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Are you getting your 5-a-day?

In recent years, we have all been encouraged to eat five portions of fruit or vegetables a day to improve our physical health and wellbeing. Is there a spiritual equivalent of 5-a-day? Here is one suggestion...

1. Say thank you: After Jesus of Nazareth healed ten lepers, only one came back to say 'thank you'. (Luke 17.11-19) Even if a person is being paid to do a job, they still deserve to be thanked. Be a grateful person.
2. Say sorry: To admit when we are wrong can be therapeutic. It heals relationships. If you are at fault, then apologise to people and God.
3. Forgive yourself: A close friend of mine often says, "I don't do guilt." He is not claiming the moral high ground for himself, but simply refusing to allow himself to be cowed by stultifying feelings of guilt. We all make mistakes. To err is human. Forgive yourself and move on.
4. Laugh at yourself: Sometimes I wear masks to impress others or to appear more intelligent, sophisticated or spiritual than I actually am. I amused by my own folly. Don't take yourself too seriously.
5. Enjoy living: Notwithstanding the sadness and suffering in life, the world is an amazing, beautiful place. Seek joy...not just fun. Try to see the glass as half-full. Be life-affirming.

6 October 2008

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