“Our lives are defined and valued by our Leaning Moments”
-James Sarvis

 With May being Mental Health Awareness month, you might be wondering what you can do to make things better? As Leaning Moments decrease in families and our communities, there is a rise in depression and mental health issues. Therefore, I believe that Leaning Moments are the antidote. Just as food nourishes the body, Leaning Moments Charge the Spirit. What I am advocating is nothing new to modern science and health research all over the world. I read an article on CNN that stated, “well-hugged babies make less-stressed adults”. Our brains don’t develop the same when we lack Leaning Moments when we are young. It is scientifically proven that hugs release oxytocin levels, which is known as the love hormone. The hormones released can also help lower blood pressure and relieve stress. It is considered child abuse to deprive a child of food or shelter, but I believe we need to realize the importance of their “spiritual food” as well.

Several years ago I coined the term “spirit charger”, because I realized how important it was for us to charge our spirits, like we charge our cell phones. We keep extra chargers all over the house and in our cars to make sure our phones stay charged, but what if were just as aware of keeping our spirit charged the same way. I am not advocating you go out and hug everyone; there are so many ways to create Leaning Moments. A wave, a smile, a conversation, or playing with your children, are all ways we can charge our spirit through Leaning moments.

Maybe you are one of those people who say I am not a “people person”. What I have learned through observation is that a person can “charge their spirit” by 1,2, or all of 3 ways; Nature, Pets, and People. I think it’s important to evaluate how you charge your spirit. Once you have figured that out, you can be proactive about charging your spirit BEFORE it goes down. Go for a walk in nature, go spend some time with your pet, or go see someone you have positive predictability for Leaning Moments.

One of my quotes is “our lives are defined and valued by our Leaning Moments”. And, when you talk to someone it won’t be long before they tell you how they define themselves. They may talk about their love for nature, tell you that they are a grandmother, or show you pictures of their pet Yorkie. These are how they get there “Leaning Moments”, and how they value themselves.

When our spirits aren’t charged we lose connection to everything and everyone, and it’s like not having service on our cell phones. We are different, and some may be dangerous when their spirit is down. Depression is tied to value and it’s easy to destroy anything we don’t value, including ourselves.

 Leaning Moments are how we create love by charging our spirit, keeping us healthy, mentally and physically. And the good news is that Leaning Moments are free, and benefit all of us, including nature and pets.

These articles are co-written by James and Elisha, based on the books and work created and founded by James.