Order as a Spiritual Practice

Order as a Spiritual Practice

PRACTICE

52 Weeks of Spiritual Practice

By Deborah Williams

The purpose of the 52 Principles is to develop a partnership, a connection with God. Connecting with God is why we are here; the soul’s desire. To be in communication with the Creator is ideally the most fulfilling life, our best life. The intent of the 52 Principles is God-realization through daily practice. Practice the principles with frequency and find God-consciousness through your own efforts. With practice, you will begin to encounter your experiences in a spiritual context as you begin to practice and master spiritual principles. This week’s spiritual principle is Order.

The essence of spirituality is creation. God has an operating system to order our spiritual and material life which works in our best interest. His rules of creation, seed and harvest time (Genesis 8:22), do not require our consent, agreement, or cooperation. Words are seeds and seeds reproduce after their kind (Genesis 1:11), whether we are conscious, or not.  Love produces love; hate produces hate; and corn produces corn. As we think, we are (Proverbs 23:7).

In God’s operating system we reap what we sow. Scripture counsels, Do not be deceived and deluded and misled; God will not allow Himself to be sneered at scorned, disdained. He deludes himself who attempts to delude God. For whatever a man sows that and that only is what he will reap. For he who sows to his lower nature, he will reap ruin and destruction, but if he sows to the Spirit he will reap eternal life (Galatians 6:7-9).Words of faith are seeds and the heart is the soil for faith seeds.  How do we plant or sow faith seeds? Seeds of faith are planted via the ears, eyes, mouth. What we think, what we say, what we hear; positive or negative. The objective of planting faith seeds is to penetrate the heart. Preparing the soil of the heart to accept the faith seeds through prayer and meditation is a process of commitment, discipline, patience, and perseverance. And let us not lose heart and grow weary and faint in acting nobly and doing right, for in due time and at the appointed season we shall reap, if we do not loosen and relax our courage and faint (Galatians 6:9). God gave us the easy part – planting, sowing, and keeping out the weeds. The harvest is governed by dedication and persistence, but the Creator is responsible for its manifestation; nothing is impossible for a person who has a solid belief system (Matthew 17:20).

God’s presence in our life will show us how to move from point A to point B. Answers come when there is order. Life changing ideas come from God through prayer; heartfelt prayer. One word from God can change everything. God has something to say and He instructs and teaches us if we allow Him. We are encouraged, Come close to God and He will come close to you (James 4:8). When we are aware of His system, God becomes personal and we are animated and more aware of the present moment:

o   Events in life reflect our thoughts

o   People in our life are present for a reason

o   Attention creates our reality

o   Nothing is random, all things are in order

Self-Assessment:

Are spiritual principles working in your life?

How much time do you commitment to spiritual principles (prayer, mindfulness, love)?

Are you aware of God’s operating system?

When you sow seeds, what happens to your seed?

What are your faith seeds and how often are you planting?

What is your process in maintaining order in your life?

How is your prayer life or seed planting?

Order Practices:

o   Develop a prayer life. Make your first contact of the day and commune with God. Meet the day in silent unity with God and set a subtle intention on the day’s activities. Affirm, “Find me where you want me to be” and “Your will be done”. Be alert, authentic and pray what you feel, not what you think. God is concerned with your heart, not intellect. The Master taught us how to construct a simplistic form of prayer that includes recognition of God, requesting daily provisions, forgiveness, and protection; in essence the Kingdom of God. You can never pray too much. Sowing seed costs time in prayer and meditation.

o   Develop an orderly process for living. Retune the body and create order. Start with a few simple things.  Develop a daily regimen for the next ten days to put order in your daily life: everyday clean your house, make your bed every morning, don’t skip breakfast, and arrive at work 15 minutes early. Address the simple things to bring the body back to order.

o   Maintain order in the mind and body by developing a daily pattern for eating, sleeping, prayer and meditation, physical activity, order your work environment, limit drama, don’t rush through undertakings, and be mindful in all activities. Limit confusion, chatter, and drama to create peace and serenity.

God’s operating system is word to heart. What we speak, see, hear and do is planted in the heart and produces peace or chaos. Keep and guard your heart with all vigilance and above all that you guard, for out of it flow the springs of life (Proverbs 4:23). Faith is belief. Plant faith seeds in the fertile ground of the heart.

How do you practice God’s operating system of order ? Develop your own spiritual practice.

Peace and Many Blessings

 

Clarity as a Spiritual Practice

Clarity as a Spiritual Practice

PRACTICE

52 Weeks of Spiritual Practice
By Deborah Williams

The purpose of the 52 Principles is to develop a partnership, a connection with God. Connecting with God is why we are here; the soul’s desire. To be in communication with the Creator is ideally the most fulfilling life, our best life. The intent of the 52 Principles is God-realization through daily practice. Practice the principles with frequency and find God-consciousness through your own efforts. With practice, you will begin to encounter your experiences in a spiritual context as you begin to practice and master spiritual principles. This week’s spiritual principle is Clarity.

The goal of a spiritual life is clarity. Clarity is a sense of peace, a well-being in the midst of chaos and confusion and the ability to discern the truth. Clarity is to know why you do what you do, and to understand the cause and effect of conscious choice. When we are clear about our purpose and gifts, our energy is limitless.

Being clear is to know what you want and how to ask for it; with kindness. We don’t ask for what we want because we believe that our request will not be heard. The Word reminds us: You want things, but you don’t get them and you are jealous of others. But you still cannot get what you want. So you argue and fight. You don’t get what you want because you don’t ask God (James 4:2). Never be afraid to ask for what you want. Make a commitment to communicate clearly and directly in all relationships. Be clear in what you want and what you don’t want. Clarity in speech results in a clear direction.

In order to be clear, ask the real questions: What am I feeling and why am I feeling it? Why doesn’t this feel right? What’s troubling me? Clarity is asking the questions with expectation of insight and understanding. Examine what you feel and why, verbalize your feelings, and know that you are not your feelings. Being emotional is an opportune time to discover the truth about what you are feeling. Seek the reason for the emotional disturbance and keep the focus on you, not on others. Above all else, guard your heart; for out of it flows the issues of life (Proverbs 4:23). Be responsible for your part and what you allow in your life and make a commitment to make another choice going forward. Life is forgiving and always provides opportunities to show us what we learned, or what needs improvement. If there is no change in behavior, there is no growth. Go deep to the peace inside you at the soul level.

Clarity Practices:

• Affirmation: I acknowledge what I want and what I feel and I express my feelings clearly and directly, with kindness.
• Cry with an agenda. Write out what you are feeling.  The goal of crying with an agenda is to gain clarity about your issue. Personify the energy of confusion, anger, depression, resentment, and defensiveness. Have a conversation and then release and let it go.
• Respond to the energy of confusion, anger, depression, resentment, by first declaring, “That’s not me.”  Then, find your center or peace, be clear, expect the best, watch and wait. And this too shall come to pass (Zechariah 6:15).

Self-Assessment:

Do you say no when you want to say yes?

Do you go when you want to stay?
Do you ask but doubt you will receive?

Clarity is an internal process. When clarity is developed, external disturbances have minimal impact on our inner world. To be clear requires trust, and the byproduct of clarity is peace of mind. The goal of a spiritual life is clarity.

How do you maintain clarity in the midst of chaos and confusion? Develop your own spiritual practice.

Peace and Many Blessings

 

Authenticity as a Spiritual Practice

Authenticity as a Spiritual Practice

PRACTICE

52 Weeks of Spiritual Practice

By Deborah Williams

The purpose of the 52 Principles is to develop a partnership, a connection with God. Connecting with God is why we are here; the soul’s desire. To be in communication with the Creator is ideally the most fulfilling life, our best life. The intent of the 52 Principles is God-realization through daily practice. Practice the principles with frequency and find God-consciousness through your own efforts. With practice, you will begin to encounter your experiences in a spiritual context as you begin to practice and master spiritual principles. This week’s spiritual principle is Authenticity.

It is better to have heart without words than words without heart (Ghandi). Authenticity is living from the heart; whole-heartedness. Authenticity is to know your truth and to have the courage to show up with integrity, genuineness, honesty, and without pretense.

Someone said “to be or not to be, that is the question.” Not only is that the question, but it is the answer. Be willing to be who you are, practice your gift – even if it is unpopular. Find your light, your gift and let it shine continuously. Be positive, and be the best you can be. You are what God created you to be. Your truth, your light, your gift is unique.

Being authentic is not an easy task in a culture bombarded with images of who we need to be via advertisement, music, peers, number of friends on Facebook, number of followers on social media, entertainers as idols, and expectations of family and friends. Authenticity is sacrificed for being liked and accepted by others. Let everyone be sure that he is doing his very best, for then he will have the personal satisfaction of work well done and won’t need to compare himself with someone else. (Galatians 6:4) Who others expect us to be may cause anger, eating disorders, depression, unhappiness, physical ailments, anxiety, addiction, resentment, grief; all as a result of not being true to self. Be more interested in the Creator’s acceptance of you than how others feel about you. Search me thoroughly, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! (Psalm 139:23). We can be “one hundred” with our Creator because our God knows and sees our heart.

Authenticity Practices:

Ø  Affirmation: I am totally independent of the good and bad opinions of others, I am beneath no one, I am fearless in the face of any and all challenges. Do not shrink or swell.

Ø  Make a Vow of Authenticity: To have and to hold, for better or worse, richer or poorer, sickness and health, till death do us part. Be devoted to who you are.

Ø  Authentic Kindness: Relate to everything with kindness. Be kind and honest without making others uncomfortable. Say what’s on your mind with kindness when communicating with others. Communicate without sounding like a know it all and have the courage to kindly disagree with the crowd.

 

Self-Assessment:

How do you remain authentic and not drift back to pretense?

What distracts you from being authentic?

What has God called you to do; what is your gift?

Do people know how you really feel about them?

What is your foundation of truth; what sure thing that will not let you down?

Become who you were born to be and let go of the expectations of how others perceive you to be. Find your truth and live it. No one can tell you what your truth is. We are created as diverse as the fish, flowers, and birds; God loves diversity. Becoming your true self is becoming authentic.

How do you develop the courage to be authentic in a culture that encourages you to fit in? Develop your own spiritual practice.

Peace and Blessings

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Simplicity as a Spiritual Practice

Simplicity as a Spiritual Practice

PRACTICE

52 Weeks of Spiritual Practice

By Deborah Williams

The purpose of the 52 Principles is to develop a partnership, a connection with God. Connecting with God is why we are here; the soul’s desire. To be in communication with the Creator is ideally the most fulfilling life, our best life. The intent of the 52 Principles is God-realization through daily practice. Practice the principles with frequency and find God-consciousness through your own efforts. With practice, you will begin to encounter your experiences in a spiritual context as you begin to practice and master spiritual principles. This week’s spiritual principle is Simplicity.

The simplicity of nature supports and nourishes. All creation has an invisible connection with the sun, moon, stars, earth and sky. And God saw everything that He had made, and behold, it was very good, suitable, and pleasant and God approved it completely. And there was evening and there was morning, a sixth day (Genesis 1:31). The simplicity of love is compassion, patient, sensitive, tender, affectionate, and a gentle and respectful approach to all things. Fellowship with God through nature by taking time to appreciate a sunrise/sunset, flowers, oceans, mountains, air; God is in His Creation. Naturalness is simple and easy.

Simplicity is being clear and direct in your communications with others. And don’t say anything you don’t mean. This counsel is embedded deep in our traditions. You only make things worse when you lay down a smoke screen of pious talk, saying, ‘I’ll pray for you,’ and never doing it, or saying, ‘God be with you,’ and not meaning it. You don’t make your words true by embellishing them with religious lace. In making your speech sound more religious, it becomes less true. Just say ‘yes’ and ‘no.’ When you manipulate words to get your own way, you go wrong (Matthew 5:33-37).  All of nature is simple and direct - except humans. We say one thing and mean another. Simplicity is living directly, asking direct questions, being direct and allowing life to touch you; no denials and no covers.

How much of your life is yours, aside from work, family, friends and other responsibilities? Find and take time daily to do at least one thing you like to do. Take time daily to spend time with God. Advertisement states that image is everything, but image cannot substitute for the real thing. Make God a priority.

Practice doing your best; practice makes mastery a reality. Always give 100% of your best. Work hard so God can say to you, “Well done.” Be a good workman, one who does not need to be ashamed when God examines your work. Know what his Word says and means (2 Timothy 2:15). Doing your best is simple because your best depends on how you feel in the present moment. If you were asked to do fifty pushups in5 minutes, the best you may be able to do is ten. But, given time, your best will improve with practice. Practice makes the master.                                                                                                                                                                                                 

Self-Assessment:

Do you say what you mean and do you express yourself clearly and directly?

What are your simple requests that would make your life more enjoyable?

What inspires you?

What consumes your day?

List five things that would simplify your life.

What “golden handcuffs” (hand-cuffed by materialism) distracts you from what’s important?

How much time do you spend doing the things you like to do?

How much time daily do you spend with your God?

Are you in tune with natural cycle?

Simplicity Practices:

• Discover the things that you like, the things that make you happy. Find and make time to do them, and follow your energy. Allow at least one hour per day to do what pleases you.
• For the next three months fellowship with God, twenty minutes in the morning and twenty minutes in the evening. Imagine how life will change when you give God a percentage of your time daily.
• Streamline your life; what are the top five things that will provide you peace and serenity.
• Take a digital holiday; no cell phone or emails. In a multi-tasking society it’s rare to have a conversation uninterrupted by a cell phone. When we give our undivided attention, it shows the other that they matter, and we “see” them.

Evaluate what is meaningful in your daily life and take/make the time to do them. Family, close friends, love, and laughter are the simple things that matter. The simple things are easy to do, and easy not to do. Cook and eat at least one healthy meal with your family, or solo; pray; get up early to meet the day and see the sunrise; take a walk and admire nature (God is in His Creation); read an inspiring book; show a child a new skill; write a letter; visit a friend.

How do you simplify life with more goodness; God? Develop your own spiritual practice.

Peace and Blessings

 

 

Discipline as a Spiritual Practice

PRACTICE

52 Weeks of Spiritual Practice

By Deborah Williams

The purpose of the 52 Principles is to develop a partnership, a connection with God. Connecting with God is why we are here; the soul’s desire. To be in communication with the Creator is ideally the most fulfilling life, our best life. The intent of the 52 Principles is God-realization through daily practice. Practice the principles with frequency and find God-consciousness through your own efforts. With practice, you will begin to encounter your experiences in a spiritual context as you begin to practice and master spiritual principles. This week’s spiritual principle is Discipline.

Spiritual disciplines are guide posts that move us to our higher purpose. How do we develop the discipline to practice the spiritual disciplines (forgiveness, gratitude, courage, prayer, trust, humility, meditation, mindfulness)? There is no magic formula; discipline comes from doing. Discipline requires determination, resourcefulness and planning. Discipline results in clarity of thought and focus.  A few errors in judgment repeated everyday move us off course, in contrast, intentional daily disciplines practiced daily will keep us on track. First step toward self-discipline begins with self-knowledge. Know the “why” of your actions. Yes, it is hard – but so what. Do it anyway; for what it will make of you.

If worry, fear, anger, and lack of forgiveness consume your thought life, developing spiritual disciplines will bring you clarity of mind, and a peace that surpasses understanding (Philippians 4:7). The more we practice compassion, we become compassionate. The more we practice love, we become loving. In comparison, we become a better hater when we continue to hate, and the angrier we are, the better we are at getting angry.

Discipline is like a self-apprenticeship. Be positive and channel your physical and mental energies into positive thoughts, intentions, and actions – not just for yourself, but for the greater good. Become less preoccupied with controlling others and your environment, and more concerned with self-control (James 1:26). By nature, we lack self-control. Self-restraint is necessary in an ego driven culture when the dictum is “Do your own thing.” Research indicates that doing a new thing for 28 days will change behavior. The mind needs consistent repetition to make changes, the “why” of making and maintaining change is a driver and motivator and crucial for permanent change. The longer you do a thing, the better you will get. Spirit will correct our behavior if we exercise self-discipline.

Self-Assessment:

Do you want to be a disciple?

Who am I becoming, and is that okay?

How do I bring (spiritual discipline) in my daily life?

Discipline Practices:

Ø  Becoming a spiritual disciple: be the principle in action for at least one week. Study every aspect of your spiritual discipline. Keep it in the forefront of your mind and contemplate/meditate on how you are willing and able to execute the principle in all your activities; look for opportunities. Visualize yourself practicing/living the spiritual discipline. Become the embodiment of your principle. Live the energy of the principle. Become the principle.

Ø  Recognize when you are successful at mastering a spiritual discipline. Share your process with someone on the journey.

The goal of spiritual discipleship is to realize peace in oneself. Become disciplined to see, know, and speak the truth – this alignment is what the soul longs for; Oneness. Be the deliberate creator of your experience through practicing spiritual disciplines. Practicing spiritual disciplines liberate the soul.

What spiritual practice keeps you centered when you face challenges?  Develop your own spiritual practice.

Peace and Many Blessings