Tough Times and Spiritual Practices

The Power of Your Tongue
July 26, 2018
Run Toward the Roar
August 23, 2018

Things don’t go wrong and break your heart so you can become bitter and give up. They happen
to break you down and build you up so you can be all that you are intended to be.
– Samuel Johnson

In this life you will have trouble!

Accepting the fact that our lives come with troubles, challenges and trials makes life less difficult. In doing so our problems simply become something to overcome; to grow and learn from as we become all that we’ve been created to be.

In his book, The Road Less Traveled, Dr. Scott Peck writes, “It is in this whole process of meeting and solving problems that life has its meaning. Problems are the cutting edge that distinguishes between success and failure. Problems call forth our courage and wisdom … it is only because of problems that we grow mentally and spiritually.”

Challenging and encouraging your human capacity to solve problems will lead to growth, resiliency and a fulfilled life. You can use your troubles to make you bitter, or you can use them to make you better.

Fearing the pain involved, many of us, in one form or another, work to avoid problems. We procrastinate, ignore, forget and pretend the problem does not exist. We skirt around to avoid the problems rather than meet them head on. We will even take drugs to assist us in ignoring them, so that by deadening ourselves to the pain we can forget the problems that cause the pain.

Many people of faith find, regardless of their source of belief, that their spiritual practices help them get through tough times; helping them to find the courage and wisdom to move through their trials and tribulations well; and become better because of it.

What spiritual practices do you use to move forward in a progressive way through life’s difficulties?

Below is a list of seven spiritual practices that others call upon to comfort and guide them in challenging times:

  1. Living with purpose – having a meaning for living focuses your energy, simplifies decisions, reduces stress and provides you with dreams and goals to fulfill;
  2. Prayer – it’s like talking to your best friend – you can speak or pray out loud or quietly as you tell God your needs, ask for help, say thank you for all you have (the good and the not so good) or simply give Him praise. Many people PUSH forward as they Pray Until Something Happens;
  3. Deep reflection, contemplation and meditation – thinking continuously about something worthwhile and important pertaining to life – in studying it, musing over it, being focused on it and pondering it, solutions often appear;
  4. Contemplative reading – scripture, poetry, philosophy, biographies, great literature, drama and self-help enlighten and expand thinking;
  5. Yoga, T’ai Chi, martial arts and similar practices that incorporate physical activity and postures – these practices are disciplined and devotional as they emphasize strengthening, thoughtful and resiliency habits;
  6. Engage with and enjoy nature – connect with diverse, awe-inspiring landscape, plants, animals, waterfalls, sunsets, snowfalls and the like bring out wonder and amazement;
  7. The arts and creative activities – music, theatre, museums, painting, sculpture, needlework, a regular hobby all require close concentration.

In whatever way you chose to work through the troubles of life, have faith that spiritual practices grant you courage, wisdom and solutions.

Betty Franklin
Betty Franklin
Betty Franklin is a Mental Fitness & Wellbeing Expert. After a 30-year career working on the frontlines of healthcare, supporting and caring for people dealing with illness and disease, she transitioned her nursing career outside the institutional setting to help people stay healthy and live fuller, more vibrant lives. She does this through one-on-one coaching, delivering powerful seminars and her book called G.U.T.S. - Get Uncomfortable To Succeed, Embracing Health, Balance and Abundance. With a practical, well-rounded approach to mental and physical wellbeing, Betty's seminars and coaching program provide clients with clarity, direction and support to enhance their health and life. She simplifies what you need and want, how you can attain it, and helps you understand what's holding you back. People who work with Betty notice a clearer perspective emerging as they learn and grow, and as they stay accountable. Ultimately, they reach where they want to be faster, and with greater ease.