To practise through prayer and meditation the conscious contact with God allows us to live with much more emotion which  elevates our senses.  We develop qualities of the inner compassionate self which allows empathy, sympathy, forgiveness, acceptance, tolerance, warmth, growth and love. During times of stress we can seek contact more rather then being in “script” which can perpetuate our distress.

A key antidote to this is mindfulness which connects us to our survival strategies in a true and primal way rather then a dysfunctional way via “script”.  Mindfulness connect us to our five senses of vision, hearing, smell, taste and touch.  Often in life we are not still enough to fully engage in this being with our senses.

How often do you really see the countryside with the green as sharp as nature can present it.  Or really looking at pictures in a book without rushing to the next page.  If we are still we can really listen to soothing music or the rustling of leaves or sound of the birds.  Do we really taste our food with sensual pleasure or rush it  down to get on with what’s next to do.  Do we take the time to smell the flowers that are around us or create an ambiance with scented candles which we can enjoy.  We can be the same with touch  as we are not aware of how soothing this can be whether its a tactile hug or a bubble bath.

All of these provide the nurture to our senses and can add to the practise of the step 11. Other practises are as follows which relate to symbolic spiritual touch.

Imagery= The power of our minds and what we can create with our inner worlds from relaxing scenes to developing a fantasy world that is calming and beautiful.

Meaning= and to keep on connecting with ones purpose, values by spiritual practice.  We can read or listen and focus on what is important.

Prayer= We can walk and talk out loud in prayer which means being seen and heard.  Open our hearts out to the higher power and being with great wisdom whatever that may mean to you.  We can even silently ask for strength and then not feel so alone.

Relaxation= We can find this with fun and laughter or with a muscle relaxation practise similar to mindfulness.  We can take hot baths, get massages, be at one with our breath and smile.

Encouragement= Always engage in a positivity to self in maintaining a healthy practise.  It has value when we can say to ourselves, I am not alone, I can stand this, It wont last forever, I can call on my higher power, I am doing the best I can, I can do it, I deserve to do it.