Inner strength, just like muscular strength, needs to be maintained otherwise it goes flabby!
Last month’s blog was about finding our inner strength, so once found, it is important that we keep it strong. There is no special formula or unique regime to keep our strength strong but it does require awareness, motivation and persistence.
Just as our bodies need exercise so we can also use physical exercise to maintain inner wellbeing. If we are able to appreciate what our body does for us, give it good nourishing food and exercise in whatever form, then we are likely to feel stronger in ourselves. This in turn allows us to cope better with any stress that comes our way. Get in touch with your body – how does it feel, what is it saying to you, what does it need? Listen to your body, be aware of it and support the inner and outer strength.
Feeling connected within yourself also means being connected with what is around you, with your environment. None of us are an island and although we may need or crave time on our own we also need people in our lives. To boost our inner strength those people need to be supportive, encouraging, fun, motivating, non-judgemental, compassionate and forgiving. When others feel good, we feel good and vice versa. Surround yourself in the energy that gives you hope, understanding and contentment.
Our physical environments are also a crucial aspect of our inner health. Do you live /work in places that make you feel good? Do you enjoy the atmosphere? Are you comfortable within your surroundings that you can relax and totally be yourself? Could your home do with fresh energy coming in? You can find out more about enhancing environmental energy in this blog.
What else maintains your inner strength? How you fill in your time impacts upon health. The spare time that you have, are you spending it in activities and with people that make you feel happy? Hobbies and interests will add to your self-esteem and enhance your sense of identity. Maybe it is time to bring in new interests and let go of others – choose ones that make you feel joyous.
Then in between work, people, hobbies and exercising find a place of calmness! Allow time just to be, no expectations, no worries, just you and your breath. The stillness you gain reinforces the core strength within you, reminding you of the essence of who you are and what you are capable of.
Maintaining your inner strength is a lifelong process. First be aware of it, bring it to the fore and then nurture it so you can call upon it whenever you need to.