Polly Campbell: The Perfect, Imperfect Spirituality
Omtimes: What are some practical, tangible things people can do each day to feel better in the moment and move toward their greatest dreams and desires?
Polly: Breathe. Tilt your head to the ceiling, take deep breaths. Wash your hands mindfully. Immerse yourself in a single experience: feel the water, see it, et al. Tap into all your senses and you become present in the NOW. That’s a difference maker. Go outside. Somehow interact with nature each day. Marvel at it.
Omtimes: Why did you include a chapter on Everyday Courage in the book? What is everyday courage?
Polly: Because I believe we are living in a highly critical culture and it takes courage to connect with all that we are and live with that, even when sometimes it’s not pretty or accepted by others. Sometimes it’s messy. But, within those so-called quirks or flaws we also discover our greatest gifts. With courage you access those gifts. Courage is about accepting who you are so you can live in that space. It’s about being bold to live big.
Omtimes: In your chapter on living well with bad emotions, you say negative emotions offer cues to help you become aware of where you are and motivate you to move toward something better. But, how can feeling bad be a way out of the pain?
Polly: When we notice what we are feeling and the origins of those emotions, when we become conscious of them, we actually get curious. Then we move into a place of awareness and learning. We don’t get hung up in the discomfort or anger. Sure, we still experience it, but it’s fluid and moving and offers wisdom. This allows us to move through it as well. The key is to pay attention to the emotion, not act badly or blindly from it. If you do not become aware of the emotion you’re feeling, you’re more likely to be stuck in it and act badly from it.
Omtimes: So often people are doing the right thing, living with compassion and kindness and then something triggers them—a rude driver on the freeway, for example—and we break from that peaceful place. What are some things we can do in moments of upset to stay close to being spiritually connected?
