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
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