreciating an artist’s work, listening to a piece of music, noticing and appreciating objects in your home or office, and remembering how they came into your possession. Appreciation builds a heightened awareness of your countless blessings.

5. What will I claim for myself today? 

Sometimes, we’re so busy doing for others, we overlook our own needs. But it’s never too late to seize the day and do that one thing that calls your heart to action. For some, it can be as simple as a day of peace, rest, and quiet enjoyment. For others it may mean learning a new skill, planning a visit to a favorite friend, or travel to an exotic vacation spot. For you, it may be none of those things. Whatever it is, claim your right to give a gift to your spirit once a day. No one needs to know what it is. But your spirit will respond in kind.

6. Who will I forgive today?

If you’re lucky, you’ve made peace with everyone who’s ever hurt you, including yourself. This means your spirit is lighter than those who don’t know how to forgive. If there is someone to forgive, your spirit needs you to take some action. If the offense is minor, forgiveness is fairly easy. But if the person continues to offend, it may be time to talk it out and get to the root of their persistent hostility. Beyond people you personally know, if you struggle to forgive someone because of their race, their privilege, or the belief that their ancestors enslaved yours, trust that your spirit is burdened. If race, caste, class, or religion has harmed you, speak to the elders in your community for guidance. This will give your spirit some much needed rest.

7. Who will I praise today?

Praising others is like feeding candy to our spirit. Picture your spirit holding a bowl out to you, saying, “Mo’ please.” Of all your spirit’s innermost wishes, giving others a compliment is the easiest to fulfill. It takes little effort and will energize your day. Praise yourself, your friends, your co-workers, your helpers, your children, your spouse, and anyone you hold near and dear. Do it often, and do it even for the smallest of things. By looking for new ways to praise those around you, you’ll  become more present to all the previously unnoticed good things others around you achieve.

There’s little we can do to steady the world, but being responsive to our spirit’s needs will help steady us in the world.