The Joy of Summer Living
The summer is a wonderful time to create new patterns of living. We are creatures of habits and patterns. We evolve consciously, starting with our physical intelligence, moving into our intellectual intelligence, as we continue to mature in our emotional intelligence, and continue to spiritual intelligence. These intelligences are interrelated and evolve as we grow consciously. Here are basic understandings of each level.
Physical intelligence is where we treat our physical bodies well with exercise and good food. During the summer, we can get outside and walk in the neighborhood or local parks. We can go canoeing on a local stream. We have access to more and more community gardens and farmers' markets all around Louisville. Working out in a garden is an excellent way to get exercise and eat healthy.
Our intellectual intelligence is our understanding of knowledge and wisdom combined. What we learn and what we innately know. Many of us have libraries within walking distance or a bus ride from our homes. Learning is a never-ending opportunity to collect wisdom and integrate it within. Taking a book to the park and finding a shady or sunny spot to rest and read, with the background of nature and humanity, gives a new perspective on the world. If reading is not your thing, then go out and observe the neighborhood and world in a new light. Or if you like hands-on learning, take up a new activity, activating the creative processing of your left brain.
In the awareness of emotional intelligence, we are exploring our own and others' social and relationship needs. Meeting up with friends and practicing the art of listening and becoming aware of what is happening in someone else's life can open up your inner ability to create lasting relationships. Or instead of multitasking, you can really focus on one thing at a time. Take a class in non-violent communication. You can add in some daily journaling about how you are coping with the demands and pressures currently showing up in your life. Once you recognize the patterns, you can expand and look at ways to shift the thoughts and circumstances into something less stressful and more joyful.
Spiritual Intelligence is a relatively new concept in conscious development. This involves looking at the deeper meaning of life. Creating a purpose in life can give you direction and allow you to focus on your values and live from your greater good. Meditation is a wonderful tool to expand spiritual intelligence. Meditation is a simple process of slowing the mind and relaxing the body, allowing the worries and stress to take a back seat in your life, and breathing and being in the moment. After meditation, writing your reflection in a journal can assist you in knowing more about your values and inner life. The goal in spiritual intelligence is to solve problems and experiences from a higher state of consciousness instead of impulse reactions.
We are always evolving, and with awareness, insight, and purpose-filled activity, we can create a summer of joy-filled living. Have a summer filled with wholeness, love and joy.