Spiritually Livin’ In The Matrix.
How to be spiritual person and still live your life while in the city.
Let’s paint the picture; you went on a trip to somewhere sunny in the jungle, by a beach, you have a spiritual awakening with like-minded people; maybe you took San Pedro or simply danced like nobody was watching. The living was easy, sunset dates were the norm and sunrise was greeted with enthusiasm and joy. Coming back to the city to a life you may feel is totally not your vibe can be a challenge, but it can also be your greatest teacher.
So how do we meet the day-to-day tasks of living and operating in urban areas when we know we want to lounge on the beach all day long? An idea that is not impossible but the reality is our bank accounts don’t approve us for early retirement.
We are forced to take our practice to the streets and figure out how to stay peaceful and grounded in the bustle of hustle culture.
Where does the balance exist and how do we support spiritual practices that we know are good for us?
1. Like minded people. Find a community that is into the same things as your higher self. So no, don’t join a beer-pong league or a wine-tasting club. Scope out where the healthy hangs are happening. If you’re in Toronto we suggest Othership for a steamy sauna social, or Oblong Yoga House for Friday socials such as bachata or paint night.
2. Slow is steady and steady is fast. Schedule time to move slower. If it takes you 20 minutes to get to work via taxi schedule 40 mins and give yourself time to get off early and walk part of the way, sit in the park before going inside your office building, or simply walk slower to whatever destination you are headed too. We give ourselves the love we think we deserve and love can look like sexual intimacy, gifts, money or time. You deserve more time to take your time.
3. Prioritize your practice. If life starts at 9am that means you need 1 hour before any appointment to do the things, 20-minute meditation, 20-minute stretch, 20-minute free flow. This is a non-negotiable which means if you need more sleep you need to start going to bed earlier.
4. Adapt. Don’t make it cookie-cutter. Just because your 3-hour morning routine consisted of walking to the farmers market and juicing your fresh fruits before wandering to a yoga class and dippin’ in the ocean after. Be realistic about what you can take advantage of here in the city. Go for a quick walk in the morning to a quiet park without your phone. Pick up a green juice on your way to work and wear clothes that make you feel comfortable and relaxed. You are under no obligation to impress anyone except your higher self.
5. Cut out toxic. There is enough noise, garbage, and environmental toxins in the city. Don’t add to it by watching garbage shows, garbage food and garbage friendship. Choose things that elevate your mood. The easiest way to weed out the bs is to tune in with everything as you consume. Ask yourself: how does this make me feel? If the answer is anxious, annoyed, tired, depleted or anything like that please dispose it immediately.
