Ask yourself–what are some ways I can have more of what I want in my life? We are all searching for peace of mind, health, prosperity and balance in all our affairs. "Honouring Your Unique Self" is a simple but very profound way to experience our precious gift of life by being aware of our body, mind, spirit, and emotions.

Think of how you use your physical, mental, spiritual, and emotional energy. Storing your energy and being a good steward of it is so vital for balance in our lives. What I have noticed in my own search for this balance in honouring my unique self is the need to be thankful for my experiences and tune into my six senses. As I climb my stairway to the stars I acknowledge and thank my body through meditation and journalling.

I start with being conscious of my breath and how it exercises my diaphragm, filling my body temple with life force, oxygen, and vitality.

I experience the sense of touch–its gentleness, and how it energizes self and others. Walking on Mother Earth’s carpet in my bare feet, I feel joy!

Listening with empathy to others and enjoying the sounds and music of the universe makes me grateful for my ears.

I look for the Divine spark in everyone, seeing only perfection, and bless them for their highest good. The universe is so beautiful, constantly expressing its colours and gifts for us to honour and enjoy.

I pause and smell the flowers in appreciation for their fragrance and uniqueness. The smell of fresh-baked bread and the smell in the air after a rain are so special.

I bless my sense of taste and savour the texture of the food I eat, visualizing as I’m chewing that the food is nourishing my body temple. I think about the Master who gave us the seeds, the people who planted the seeds, watered, harvested, transported, and put the food on the shelves in the stores–I bless all of them.

I honour and trust my sixth sense of intuition–the still small voice inside that guides me toward my higher self. I am so grateful for having the opportunity to listen for guidance and inspiration that empower self and others to act for the highest good of all concerned. Rebecca Monet, one of my teachers, used to encourage us to ask ourselves in every situation, "What’s here for me to learn about myself and others that isn’t immediately apparent?" Asking this question helps us to achieve understanding, without judgment, of how to achieve balance in our lives and to connect and bond with others.

Making and taking time to be aware and in-the-moment, with love and intention, helps conserve our energy, bringing balance and abundance in all areas of our lives.

It is simple–I invite you to take precious moments with love and intention to listen to what your body, mind, spirit, and emotions are asking you to do for them. Be mindful of the words you speak as they are very powerful and manifest in your life. May you be inspired as you continue on your journey, starting your day with three deep breaths before you get out of bed in the morning. In the evening as you reflect on your day and let your body, mind, spirit and emotions relax, take three more deep breaths.

Remember that laughter boosts the immune system, and tears wash the windows of our soul. Unless we take some time to nourish and honour our own body, mind, spirit, and emotions, we cannot be of value to others in their quest for nourishment and balance. In the wise words of one of my dear mentors, Moreah Vandervalde, "We cannot give away something we have not gotten for ourselves."

I honour, bless and thank all those who read this for your highest good. Special thanks to Melva Armstrong for giving us the opportunity to share ideas in the WHOLifE Journal.

Namaste!

Shirley Kawchuk owns and operates S.K. Relaxation Therapies in Saskatoon. She is a Reflexologist certified by the Reflexology Association of Canada and does foot care and stress relaxation therapies. "Honouring Your Unique Self: Meditation for Relaxation" audio tapes and CDs are available at several locations in Saskatoon. For further information phone (306) 384-3009 or email: jandskawchuk@sk.sympatico.ca.