What Elevates Your Spirit?

Getting silly with my 7-year old. There's nothing like the sound of your own child's laughter and being able to relate to them at their level. We spend way too much time focusing on manners, homework, being responsible, etc., that we forget about showing them that we can be fun and free-spirited too.

I immerse myself in a creative process - anything from cooking something healthy or a fun craft project, to my work as a glass flameworker or in art classes that I love and believe in. For me, the more challenging, the better. When I am engaged in this way, the world and its problems fall away and at least for a time, my entire mind is focused on something really positive. Even when I encounter frustrations along that path, I know that with continued application of myself to the problem, I will solve the frustrating element - which is an attitude that I believe can be applied to any problem in life. And that's always a lift.

To renew my spirit I go to Author of my life and spirit giver. John 6:63 It is the Spirit who gives life… the words that I have spoken to you are spirit and are life. John 3:5 Jesus answered… 6 "That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. 7 "Do not be amazed that I said to you, 'You must be born again.' "For he will be like a tree planted by the water, That extends its roots by a stream And will not fear when the heat comes; But its leaves will be green…’ (Jeremiah 17:8)

Spending time with my dog and cat always
lifts my mood and spirit. They bring me so
much joy.

Nature - God's creation. I talk and listen to the birds, turtles, salamanders, deer, coyotes, bees and butterflies to name just a few. I talk and listen to the trees, creeks, flowers, bushes to name just a few. The sky, the sun, the moon, the stars, the clouds - all created in such magnificence. It all leaves me breathless at times with awe. What a creator! What a MIND!

Nature - God's creation. I talk and listen to the birds, turtles, salamanders, deer, coyotes, bees and butterflies to name just a few. I talk and listen to the trees, creeks, flowers, bushes to name just a few. The sky, the sun, the moon, the stars, the clouds - all created in such magnificence. It all leaves me breathless at times with awe. What a creator! What a MIND!

I spend time with Jesus to lift my spirit as He talks to me through His Word (Bible). His spirit lifts my spirit since He created me.

Breaking away from all the hours working in my restaurant, to pick up two of my grandchildren then drive everybody three hours to connect with my other three grandchildren. There is nothing in the world that lifts my spirits more then to watch all five of them play, laugh, connect, and bond as a family. What a joy and blessing. This is what lifts my spirit!!

I love to give compliments to strangers. If I meet someone whose clothes, hair, action, etc. I like, I tell them. Mostly they thank me and walk on with a smile to match mine. My cat loves to be held in my arms like a baby, especially in the morning as I am reading the newspaper. I rub my cheek on her fur and let the purr vibrations fill me with contentment.

Being a Life Path Number 9, Giving is my way of expressing my life's path. I give to charity, some of my time, donate blood, and according to my ex, I give too much advice!

Prayer. I find that conversing with God makes my world right. Whatever Load I bring to Him is lighter afterwards.

Unfailingly, it is to look into the eyes of my husband with whom I've been blessed with 40 years together. I fight against depression as was a victim of abuse including rape... When i realise i'm giving my distant past too much space, i shift my concentration to what I have been blessed with. Looking on the faces of my grandchildten & hearing them laugh cannot help but lift my spirits.

I walk my dogs, and as I do I remind my self to live in the moment, enjoy & be thankful for all I have, like they do!

I walk my dogs, and as I do I remind my self to live in the moment, enjoy & be thankful for all I have, like they do!

As I awaken and go to spend time in Gods presence as I have quiet time before the day begins. As I sit in silence meditating on the Word of God, the morning sun shines down upon me I know He sees and knows everything. I know He is there and my spirit soars in Him!!

I go to a yoga class. Not only is it great exercise, it releases tension, calms the mind and never fails to lift my spirits. It also makes me feel like I've done something really good for myself.

Waking up to that first conscious deep inhalation, expansion though the lungs and gratitude towards another day :D

Each night as I put my son to sleep we share 3 things. What was your favorite part of the day? What are you grateful for? And how were you kind? This nightly ritual never fails to help me realize regardless of my current state, that there are always moments of beauty and grace if we take the time to recognize them.

I run early each morning and watch the sunrise. My gratitude for the start of a new day is strengthened by the miracle of another 24 hours and the ability to run. Today this is how I elevate my spirit.

I visit my parents grave site and spend some uninterrupted time reminiscing and verbalizing their importance in my life. I don't do this as often as I'd like (due to geography), but it's important to me and I try to make it several times a year.

Acts of kindness and courtesy toward other beings, human or otherwise, whether a smile, a compliment, a few compassionate words of encouragement, or being helpful in some way, and a heart of gratitude, are constantly elevating to my spirit as well as the spirit of others.
Thank you, Dr. Kim, for all you do to elevate our spirits!
Peace, love, joy, and the best of health to you and your family, and to everyone, during the holidays and always!

With many good spirit lifters available, one that is overlooked and so easy is: breathing. Deep breaths go a long way to reorganizing our self talk and stress inducing behavior. So look breathe!!

Sitting at the feet of Jesus in AM meditating while reading His Word lifts my spirit and makes things go smoother the rest of the day. He has all our answers we need and He surely knows our needs everyday. Wow, how He gives so we can give.

I love decorating my home and keeping it comfortable for my husband and I. I also like repurposing and shifting around items I already own instead of buying more. Sometimes I'll sit with a couple decor magazines to get new ideas so I can give different areas of our home a fresh look. Then I spend a couple hours rearranging things. I find it almost meditative and pleasantly calming.

Giving thanks for all that I have been given. Trying to keep all my friends in my prayers for different difficulties they each may have that is worrying them, and my family too. Saying a prayer may not be much, but it is something that I can do.

I find that my mind and body feel healthy when nurtured every single day. For my body I like start the day with warm, organic lemon water. Throughout the day I drink plenty of water and 2 or 3 cups of black or green tea. I also like to sip on Miso most days. With 7 small meals a day I constantly feel energized. I try to eat many fresh vegetables, fruit and protein. I find protein in the morning really helps me to keep going. With 8 to 10 hours of sleep I feel tip top. (I require more sleep than most people.) As far as stimulating my mind I begin the day by reading passages out of Jesus Calling. It's enlightening and stays with me throughout the day. I also do lessons from A Course In Miracles daily. I have been studying this text off and on for the last decade. I usually have other literature on the side for fun as well. I enjoy cinema and cooking and many other things. Feeling long winded so there you have it. The main stuff that helps me through the days. Have a great Holiday! Amelia.

My morning quiet time, before anyone else is awake, spent reading and praying is what elevates my spirit and reminds me that God is truly in charge of my life and big enough to walk with me through whatever I may be facing. A secondary spirit lifter is time spent home alone cleaning my house! Sounds funny, but I love quiet, and I love the peace I feel in a clean, orderly home :) Thank you Dr. Kim for your inspiration and insights!

From 12/21- 12/24 of the Winter Solstice my friends and I gather together in a cabin in the woods to enjoy four days of meditation, chi gong, fasting on broth and fresh juice to cleanse and redirect our spirits during the holiest time of the year.

Elevate everyone's spirit. Put a smile on your beloveds face.
You have no idea how hard I've looked
for a gift to bring You.
Nothing seemed right.
What's the point of bringing gold to
the gold mine, or water to the ocean.
Everything I came up with was like
taking spices to the Orient.
It's no good giving my heart and my
soul because you already have these.
So I've brought you a mirror.
Look at yourself and remember me.

~ Rumi

We have an extremely old and tall cherry tree behind our place. If you are upstairs or down you can still see it from certain rooms. In the spring the tree is awash with flowers, but no matter what time of year, I enjoy watching the squirrels and birds that use this tree. Their antics bring laughter and a smile no matter what type of day it has been.

The one thing I do to elevate my spirit is listen to music. I have pretty eclectic taste in music, so almost any type does the trick for me.

When I take my kayak out on the lake I feel so lucky to live near this beautifully place and so calm and peaceful.

I became a first time grandma at age 65 and keep my refrigerator door almost full of my little Addison's pictures. She brings such joy and love and peace to my heart. Just one glimpse of a picture, whether it's one where she is feeding herself prunes and has most of them on her face or a studio picture, Addison is just a delight and a lift to my spirit. Family is so important and I'm thankful to God for this blessed child.

Walking down by the ocean and watching in stillness.

Trail riding my horse is the next best thing to elevating my spirit, after reading psalms!

My spirit soars when I share the good news of Jesus Christ, who offers the best gift of all- Salvation.
I feel humbly elated when God provides opportunity to encourage someone struggling. How thankful that God opens doors to share this wonderful plan of love.
Bless you Dr. Kim for your insight and encouragement.

I spend time in silence in nature to replenish myself

Having a chat via telephone with my twin sister, who lives 600 miles away. She's my best friend and can understand and relate to things that only a sister and best friend can. Texting each other almost every day lifts my spirits as well!

I say to myself whenever I need it, especially before bed: I like myself, I love myself, I accept myself, I enjoy myself, I forgive myself. As I say it, I smile and then take several slow, gentle, deep breaths, with very slow exhales.

I used to be a regular meditator. I even to to an ashram to share in the uplifiting energy from everyone there together. Meditation got me through an anxiety attack when my son was young, due to worrying about his health. It stabilized my anxiety levels and gave me a way to deal with it. Now, even though I would benefit, I don't 'sit' as often, but I still use mantra throughout the day, especially when I feel stress or anxiety. As a preschool teacher, it really helps center me, which also helps the kids. When I have a particularly 'strong' meditation session, I feel blissful for hours afterward. I see and respond to things differently, because I am centered and open hearted.

I walk on the urban trails here in beautiful Denver Colorado. On a cold day I am often all alone, except for the trees, grasses, rabbits, and occasional coyote. In my mind I imagine pioneers from 150 years ago walking the same ground and think that in many ways the landscape has not changed. This thought is very calming to me.

My kids lift my spirits! First thing every morning when they get up, I make sure that I give each of my three kids a big hug and kiss. I make a connection with each of them before we start our day. That's hard to do when the day gets going :)

I walk by the sea, listen to the murmur of the waves and feel one with nature and universe. Being part of a whole.

I take time every day to take my mind off my problems and focus on my Maker. He knows my name and knows my needs before I do. Jesus gives me peace to make it thru the day by the Bible and the Holy Spirit. I am reminded on those days I didn't take the time because I might be grouchy or not as kind to myself and others. Thank you for providing this outlet.

Watching a really good movie gives me a lot of inspiration to be a better person so I can help more people every day even when I am not working!!

I am energized by my year old grand daughter laughing and running, and wanting to play with me. Also by reading and studying my Bible and prayer

I find encouragement and hope when I spend time in prayer and reading my Bible. I have found complete peace with God through trusting in Jesus Christ for my salvation. I also enjoy using essential oil of Lavendin for relaxation and uplifting my spirits.

What elevates me varies with the situation and day. Hiking in nature, running, scripture and a good long phone conversation with loved ones tops my list.

Walking my dogs always elevates my spirit because this act accomplishes so many things at once: being outdoors, doing a walking meditation,interacting with people and having the satisfaction of nurturing my dogs' needs.

I listen to Christian music while I walk through nature. This never fails to lift my mood and remind me of what's important.

i laugh a lot

Nourishing others always nourishes me too. I'm If I volunteer at the clothing warehouse for those who are homeless, I always feel more centered when I leave.

What gets me going and helps me get through the day. right now I have set a goal to read through the book of John In the Bible 30 times .I love my in door winter garden. I am 85 and have not had to go to a doctor in 7 years.
Doc Kim good advice is helping along with my faith God, It is at the top of the list

Dinner with my family. We always sit down to a unhurried dinner together and talk about the good, the bad, and the events of each person's day.

what elevates my spirit is when i manage to quiet the mind and realise that i am doing enough and nothing more needs to be done. when i bypass the mind i feel lighter and have a sense of wellbeing and my spirit elevates.

I live on an Island. when I go for a walk on the beach I feel energized and uplifted. and when I pet my cats I feel calm and content~

One way I elevate my spirit is being out in nature and marveling at the Creator's awesome creation. I love taking relaxing walks in the peaceful countryside while soaking in the fresh air and beauty, capturing the wonders of nature on my camera, and talking with God and meditating on His promises.

When I go to see my 14 year old granddaughter. She makes my day just to see her eyes light up. When I leave she rushes up to me for a hug and a kiss. She has such a lovely spirit and so thoughtful with everyone in her life, I think because she is also a good listener. I can only pray that it stays with her all her life. She definitely elevates my spirits and many that have spoken to me about her always comment on what a beautiful spirit she has. She is contagious .

O que me faz feliz, é estar em paz com os meus familiares e amigos.

When the weather allows (sometimes with a blanket) I love to lay in my hammock where I listen to the wind in the trees, the birds chirping and whatever other sights and sounds are given to me. During this time I often have conversations with my Maker. No matter how stressed I might have been, this time always is healing and lifts my spirits or gives me comfort and joy.

A nice warm banter with friends and strangers.
Feeding the hungry stray dogs in my neighborhood as they surround me.
A gentle hug or pat on the shoulder of a friend or acquaintance who needs it but doesn't know so.
A warm "big smile" to all those who meet my eyes. Most uplifting is when they are total strangers.
A beautiful melody that i come up with that makes somebody smile.
When my partner caresses my cheeks with that look of compassion and warmth in her eyes.

When I help fill someone's love tank I feel fulfilled When I listen to worship music I feel Inspired When I read Psalms out loud, I feel empowered When I pray I feel free. When I walk amongst tall trees,I feel peaceful When my cat purrrrs and reaches out and gently touches my face so I'll pet her, I feel happy

I love to go for a long walk around my neighborhood and during that time only allow for positive thoughts. It spins the day in a thankful direction.

I usually awaken before dawn. Before I open my eyes I listen to the sounds of nature wakening and I attach myself to those sounds. I hear the dew dripping from leaves, the first stirrings of birds and sometimes, the wind. I send my spirit out to remind myself that I am a a part of it throughout the day with my eyes open.

Just taking a moment to watch the squirrels chase each other around the large tree behind our house or listening to the various birds lifts my spirit daily.

Taking time to be by myself, breathe, notice, and listen.

I rise early in the morning to have several hours to myself. I use this time to list all the people, places and things that I am most grateful for. Then I pray to my Savior thanking Him for all the blessings in my/our lives. I then just sit quietly-breathing, emptying my mind of hurts and pains and give them to the Lord. I then plan my day with joy and the peace that surpasses all understanding!! This definitely lifts my spirit and puts me on the right path to have a glorious day!!

My spirits are lifted by reminding myself of all the good that I have seen in my lift and that the difficulties in life don't destroy it but enhance it. I have to consciously refocus my thoughts upon the Creator of the Universe and remind myself that 'all things work together for good for those who love Him.' There is always treasure to be found, even in the dark times.

Seeing sunshine or better yet, sitting in the sun. Even if I have to stay indoors, I love seeing the sun through my windows or sitting in a place where the sun shines in.

When food is scarce especially during winter I keep 5 bird feeders full with various types of seeds and suet for birds. They eat and wait for me to fill the feeders I will meditate and pray while watching them. It gives me a fresh perspective.

I like to simply be still and quiet and think about all I have to be grateful for.

I take a long walk out in nature. I live in Joshua Tree, CA. It is breathtakingly beautiful and walking in the desert calms me, and reminds me that there is so much beauty around me. I can't help but be elevated after an hour or so.

Listening to uplifting music.

I make quilts for abused women and children and other charity organizations. I pray over the quilts as I make them for the person who will recieve it for peace, health, financial increase, freedom and to know the Love of Jesus...
As a quilt is finished, it makes me feel great that in a small way that I'm touching someone's life in a positive, loving, caring way...

Talking and laughing with my BFF who lives hours away from me. Even when we don't see each other for half a year, we still feel like it's been only hours. We understand each other so well, we can finish each others' sentences. No matter what kind of troubles either of us has, 15 minutes of conversation has us both laughing. Laughing takes away the weight of the world!

What elevates my spirit is positive interaction with people. Every day I try to treat people I meet, store staff, bank tellers, drivers, anyone, with dignity and respect. We never know other peoples' stories and their struggles. Be it with finances, overwork, illness, abuse, and everyone has one.

I do this by being super mannerly, friendly and patient even when it's tough. It's amazing how most people respond back appreciatively and in kind, and altogether it makes for a great experience and a positive day, much better than being miserable. I'm just an ordinary person and know I'll never have a huge impact on the world, but this is a small, easy 'feel good' contribution I can make to uplift us all.

Standing on the Promises of God lifts my spirit. Knowing that He is so faithful to His people gives me the Peace that is beyond all understanding. The Word of God is so powerful!

For me, a grateful attitude really lifts my spirit and makes my day! I try to take time each morning to thank God for things big and small. It makes a huge impact on the rest of the day. :)

My spirit is always elevated these days when the Check-out Person in any store responds to my acknowledgement/comment that she is working so diligently, so relentlessly, being taken for granted perhaps.
Her smile, her giggle, her comment that it's not so bad, her break is coming soon...seems also to stimulate the other shoppers in the line to the point...without fail...that they're all of a sudden chatting away too.
It creates the sense that we're all in this together in those special moments.

To elevate my spirit I make hot cocoa and write in my gratitude journal. Giving thanks for what I have and all of the abundance in my life makes thing better. Namaste.

Well, where do I start. First thank you doctor Kim for the non Facebook comment section. As I am writing this I am sitting next to my 22 year old grandson. He is strapping young man and is spending his Holiday vacation with me. It gives me great pleasure. We almost lost him when he was just 3 days old due a heart complication. Doctor Starr, bless him, came to the rescue. He came out of a meeting in South Africa, straight to our hospital and did heart surgery on tiny Spenser. God was with us. He allowed Spenser to be reborn. Another reason to be thankful for is that I discovered natural medicine and now have a fantastic Naturopathic Doctor. And last but not least your greens capsules have done fantastic. I will continue to take them whenever I can afford them.

Sports photography elevates my spirit. I voluntarily photograph basketball, track and swimming at various events for different age groups. I love doing it and it brings great joy to the children and their parents.

Going for my daily morning walk
On soft, dewy , green grass,
Breathing in crisp morning air,
Listening to melodious birds chirping away,
Seeing the rising sun in the horizon,
Makes me thankfully happy to be alive and healthy,
Elevating my spirits to have a great day everyday.

PS. Wishing a Merry Christmas to Dr. Ben & all.

I truly love to help others. When I am helping others my own spirit becomes energized and elevated.

Sometime through the day I give thanks for things that I'm grateful for. I sit and pray !

My spirit is elevated to tremendous heights when I provide an unplanned, simple, seemingly unimportant kindness to another which makes them smile. When a person smiles there is also some feel good happening on the inside. Slow down, smell the roses and make someone smile :)

I hold my newborn baby tightly and closely and I inhale deeply her beautiful baby aroma. I close my eyes and thank God for my children. I will remember this moment for always.

Salsa dancing!

Holding my wee doggy in my lap and feeling her warmth and heaviness gives me almost instant peace and serenity.

This Christmas season especially has me reflecting on what it truly means to forgive others of perceived offenses in order to experience a state of genuine contentment and peace. The very heart of my chosen spiritual path is uncompromising in the teachings on forgiveness. One of my favorite meditative quotes to help me focus and try to understand what it really means to forgive, includes as follows:

“Every loving thought is true. Everything else is an appeal for healing and help, regardless of the form it takes.” ~ACIM

Many blessings everyone!

I often think of who I would want near me if I were dying, and then reach out to these people with generosity, gratitude, and humility.

I would walk bare foot along the beach. This gives me the energy and joy for few days afterward.

I dance to Caribbean music with steel drums and congas to elevate myself. I dance away the depression and anxiety. It is healing.

I read "The Brownies" by Palmer Cox, a book my mother used to read @ bedtime to me and my brother- always makes me smile and puts me in a different frame of mind.

Feeling at peace with myself elevates my spirit. Knowing my spiritual self has been fulfilled brings me peace. I can offer assistance to someone in need, speak to a friend whom I've not heard from in a long time, prepare an enjoyable and hearty meal, share a special moment with my husband of 53 years, enjoy a hearty laugh over something silly, or even take a great photo.

Shifting my train of thought helps me refocus to the positive side and stay out of feeling yukky.

That one specific thing for me is: meditate for 20 minutes, with a cat sitting on my lap or beside me.

This unique activity combines 2 of my favorite things, which are obviously - 1) spending time with a cat and 2) meditation. My friends very well know what a cat crazed guy I am : the moment I see a cat anywhere, I wanna pet it, feed it and watch it. Cats light up my face. Meditation is an activity which I can say without doubt has transformed my life. It helps me reach that awesome state of mind in which all things in life are put in proper perspective. It helps me reach that awesome state of body where I am breathing slowly and deeply and my muscles are completely relaxed.

Thank you for organizing this giveaway. Whether I win or not, I have definitely seen this favorite activity of mine from a different perspective (elevating my spirit)

Teaching others something that I have learned elevates my spirit. I guess that's why I'm a teacher. ;)

Being aware that synthetic drugs can cause cycle of diseases, I have started an advocacy to share health awareness to the countryside of the Philippines. More particularly the mountainous region of the Cordillera.
Doing health forum to the areas our team visited on a monthly visit is putting myself at a high spirit. Knowing in a small way, my team and I are able to create the importance of nutrition and nutritional supplements in everyones health.

Update on December 26, 2015: Thank you so much to all who contributed to the comments section below. This giveaway is now complete. Theresa Bravata, Paige Dunlap, Bruce Pollard, Louise Sims, and Stacy Perrou - please send us your shipping address so that we can send you a bottle of our Organic Whole Food Multi in Vegetable Capsules. You can use our contact form here: Contact Us @ DrBenKim.com

To uplift myself, I meditate for a bit to get centered & balanced. Then I listen to some uplifting music.

The things that elevate my spirit are my sisters, who are funnier, more generous, more gracious and better human beings than I. I aspire to be as good as they are.

The other thing that elevates my spirit is traditional Irish music. From a people oppressed by the English came a set of tunes and songs that is complex and mysterious, funny and somber. I am very grateful for such outstanding Irish musicians as Liz Carroll, Martin Hayes, Paddy O'Brien, Michael Coleman and John Williams.