Reflecting on the upcoming one-year anniversary of the passing of my mother Dorothy on April 20, the spirit of her love and zest for life is as present today as it was when she was physically with us. I have no doubt that her spirit is with us, as I have no doubt that the spirit of those who loved you, and those you loved is with you today as well.

Over the years I have realized that a healthy spiritual relationship with another is directly linked with a healthy spiritual relationship with yourself. For example, an internal spirit of personal negativity, disrespect, inconsideration, apathy and irresponsibility will attract the same external spiritual energy. To expect a healthy spiritual outside to align with an unhealthy spiritual inside is like expecting to be respected when you continue to be disrespectful. To believe you are here for a greater purpose resulting in a positive benefit to those around you is a healthy start to building a healthy spiritual sense of you. As Gandhi simply stated, “Spiritual relationship is far more precious than physical. Physical relationship divorce from spiritual is body without soul.”

Enhancing your spiritual life will add greater joy, deeper purpose and a meaningful dimension of fulfillment to your life. Body without soul limits your potential as it prevents a deeper understanding of who you are, and what inspires you to achieve. Definitions of spirit include, “the nonphysical part of a person that is the seat of emotions and character; the soul: such a part regarded as a person’s true self and as capable of surviving physical death or separation.” What is your true self, or in other words, what is the essence of who you truly are? The true essence of who you are is only revealed when your beliefs and values reflect your behaviors and visa versa. A healthy spirit becomes broken when beliefs and values are not aligned with behaviors. To believe in honesty as a value and behave dishonestly will shred your spirit.

How do you wish your spirit to be remembered? Will it be a spirit that was optimistic and selfless, or pessimistic and self-centered? Will it be a spirit that was humble and empathetic, or egotistical and narcissistic? You will discover the more you think of others the more genuinely happier and spiritually richer you will tend to be. The truly successful, and those who have had the greatest positive impact on the world, have always understood that to combine their competencies with spirituality ensures the most effective and meaningful life path. Recognizing that we are all here for something greater than ourselves is the cornerstone to resurrecting your own spiritual revival. As Author Denis Waitley said, “Happiness cannot be traveled to, owned, earned, worn or consumed. Happiness is the spiritual experience of living every minute with love, grace and gratitude.” There are some who believe the world revolves around them, and until that belief is erased, the door will remain closed to them for having any understanding of a spiritually meaningful life.

Returning to the spirit of my mother, Dorothy always possessed a love of her spiritual side and her faith. It provided her hope, purpose and a sense of meaning each day of her life. As a society, are we becoming more apathetic in regard to spirituality and faith? How will that impact our sense of community, respect for humanity, and belief in the importance of serving the greater good rather than the self? We all have our personal and family dysfunctions, but it will always be the values you hold dear combined with a spiritual belief in the greater good that will enable you to persevere through those dysfunctional times. Selfless spirituality is never evil, does not pit a structured religion over another, embraces a sense of goodness that is beneficial to all, believes in a greater purpose for life, and applies the golden rule of treating others as you wish yourself to be treated. I miss Mom, her humor, her love, her support, and witnessing the many qualities that made her the amazing woman that she was. However it is the missing of her that always keeps her near by. Enjoy living for something greater than yourself. Happy Easter!

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