7 ways to be Fully Alive

No. 3 of the Soaring Series

Don't we all long for a sense of vitality and presence in our everyday lives? In today's fast-paced world, feeling truly alive can often seem like a distant dream. We go through the motions, ticking off to-do lists, meeting deadlines, and fulfilling obligations, but rarely do we stop to reflect on what it means to live fully.

If I want my spirit to soar, to be free from my birdcage, I’ve discovered a few things that really do help. Perhaps even more than Prozac!

1. Cultivating Mindfulness

Mindfulness is the practice of being present in the moment, fully engaged with whatever I’m doing. It's about paying attention to my thoughts, feelings, and surroundings without judgment. And being aware of the goodness and loving gaze of God.

And I don’t always find that easy, I have to admit!

So, here’s what I find helpful.

• Start with Meditation: Even a few minutes a day can make a significant difference. Find a quiet spot, somewhere to be your sacred space, where you can sit comfortably, relax and focus your attention on God. You might breathe deeply, and then say some special words to help you concentrate. “Jesus, Son of God, have mercy on me , a sinner.” Or, “Glory be to the Father, and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.” Something that helps you gather those distracting thoughts and replace them with the One on whom you want to concentrate. If you’d like help creating a sacred space, ask me and I’ll send you some ideas.

• Be Grateful: I keep a little gratitude journal, and write down three things I’m thankful for each day. Sometimes they’re very ordinary things - the freshly brewed coffee first thing in the morning. Sometimes it’s while I’m out - the scent of newly mown grass or the first signs of spring. Sometimes it’s the unseen things - the love of family and friends, the joy of waking to a fresh new day.

• Engage Your Senses: Take a moment to notice what you see, hear, smell, taste, and touch. I like to do this when walking, looking around, taking it all in and noticing with each of my senses. And then turning it into a prayer walk as I thank God for making me with these senses to enjoy, thank Him for making me ME!

2. Connecting Deeply with Others

We were created for connection and community. Studies have shown that you are more likely to die early if you eat broccoli but are alone and lonely, than if you eat biscuits/cookies in the company of loved ones! Human connections are a fundamental part of feeling alive. Building and nurturing connection and community can significantly enhance my sense of joy and purpose. More on this next week in the series of The Birdcage - setting your spirit free to soar!

3. Embracing Change and Growth

A couple of weeks ago, I wrote about the fear of change and metathesiophobia! Life is dynamic, and staying pinned to the perch of the birdcage is stultifying. Have a look back at that if you’ve not read it yet. I’ve found too that it helps if I set goals, both short term and long term. Yes, it takes time to think about that but it’s so worth it in the end - after all, aim for nothing and you’re sure to hit it!

4. Engaging in Creativity

I used to think I wasn’t very creative - I can’t draw or paint and was thrown out of art classes at school. I retreated to the library in great relief and read and read. Pure joy for me!

But I now realise that being creative covers such a wide range of things - writing, sewing, gardening, building models, journalling, adding beauty to the home, making music, tinkering with old cars, to name just a random few …. whatever sets the creative juices going. It’s different for each of us. Learning what makes you a creative person really does help your spirit soar. Creativity allows us to express ourselves and explore new possibilities. And I believe it's a vital part of what makes us feel alive. If we are indeed created in the image of God (see Genesis 1 & 2) who is a Creator God, then we are created to be creative. It’s part of what makes us fully alive and sets the spirit soaring.

• Find Your Passion: Whether it's painting, writing, dancing, or cooking, find activities that you love and make time for them.

• Create Regularly: Make time each week to engage in creative pursuits. I find I need to put it in my diary/schedule otherwise it gets squeezed out!

• Share Your Work: Don't be afraid to share your creations with others. It can be deeply fulfilling. As I’m finding with writing this Substack series!

5. Prioritising My Physical Health

When I’m feeling great, I love exercising. Which for me means long distance walking, shorter walks most days and daily Pilates online. When I’m not feeling great, it’s a real effort to do anything at all, let alone go for a walk (especially in the rain and wind!) Yet I know that a healthy body is essential for a vibrant life and taking care of my physical health boosts my energy levels and improves my overall well-being. And thus makes my spirit soar! I have to really push myself to get out sometimes; it’s always worth it in the end. The best thing of course is to find a partner, so that I’m walking with someone else and I don’t want to let them down by not turning up! Accountability is a great incentive.

Alongside the exercise, I’m trying to eat better. We all know what to eat and what not to eat; it’s convincing myself to stick to it. When feeling low, it’s all too easy to devour a packet of digestive biscuits. It only makes me feel worse yet I still seem to do it. I know I should fuel my body with a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Again, an accountability partner helps - although he seems to be able to devour a whole bar of chocolate a day with no adverse effects! I need to cut out alcohol and sugar - I know I feel so much better for it. One day at a time - I’ll do it for today. Tomorrow is another day and I’ll worry about it tomorrow (ie, start again just for the day).

I also need 8-9 hours of sleep a night. My OH needs 6-7 with a power nap after lunch! What works best for you?

6. Seeking Inner Peace

I read the other day that Inner peace is about finding a sense of calm and contentment within yourself, regardless of external circumstances; to practice Self-Compassion by treating yourself with kindness and understanding, and letting go of negativity by releasing grudges, forgiving others, and moving on from past hurts.

While there is some truth in all of that, I personally can’t do it alone! Circumstances around me affect me a lot, whether it’s people, place or position. My inner peace is a gift from God, a fruit of the Spirit (love, joy, peace … Gal 5 v22). I need to ask for the gift each day - each moment, more like! Paul wrote about being content in whatever circumstances, giving thanks IN all circumstances. (not FOR all circumstances) and that certainly helps. Breathing deeply and slowly, fixing my mind on the Lord, remembering His loving kindness (‘mostly what God does is love you’, Eph 5 v1-2, The Message) and that I sit under the loving gaze of God at all times, restores my equilibrium. I allow that loving gaze to warm me as I rest in it and am enveloped by it. What a gift!

7. Living with Purpose

Sometimes it’s all too easy to drift, to go with the flow, to forget about purpose and passion. Yet, without vision, purpose, passion, I stumble and fail. (see Proverbs 29:18). Having a sense of purpose gives my life direction and meaning. It can be a powerful motivator and a source of deep satisfaction.

• Identity Your Values: Reflect on what matters most to you and let these values guide your actions. What’s the calling of God on your life? What makes your spirit soar and sets you free from your birdcage?

• Give Back: Volunteer your time and skills to help others. Acts of kindness can bring a profound sense of fulfilment, however small or large.

• Pursue Your Dreams: Don't be afraid to chase your passions and ambitions. If God created you to be YOU, what’s part of you that needs to be expressed and pursued?

"The glory of God is man(ie humans) fully alive, and the life of man (humans) is the vision of God. If the revelation of God through creation already brings life to all living beings on the earth, how much more will the manifestation of the Father by the Word bring life to those who see God" - Irenaeus, 2nd Century Christian theologian.

Being fully alive means embracing life with all its ups and downs. It's about being present, connecting deeply with others, and continually seeking growth and fulfillment. By integrating these practices into my daily rhythm, I’m rediscovering the joy and vitality that makes life truly worth living.

Feel free to share your thoughts and experiences on this journey to living fully. What practices have helped you feel more alive? Let's continue this conversation in the comments.

This is part 3 of the Soaring Series. The others are:

The Birdcage and Metathesiophobia

What’s your biggest fear?

If you’d like to join me on a retreat or pilgrimage, there are several planned over the next two years. Here are more details :

Retreats Advent 2024

Pilgrimage Italy May 2025

Pilgrimage to Turkey and the 7 churches of Asia Minor: 2026

September 2025: a small, contemplative retreat. 5-6 days of reflective prayer and spiritual accompaniment,  led by Penelope, on retreat near Bath in an historic home.   Further details coming soon, but contact me if you’re interested.