Is Social Networking a Spiritual Practice?

I found myself on Facebook before falling asleep then on Twitter first thing in the morning, and I was reminded of the CalmUp® vision. How was I doing in terms of inner-peace and having more energy? Was a reshuffling of priorities in order?

In addition to CalmUp®, I began a business venture with my husband. I wondered how I could possibly keep both going. Lately, even before I open my eyes each morning, there are an infinite number of options from which to choose from the life buffet: Do I pray, snuggle, let the dogs out, take a CalmUp® Journey, exercise, shower, go back to sleep, etc.?

Although social networking was never designed to be a spiritual practice, don’t assume that it isn’t. I would argue that connecting with commentary from magnificent spiritual leaders, not to mention breathtaking images and uplifting videos, has the capacity for us to open our hearts and do even more—share. Sharing is the definition used for spirituality in CalmUp®.

As a culture, our plates are overflowing. As an individual, I must live authentically. Although my passion remains the same, I’ve chosen to put CalmUp® on hold. When the time is right, perhaps someday you’ll find another Wellspring Guideposts in your inbox.

Why Bother?

The tagline sits enthusiastically below the CalmUp® Journey logo:

ELEVATE YOURSELF TODAY!™

What’s the point? Why bother to take a CalmUp® Journey? Let’s face it, setting aside 15 to 20 minutes of time per day takes effort.

My personal reason for taking daily CalmUp® Journeys is because I know that there’s no way I can help anyone else have a better day if I’m not elevating myself first.

When I asked my friend, Mary, “Why bother?” I became silent and was respectful of her response, “Because there’s an innate desire to be close to God.”

In my own experience, when I’m in a good mood (a rating of “9” on the CalmUp® Journey scale of peace and joy), I do feel a connection with Spirit—and when I’m in a bad mood (a rating of “3”), I’m definitely not present to oneness. Of course, feeling a connection with Spirit is not dependent on a high rating.

The CalmUp® Journey, however, isn’t about good moods vs. bad moods. One’s rating of peace and joy isn’t even a crucial component. The point is to continue to use the life map, going up and down. That’s living—a journey worth making.

Fearless Warrior: Seven Simple Pointers

Seriously—a fearless warrior? That sounds like something out of a movie, but not really pertinent to my life.

Well, on second thought, it’s very pertinent. Who doesn’t want to be a fearless warrior? The question is how realistic is that?

Pointer Trees
Being a fearless warrior is both realistic and possible. The following seven pointers demonstrate the simplicity:

    • Surrender worry
    • Do whatever you believe is important
    • Trust in your higher power and that everything is OK in this moment
    • Choose loving thoughts
    • Choose loving self-statements
    • Choose loving actions
    • Choose loving words

You may understand fearless but not warrior. How am I supposed to go out into the world and be a warrior?

Being a fearless warrior takes enormous effort, commitment, and belief in oneself. As a fearless warrior, you are shielded with light, and you naturally share this light with others. As a result, more peace and joy gets reflected, and the cycle continues. (For more information, see blog March 30, 2012 Overcoming Fear: Seven Tips You Can Use Today).

It’s About You:

  1. What does being a fearless warrior mean to you?

Three More Tips for Success in Taking a CalmUp® Journey

A map can appear daunting when looking at it for the first time, especially when you don’t know where you’re headed. The CalmUp® Journey is no different. At first glance, one could feel overwhelmed by the levels, columns, and sentence completions. Once you figure out where you’re headed on the CalmUp® Journey (up!), you’re on your way to a better day.

Another Tip

Following the first three tips from the June 28 blog, here are three more pointers to help you find your way:

  • Let go of the fine print. Complete the sentences with the first thing that comes to mind. Consider responding from the soul instead of the intellect. For example, don’t assume that you’re doing something wrong if you complete Level V, and the answer you wrote down has nothing to do with Society. Since we can’t divorce ourselves from our environment, your answer is just fine.
  • Break it up. You probably can’t imagine how to create a new consistent 20-30 minute time period in your day. Please don’t give up before you get started. Consider completing the CalmUp® Journey in short 3-minute segments throughout the day or week. Whether you choose to take a long expedition or a short jaunt, at least you’re going!

Three Tips for Success in Taking a CalmUp® Journey

When I take my own CalmUp® Journeys, there are several ways that I flourish and improve my rating of peace and joy.

What's This About? See Blog July 15

Here are three pointers I’d like to share with you:

  • Get off the road and go your own direction. For example, sometimes I’ll complete the majority of the left column (the first 6 levels and especially the left side of the back page) before I’m ready to dive into the right column. Other times, I may jump around and complete one level or question from one column before another.
  • Use the left column of the back page as an arena to vent to yourself instead of your loved ones or coworkers. One way that I clear my own negative energy is to expand on each dark emotion that I listed in Level II. Specifically, I’ll rewrite that emotion on the left column of the back page and then list all of the reasons I’ve been feeling that way. By the time I complete my CalmUp® Journey, my concerns have typically resolved. Otherwise, I’m prepared to communicate assertively rather than aggressively.

Thanksgiving 2011

I’ve wanted to write a blog to capture some of my feelings of gratitude this Thanksgiving of 2011. Where do I start? How about my CalmUp® Journey question from this morning?

How can I write a meaningful “Thank You” blog?

I began to question if I’m thankful for just the “good stuff” or if I’m honestly thankful for the “yucky stuff” too. I teach acceptance of both the dark side and the light side in the Daily Ascending Tool™. Am I really thankful for the chaos I experienced during the publishing process? Am I really thankful for the challenges and the financial pressures that are part of a new business launch?

On this Thanksgiving holiday, it’s easy to be thankful for the “good stuff” related to the launching of CalmUp®. I’m thankful for the comments that people are posting on the website (www.Dr.LorieGose.com). I’m thankful for the emails I’m receiving offering congratulations. I’m thankful for my connections with people. These are, of course, just three of a much larger list of reasons I have for giving thanks.