The Winter Flakes Race was scheduled for Saturday, February 26, 2022 at 8 AM. That’s not when it happened, but that’s when it was scheduled. The sleet and winter weather we sometimes experience in this area has often made plans change. However, rescheduling a race is a bit like moving a wedding ceremony; scary and chaotic. The race had 153 registered participants, not to mention 15 volunteers, a photographer, a DJ, and family and friends who transport, cheer, and support these individuals.
We did it though! With lots of help from the city, Walther Park was cleared (for the most part), and the sun helped immensely as well. We held the race on Sunday, February 27, 2022 at 1 PM. It was a beautiful afternoon for a race.
It was a very stressful three days leading up to the race. For the most part, things like this don’t bother me. I move a little faster and fret more, but I don’t have problems sleeping or staying on task. When something wasn’t going well in college, I had an acquaintance that would tell me, “Melissa, you pray. I’ll drink.” Although we all cope with things differently (and I have occasionally used that line in reverse), his response to things was very different than mine. The spiritual part of me has always leaned on my faith.
Spiritual wellness is a part of wellness that is often overlooked. Spiritual wellness is living with and knowing your purpose. It shapes your values and beliefs, and it is more than religion.
Use these questions to assess your own spiritual wellness.
- What gives my life meaning and purpose?
- What gives me hope?
- How do I get through tough times? Where do I find comfort?
- Do I make time for relaxation in my day?
- Do my values guide my decisions and actions?
If you’re looking to improve your spiritual wellness, there are some obvious ways to start: attend a church service, pray or meditate, take a yoga class. Other ways might not be as obvious though. Self-assessment about who you are and your purpose can help. You can also journal about significant events in your life. One tip on journaling is to write about how you feel, not just about what happens.
Prayer and meditation has already been mentioned, but travel is good for your spiritual wellness if you select a place that is comforting or a new place that you think might be relaxing. Hiking through the woods might be right up your alley or you might be better suited to visiting the aquarium.
Another suggestion that I have tried and failed at is to take a vow of silence. There’s too much life happening around me to intentionally remain quiet. I’ve been moved to silence before, but I’ve never successfully set an allotment of time to remain silent and actually completed that task. It might help you though, and if you try and fail, please know that you’re in good company.
If you’re looking for more resources related to spiritual wellness, here are a couple of things that are totally not religious, but that might be helpful.
Cory Muscara is the voice in one of my meditation apps, and I love his Take 5 video below. It is very relaxing and helps me return to calm in the midst of chaos.
I grew up with Judy Garland belting out tunes, but the version of Somewhere over the Rainbow by Israel Kamakawiwo’ole is fabulous. Maybe we all just need more ukuleles in our lives.
