Got Spirit? Five simple ways to feel spiritually connected NOW

Spring has sprung and while our New Year's resolutions might have run dry..here's 5 user-friendly ways to make 2011 the year you get spiritually connected!

What does it mean to be spiritually connected?

Life is a journey and there are choices that we can make to increase the quality of that experience. As human beings we tend to question life, strive for knowledge, seek self-improvement and search for the divine…as well as travel, manage our inbox and do some spring-cleaning in between! Often we are searching for something outside of ourselves.

The truth is, we already have the divine spark we’re searching for…we were born with it! We each have a spirit, a power, an energy and a gift that we offer to the human community by our mere presence in the world. We are connected and ONE spiritually and we manifest our divine spark, uniquely and with great varieties. Yin and yang if you will. Being connected means being aware of our oneness AND our uniqueness while staying aligned with our true spiritual nature...which, admittedly is often hard during rush hour traffic. When we are connected we are more trusting, relaxed, less afraid of the unknowns of our lives and sense that we are part of an interconnected web of zany existence.

How can we connect to our spirit in a more conscious and joyful way?

Developing our own spiritual well-being in everyday life requires a daily routine that reaffirms our personal connection to the divine. Here are 5 quick and easy ways to feel more connected instantly:

1. Inspiration invites the Divine: In the 1300s, the word inspiration was defined as “immediate influence of God or gods” and it still holds true! How uplifted and renewed do we feel when we are inspired? Ask yourself, “ What inspires me?” It will come to mind and bring a quick grin to your face. It's usually something we love. Do whatever you love, where you are.

If you don't know, explore. Remember what excited you as a child. Fly that kite. Color? Paint it. Wear it. Add it. Music? Play it. Dance it. Nature? Take a walk, grow it, nurture it. NOW. Don’t wait. Tap into what lets your soul shine and make it a priority during this new year. Doing things we love increases the joy in our life and we can always do with extra helpings!

2. Breathe & Be: Most of us don’t breathe deeply, as a result we are not always connected and present. Breathe low into your diaphragm, not high into your chest. Just allow yourself to BE. Don’t think or worry about doing. Connect to your life force and allow it to bring you to a more relaxed state. As you feel more relaxed, remember we all need to breathe. As the air fills your lungs, feel the interconnectedness with all things. We truly are one...

3. Gratitude: What are you grateful for? As you list your blessings you’ll feel your heart expand, experience a greater sense of well being not to mention that luminous smile on your face. Being grateful sends a big YES! energy into the world opening you up to more of the positive that already exists in your life. Appreciate the challenges as they’ve made you stronger!

4. Attitude: The old adage "its not what happens to us but what we do with it" is in motion here. Whatever happens to us on our journey, we can always “choose” how to think about the situation and how we respond.

Expanding our perception of a situation/event/challenge can assist in deeper understanding and stress reduction. We may not be able to control, correct or change an outcome but we can choose to handle it with grace, compassion and dignity. It may take practice so take it a day at a time. Pick your attitude wisely as your relationships, health and quality of life depend on it. Remember forgiveness sets us free to move forward and be our best, most vibrant selves.

5. Laugh it up- According to a recent study by cardiologists at the University of Maryland Medical Center in Baltimore, laughter, along with an active sense of humor, may help protect you against a heart attack. It increases spontaneity, reduces defensiveness, changes your perspective on situations, boosts your immune system and has a domino effect. If you feel good, you feel connected.

Developing a spiritual practice is a highly personal pursuit and is often an exciting life-long process. Use these basic building blocks as you explore alternative ways to increase and develop your divine connection and spiritual well-being. 2011 is upon us and so is the opportunity for feeling more spiritually connected!