Life Lesson 06: Take Care of Yourself (Part 3: Spirit)

In wrapping up my three-part entry into taking care of yourself, we’ll focus on the spirit.  Given the general nature of my blog here, you can assume that I’d devote most of this post to Catholicism and adherence to doctrine.  And while I will end with that, I think it’s important first to touch on a broader aspect that gets lost in these modern times, and that is community. 

Homo sapiens are a social species – we are hard-wired to thrive in groups.  Yet with technology’s ever-growing presence, it becomes easier with each new app and tech fad to withdraw from the physical world and retreat into the virtual world.  It is easy to get lost in a virtual reality and lose touch with those around you, immersing yourself in singular viewpoints and only searching for confirmation, not connections.  Our desire to belong isn’t fulfilled online, it is only temporarily sated with an inferior product.  Physical interactions are essential to our well-being.  Just think back to the pandemic and imagine all those kindergarteners trying to learn via a laptop instead of being in class with their peers.  That period will always stand as a point that truly showed how important community was, as the dire effects of it being taken away so suddenly were apparent. 

So, where to get this community?  Family, friends, church, gym, work.  Having multiple groups of support and interactions builds a broader perspective on life and puts context into everyday interactions.  Without this context, we are driven deeper into a transactional world, where no good deed is done without expectation of payback.  I have never planned on my kids repaying those diapers I changed or the sleepless nights, nor do I expect my friends to pay me back for helping him move a couch.  Being present with those who care for you is the reward.

Which finally brings me to the deepest part of our spirit: our soul.  Organized religion (or any of the various belief systems that aren’t “religions” in the truest sense of the word) has been a cornerstone of human society for as long as we have records.  That desire has always burned in humans to put context into our lives, to find a reason, a purpose.  And we look outward into the universe, and not inward towards ourselves, for that answer, which is telling.  Despite being Catholic from birth, I have explored other belief systems and philosophies on life to be educated in my reason to believe.  Was I looking for a reason not to believe?  Not necessarily, but my naturally curious nature drove me to see why others believe what they believe, and if the “right answer” was out there unknown to me, who wouldn’t want that revelation?  I never swayed from my beliefs in my times of research and I can state that I wholeheartedly believe in the lineage and heritage of the Catholic Church.  And if I hold that belief to be true, I am called to treat that fact with reverence.

Which brings me to the community of the church.  I said that being present with those who care for you is the reward.  Well, who cares most for us in this world?  God does.  And being in a state of grace and celebrating the Eucharist in his Church is the most straightforward way to be present with Him. 

If you somehow ended up here despite not being Catholic, Christian, or really believing in anything, continue searching for truth in the world – never give up that search.  I believe that you’ll end up finding God, but feel free to reach out if you need help or advice on your journey.

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