A genuinely spiritual person has no preconceived ideas about what it means to be spiritual. He is liberated; he or she is bold and not out to prove him or herself. In all situations, they are in control, calm and undemanding, truly compassionate and not afraid of anything. True spirituality is just good mental health.

All individuals should aspire to such a level of consciousness, because the path to true happiness and fulfillment is through liberation of the mind. Sanity is the state of being happy no  matter what the circumstances are. But happiness is not merely the opposite of mental pain. It is the complete absence of mental pain. A state of happiness is our human birthright. The choice we have in life is to choose our attitude toward what life offers.

People are not really satisfied by their cravings in the world; they just want to be at peace with themselves, but don’t know how to achieve that state. To reach this mindful peace, we must rid ourselves of the notion that things should turn out as we desire. We cannot achieve or have anything worthwhile without this power of selfresponsibility. There is no power but that which we give ourselves. There is no freedom other than being our natural selves. A happy life consists of a mind that is beyond the influence of fear or desire.

Begin by going through a day without complaining about anything, either outwardly or inwardly. No amount of blaming brings about self-responsibility and potential self-success. Doing so will reveal a secret known only to a very few. This holiday season is a time when stress levels can go into overdrive, so step out of the rush. Drive at the speed limit for a change, or get in the longest line at the grocery store, instead of the shortest.

Guy A.Francis, D. O.

Christ said, “Seek first the Kingdom of Heaven and all else will be added unto you.” The Kingdom of Heaven is not only a place; it’s also a state of consciousness, where we are always rooted in the present moment, the only real time that there is. What are all the things that will be added unto you? Not everything that our imagination can come up with, but everything that we truly need.

True spirituality isn’t for the faint of heart; it’s for the really brave and bold. However, if we accept the challenge, life becomes the great adventure it was meant to be.

Guy A. Francis, D.O., The Health Physician for Men, practices wellness medicine at Living Well Dallas (14330 Midway road, Dallas, TX 75244) and can be contacted at 972-930-0260 or [email protected]