Spiritual Wellness | A Spiritual Encounter and How It Helps My Holistic Wellness Journey
As I continue my wellness journey, I can't help but notice how God has been the primary guiding source throughout my journey. For me, wellness is much more than achieving physical fitness. Achieving and maintaining physical wellness is important, but as the apostle Paul stated in the Bible (1 Timothy 4:8), striving for godliness is much more profitable. God's presence and guidance have been pivotal in my wellness journey. My journey has been filled with highs and lows and ups and downs, but one element has been consistent, and that element is the triune presence of God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit.
Last year, I set out to start my holistic weight loss journey, which included setting goals in diet and exercise, systems and habits, self-care, and workplace wellness. As I look back now, I can't believe I left out the importance of improving my spiritual wellness and deepening my relationship with God. Maybe because I thought I had a solid spiritual routine that involved prayer and studying the Bible, and it didn't need improvement. However, in retrospect, I was more so "going through the motions." I would wake up and start my day. It was out of habit, and not out of relationship. Habits are great, and as a holistic health coach, I champion cultivating effective habits. However, habits are heavily geared towards creating solid routines versus forming a deep, meaningful relationship. So, that's where I lacked spiritually. I'm now slowly reforming a more authentic relationship with God and realizing how vital this relationship is within my wellness journey.
My most recent reminder of the importance of God in my wellness journey was an encounter at the lake. After weeks of fasting and praying about direction regarding my 9-5 job and career trajectory, God had given me an answer, and I obeyed. It was such a difficult life-altering decision, but a decision had to be made because my physical and mental health was at stake. I fought hard to stay at this job, but it wasn't in His plan. In hindsight, I don't think it was ever His plan to accept the role; however, I did, and there were many consequences of doing so. But the decision was made regarding the steps I should take. So, I resigned from my high-earning position that I fought so hard to keep, I didn't want to leave. I tried everything in my might to stay, but I could not. I had received my answer, and I made the decision.
One day, while preparing for my daily walk at the lake, I saw one of my previous leading directors whom I supported in that role. This was no coincidence; however, I was still caught off guard and slightly shocked by this encounter. We engaged in small talk, and he stated that he and the managers missed me at the job. After we spoke briefly, I began my workout at the lake. However, during my walk, the doubt set in. I questioned myself and the decision. Did I make a mistake? I really miss the managers that I had formed a relationship with during my time in this role. Was it okay to just leave them? Could I have stayed longer and made it work? The questions flooded my mind as I walked around the lake. I wasn't sure I had made the correct decision.
“The stillness of my mind and surroundings allowed me to focus on Him and His greatness”
As I neared the end of my walk, I passed by this sitting area at the lake. Determined to meet my goal, I fast-tracked my route back to my car. However, the Holy Spirit spoke and told me to turn around and sit. Again, determined to meet an exercise goal, I continued. The Holy Spirit spoke again and told me to turn around and sit. I then stopped, listened, and obeyed. As I sat there, admiring the views of the lake and the beauty of the partly cloudy skies, I began to worship and praise quietly in my mind. The stillness of my mind and surroundings allowed me to focus on Him and His greatness. I was listening to an artist, where the verse Isaiah 26:3 was sung throughout the song's chorus. What a great verse for this moment. But something happened while I was silently praising and worshiping.
As I was worshiping, I felt a light tap on my shoulder. I opened my eyes, and a woman was standing next to me. She asked if she could pray for me, and I responded with a yes. I had never in my life had someone ask me if they could pray for me, so I was grateful she had asked. She prayed and asked God to give me His peace that would surpass all my understanding. I immediately received the prayer, because it was what I needed at that very moment. After the prayer, she told me that the Holy Spirit told her to turn around from where she was (well past the place I was sitting) and pray for me. She was obedient. We were both obedient, and we were both blessed in that moment. We exchanged names, I thanked her, and I continued my workout. I had received further confirmation, and I no longer doubted my decision. It was an awesome feeling, one that I had never felt before. A peace regarding my decision, my current lifestyle, and my new future life.
I was reminded of the importance of the role my faith plays in my wellness journey. In a previous post, “ Five Dimensions of Holistic Wellness, “ I discussed taking a multi-dimensional approach to wellness. Wellness encompasses more than just the physical; it includes emotional, mental, social, and, most importantly for me, spiritual wellness. The significance of each dimension varies by individual. Therefore, each wellness journey looks different. Holistically, I feel more complete when I prioritize my spiritual wellness and place my trust in the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. I feel confirmed, assured, and at peace with my decisions. He provides me with the strength and courage to continue my journey.
Be true, be balanced, be well.