Activity One
I will explore my values, principles, and beliefs to understand myself better and to get an idea of how they affect my everyday actions. By gaining insight into what is important for me, I may realize my goals and desires more clearly and act accordingly.
Requirements
To explore my fundamental life principles and worldview, I need to choose a specific day that is free of any significant events. In addition, I should create a proper environment by eliminating distractions, including social media messages or any disturbing noise. Finally, since exploring one’s mind may be difficult, I should find some guidelines for optimal self-investigation sessions.
Activity Two
I will research alternative belief systems to look at the world from different perspectives and enrich my own life principles. Examples of others’ worldviews may provide valuable insights and help me develop my view of the world.
Requirements
To enrich my worldview, I need to consider other people’s philosophies. One of the options is to address and evaluate appropriate books written by authors who want to share their valuable life principles. Another option is to find inspiration through watching and listening to personally admirable individuals. The last one is to find an opportunity to share and discuss our values with my friends, providing additional insight and enhancing the connection between us.
Activity Three
I will visit group sessions of spiritual practices, like group meditations. This may be valuable in trying new spiritual experiences and creating powerful social bonds.
Requirements
First, I need to find local communities that organize the spiritual sessions. I can try to do it via the internet or by asking the people I know. Another necessity is to find the courage needed to attend the group spiritual practices since it may be frustrating to make the first step when the experience of social meditation is totally new.
Activity Four
I will invite close friends interested in spirituality to attend group meditation sessions together. Even though some of them may not appreciate spiritual practices, especially the group sessions, I believe this is a highly beneficial leisure activity. Additionally, the group practices can enhance our connection even further and let us discuss the experience together, which may provide additional insights into the meditation.
Requirements
Considering I already attend the group practices myself, I need to create a list of all my friends who would like to participate in the activity. After meditating with those who have agreed, we should discuss the spiritual experience in a calm and thought-provoking environment.
Activity Five
I will develop a habit of meditating on a daily basis to reduce accumulated stress and train the state of mindfulness. Scientists say that meditation helps decrease stress and anxiety, cope with depression, and improve attention (Brandmeyer, Delorme, Wahbeh, 2019). Combined with the notion that it also provides a fair opportunity for spiritual growth and understanding, I consider meditation a perfect habit for me.
Requirements
First, I need to identify and learn the best practices of creating a habit and meditating, which I can do with the help of various guides and books. Second, it is essential to prepare a plan for implementing meditation in my everyday routine. Probably, I need to devote a specific time during the day for meditation, like in the morning or right before going to sleep.
Activity Six
I will develop mindfulness to use it in every situation that overwhelms me with negative emotions. Since mindfulness is an effective tool for coping with emotional pressure, it is beneficial to learn how to use it consciously whenever stressful situations occur.
Requirements
I need to list situations when I usually experience high stress and negative emotions. The acknowledgment of such cases will allow me to be more conscious during my encounters with anxiety, while meditation practices will help me use mindfulness to control emotional outbursts.
References
Brandmeyer, T., Delorme, A., & Wahbeh, H. (2019). The neuroscience of meditation: classification, phenomenology, correlates, and mechanisms. Progress in brain research, 244(1), 1-29. Web.