We often talk about becoming more spiritual or connecting to the divine. How do we do that? We know about meditation or other traditional practices, but not all methods work well for everyone. Here is one way to find out your best way to communicate more effectively with a higher presence.
We each have a way that is easiest for us to process new information. Auditory learners prefer spoken words. Visual learners prefer written material or images, and kinesthetic learners prefer movement. This preference, however, is not how we create or become more contemplative.
The sense, either visual, auditory or kinesthetic, that is our least strong one is the sense that helps us meditate and connect with our Source.
Below is a description of the three styles. To begin, choose the one that describes the way that you initially learn best. Then see if you can determine the one that is your least favorite way to learn. This will be your best sense for creativity. Taking the Balancing Pattern Survey below will further identify how you use your three senses most effectively.
Visual
read, graphics, prefer written
Auditory
Listen, Talk, Remember what is said
Kinesthetic
Move, Can’t sit still, Learn best by doing
The dominant style is the one that is naturally easiest for an individual. This is the beginning of the Pattern that consists of a combination of visual, auditory and kinesthetic, depending on:
The best way to process new information
The second best way to process new information
The most difficult way to process new information
The easiest way to determine your Pattern is to take the Individual Balancing Pattern Survey below.
* * * * *
Individual Balancing Pattern Survey
Read each statement and select the appropriate number response as it applies to you. Total the numbers at the end of each section.
Often (3) Sometimes (2) Seldom/Never (1)
____ I remember information better if I write it down.
_____ Looking at the person helps keep me focused
_____ I need a quiet place to get my work done
_____ I need to write down directions, not just take them verbally
_____ Music or background noise distracts my attention from the task at hand
_____ I doodle and draw pictures when talking on the phone or sitting in a class
_____ I have trouble following lectures
_____ I usually prefer to read about something new before having it explained to me
_____ TOTAL Visual
_____ My papers and notebooks always seem messy
____ When I read, I often use my finger to track my place on the line
_____ I do not follow written directions well
_____ If I hear something, I will remember it
_____ Writing has usually been difficult for me
_____ Sometimes I misread words from the text (such as “them” for “then”)
_____ I would rather listen and learn than read and learn
_____ I’m not very good at interpreting an individual’s body language
_____ TOTAL Auditory
_____ I start a project before reading the directions
_____ I hate to sit at a desk or computer for long periods of time
_____ I prefer to see something done and then to do it myself
_____ I use the trial and error approach to problem-solving
_____ I take frequent study breaks
_____ I use my hands when describing things.
_____ I have a difficult time giving step-by-step instructions
_____ I enjoy sports
_____ TOTAL Kinesthetic
Scoring:
The highest score on the survey usually indicates your strongest sense.
The second highest score usually indicates your secondary sense.
The lowest score usually indicates your least strong sense.
The lowest score is your weakest sense, which means that is the sense that leaves you more open to the spiritual. Your best connection and best creativity will come when you combine all three. For learning, you can focus on your dominant sense. For decision-making, you can focus on your dominant sense and the one that received your second highest score. For creativity and being open to the Universe, use all three senses, with a focus on the sense with the lowest score.
If your lowest score is Visual, looking at pictures or watching a movie may help you “space out” and be more receptive to another realm. If your lowest score is Auditory, listening to music or inspirational CDs may be your best connection. If your lowest score is Kinesthetic, moving in dance or any activity involving movement allows the mind to be open to any spiritual inspiration. If you should have the same score for any two or three, use a combination of those senses.
Cheryl A. Chatfield, Ph.D. invites you to visit her nonprofit organization at http://NottInstitute.org to find out more about connecting to our spirituality. The material above is adapted from her book Don’t Fall Off the Bicycle: Balancing Chaos and Order in Our Lives.
Article Source: What is Your Best Way to Become More Connected to the Spiritual?
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Thank you for a really useful little tool! (If I may call it that!) Thought it was so good I ‘tweeted’ it!