Are you living in alignment?

You may have heard the word “alignment” before, but perhaps you’re not quite sure exactly what it is, or why it’s even important to live in alignment, or how to even get there. This week we’re going to explore the what’s, why’s and how’s of alignment.

Alignment is one of my favorite topics to talk about because this is where we make the shift from mediocre to mind-blowing, from existing to really living, from surviving to thriving.

What Does Alignment Mean?

One of the most frequent questions I get is, what does alignment mean? What do I align with?

In the Spiritual Alignment chapter of SOAR, I share the following:

“What does being aligned mean? Being aligned means connecting to your Higher Self. It means making decisions that make you feel amazing. It means living your truth. It means honoring you.  It means doing what resonates with your soul. It means doing what feels right. It means plugging into Universal Energy. The best way to put yourself in a position to receive what is in your highest good is to align yourself with Source Energy. Source Energy … you can call it what you want, be it “Higher Power”, “God”, “The Universe”, “Universal Energy”, “Creator”, it all goes back to the same place. It’s that limitless energy that flows through the Universe and each of us every moment of every day. When we learn how to take steps in our daily lives to become aligned, is when the magic really starts. We begin to tap into the never-ending, constantly-flowing energy source that sustains all life and allows us to access our personal power.”

What Spiritual Alignment Doesn’t Feel Like

First, let’s start with what alignment doesn’t feel like. We’ve all been there; I’ve been there. It’s part of life. These moments of not being aligned show us contrast and drive the desire to become aligned.  

In short, when we aren’t feeling good, we aren’t aligned. That could be any one of the following examples: stress, overwhelm, fear, doubt, fatigue, guilt, blame, shame, disappointment, defeat, failure, to name a few.  

Every time we experience a state of being out of alignment, we are presented with an opportunity to choose alignment. 

What Spiritual Alignment Feels Like

In Chapter 19 of SOAR, I share a few examples of what alignment can feel like:

“Alignment can come in the form of a variety of different feelings. Sometimes it’s a feeling of pure joy, bliss, childlike wonderment and excitement.  Sometimes it’s peace. Sometimes it’s contentment. Sometimes it’s satisfaction.  

Whatever it is, though, it always feels good.”

Several times throughout the day, ask yourself, “How do I feel?” and “What is something I can do to feel amazing right now?”

Why It’s Important to Be Spiritually Aligned

Living life from a spiritually aligned place is the best gift we can give ourselves, others, and the world around us. That is where we tap into our fullest potential. That is where we step into our personal power. That is where we get into the state of flow, and surrender, and trust the process. That is where life is fun, joyful and magical.

And last but not least, what you’ve been waiting for … HOW to get spiritually aligned!

There are so many ways to take steps toward becoming spiritually aligned, and here I am giving you seven ideas to get your alignment game on:

1.) Practice Self-Love

Self-love is a lifestyle based on nourishing your mind, body and spirit. I talk about this a lot because it is a foundational element of the spiritual journey and is essential to connecting to your Higher Self and living in a place of alignment. What are your favorite ways to nourish your mind, body, and spirit?

2.) Breathe

I know it sounds simplistic, but one of the best ways to get back into alignment is to just focus on breathing. When we are stressed, we pull ourselves out of alignment and cut ourselves off from living in that flow state. Take three deep, intentional breaths that fill up your belly. Try doing this a few times per day. If you’d like to recite your favorite mantra too, you can. I like to say “trust the process” and it shifts me back into alignment really quickly.

3.) Live in the Moment  

The only thing we are guaranteed is this very moment right in front of us. When we’re stuck in the past or worried about the future, we cut ourselves off from the joy right in front of us. Every moment in life is fleeting, and we only get one shot to soak up the fullness and the richness of the moment. Are you living large? Are you choosing joy? Are you going for the gusto? How can you make strides toward living in the moment today?

4.) Surrender and Trust the Process

When we’re living in alignment, there’s ease, an organicness, and a flow to life.  We realize we don’t have to call all the shots or have it all figured out. We trust that we’re right where we’re supposed to be. Start to make the shift from fear to faith by reading this paragraph from SOAR:

“When you achieve alignment, you realize that there is no room for fear. Fear doesn’t have a remotely supporting role in your play because you realize that no matter what happens, you will be okay. You may be living a different reality than you envisioned yourself living at this point, but you will be okay. Recognize the value of harnessing and optimizing your personal power and understand that you are limitless. You take risks that you didn’t take before, and even some of the decisions you make and risks you are comfortable taking now would have been unfathomable at earlier points in your evolution. You understand that everything is unfolding perfectly and place your utmost trust in the Universe.” 

5.) Let Go of Certain Things

What are you holding onto that doesn’t serve you? Are you carrying around regrets?  Blame? Shame? Guilt? Do you need to forgive yourself, or someone else, for something? Are you holding onto thought processes that don’t move you forward? How about physical possessions? Is there anything you need to part with?

6.) Put Boundaries Into Place

When we put boundaries into place, we are honoring ourselves. Start establishing deal-breakers, no-go zones, and get really clear on your standards and what changes you need to make in your life.

7.) Do Something Creative

The Universe loves a creative soul. Even if you don’t think you are creative, you are. We all are. I know you are. Sometimes we just have to dig deep to find our creative talents, but trust me, they’re there. 

Here’s a little excerpt from SOAR that shows how creativity and spiritual alignment are closely intertwined:

“Creativity fuels spiritual alignment and spiritual alignment fuels creativity. The Universe loves it when our energy is poured into creative endeavors because we are expressing our own individuality and sharing our uniqueness with the world, which can come in a multitude of different forms, like art, playing a musical instrument, writing, singing, dancing, sharing your sense of humor, cooking or baking. When we are plugged into Universal Energy, we draw directly from that same creative energy from which the Universe originated. Pay attention to how your creative endeavors are unfolding. If it’s flowing and feels organic and natural, you can be assured the Universe is working with you as you imprint your unique energy signature on the world.”

Getting into the state of being spiritually aligned is a constant practice. It requires a retraining of the mind. It’s a moment-to-moment practice where you check in with how you feel and make a choice that makes you feel better. Above all else, the best thing you can do every day is to commit to your alignment. Start the process this week by checking out SOAR.