Your hectic schedule demands that you take a vacation once in while. You’ve earned it and you want to make the most of your time off: fun, sun, relaxation, and self-indulgence, all within the healthy boundaries of your spiritual path.
Below we offer 10 spiritual tips to get the most out of your pleasure-seeking vacation. After all, as long as you’re not intentionally hurting anyone (including yourself), pleasure can be spiritual too.
1) En route to your destination cruising high above the ocean, listen to a hypnotic recording or two to help you unwind. Be careful not to go too deep though, as you don’t want to get so relaxed that you fall headfirst into your seat-mate’s lap.
2) You arrive at the tropical resort and are so excited that you’re finally here. As soon as you unpack, do a quick 20 minute meditation to ground and center yourself so you can begin your time in paradise on the right foot. First though, make sure to grab the ear-plugs because the newly formed couple next door are getting the party started early and don’t realize how thin the walls are.
3) Enjoy the wonderful meet and greet cocktail party at sunset on the beach on your first night. Pace yourself with those drinks, you’ve got an entire week ahead of you. Though a sure sign you’ve met a kindred spirit may be an invitation to do Jell-O shots, remember to ask your spiritual helpers of the Light on the other side for guidance involving new friends.
4) You wake up the next morning ready to go. You’ve got your MP3 player, sun hat, new sunglasses, and sandals. You’re well aware that birthday suits dry far faster than store-bought ones, so you go commando, like most of the other fun-loving guests. Besides, you like the freedom of movement as you go for an early morning jog on the beach. To relax those muscles after your workout, accept the offer of some complementary energy healing and Reiki from your new friend as you lounge seaside.
5) Sun-block! Use it liberally as you frolic in the sand and surf, especially on those body parts that don’t often receive the sun’s rays. As you relax and unwind in the warm sun and ocean breezes, you overhear someone speaking French and get flashes of a past life you lived long ago. Make a note of your perceptions so you can explore the insights later.
6) Don’t forget to follow good nude etiquette and sit on a towel at lunch. You’ll also want to remain centered and keep your spiritual focus sharp, so do a quick meditation before eating. The last thing you want to do is be so distracted by your fellow adventurers’ body language that you dump an enchilada with extra hot sauce and guacamole in your bare lap. But hey, the photo-op would be priceless. It would also prepare you for desert–human sundaes.
7) Nothing beats a good game of volleyball, twister, or a hula hoop contest after lunch, all nude, of course. If it’s your good karma to win, you will, but nobody likes a bitter loser, so resist the temptation to secretly film the winners and post the video online. This would not help you gain positive karma in the least.
8) How about freshening up in the late afternoon before dinner with a good massage? Perfect! Maybe 10 minutes of yoga afterwards too, to further tap your energy reserves.
9) You’re excited for the All that Glitters and Shakes and the Bubble Bath Party tonight at the disco. While partying the night away, you connect with someone who is so much fun that you can’t stop laughing as you descend the water slide together at the midnight swim, right next to the jam-packed hot tub. Sex is as spiritual as you make it, but be sure to play safe too.
10) What’s that, a lost soul, or even an innocuous demon in your room? All that merry-making has inadvertently drawn in some dark energy. Make sure to put aside some time for a spiritual cleansing meditation, and help that lost energy to the light if you’re so inclined. Keep yourself psychically protected with white Light at all times.
After a week of non-stop action, all in all, the trip was a blast. You’re confident that it’s just what you needed to relax and get a fresh perspective on your life, and you’re more convinced than ever that a spiritual lifestyle includes sensual gratification with healthy limits. Thankfully, you have more freedom now than you did in your strict, spiritually devout lifetimes as a priest, nun, or monk of various faiths!
Copyright © 2009 Scott Petullo, Stephen Petullo