Balance as a Spiritual Practice

PRACTICE

Balance as a Spiritual 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 Balance.

Physical balance requires moderation, regularity, rest, and activity. Rest and activity are instinctual in lower animals. Humans override balance when moderation and regularity are replaced by excess and inconsistency. We set our own work and sleep schedules, and with modernization, our fast pace lifestyles often cause imbalance in our rest and activity, challenging our instincts and natural rhythms. Research indicates that there are physical benefits to a balanced lifestyle. On average, 7-8 hours of sleep, normal weight (not > 20% overweight and not < 5% underweight), physical exercise, moderate drinking, and no smoking are good indicators of longevity. These habits add years to our lives by retarding the aging process, and preserving order and balance.

Being balanced requires a full range of feelings, flexibility, and spontaneity. Think of balance as being measured on a continuum. To find balance, we may need to go from one extreme to the other, in order to find our center. Your center is unique and may be different from someone else’s; you are unique.  Equilibrium may require a process of exploring, developing, and nurturing the physical and spiritual Self. Follow your energy by listening to your inner voice or instinct. To be balanced is to be in tune with being and doing. Sometimes it is necessary to do nothing, to be, and other times it is necessary to take action. Try new things when you are inspired by people and projects. 

Balance in a spiritual context includes the following: love God with all your heart (Mark 12:30) through worship, love your neighbors and others (James 2:8) through ministry, share God’s message of grace with others (1 Corinthians 2:12), and teach and grow through the practice of discipleship (Matthew 28:18-20). Pass on to others what you learn. Why else would you have experiences, if not to witness to others God’s grace, power, and glory? Experiencing God’s grace increases your responsibility to others. Share your knowledge and bless others with your insights. You are a witness to the grace and greatness of God/Creator. Study and be eager and do your utmost to present yourself to God approved (tested by trial), a workman who has no cause to be ashamed, correctly analyzing, accurately dividing, and skillfully teaching the Word of Truth (2 Timothy 2:15).

To become balanced in loving God, loving others, sharing God’s message of grace, and daily spiritual practice, explore parts of Self that are less developed. To assess your current status, a spiritual checkup may be necessary. Balance God’s purpose for your life and examine the strength of your faith. Don’t allow people to lead you down a path that results in imbalance. Practice spiritual principles regularly and evaluate your spiritual health. Identify a spiritual partner and grow together through fellowship. Iron is made sharp with iron, and one man is made sharp by a friend (Proverbs 27:17).

Self-Assessment:

What are the implications and applications of spiritual practices for self, family, and community?
How do you maintain a balanced physical and spiritual life?
Do you share your experiences with others as a teaching tool?

Responsibility Practices:

• Record your life lessons in a journal and review them periodically. Write down and share your faith in regards to your challenges, joy, pain, blessings, and disappointments. Thoughts become clear and meaningful when we write them down. A journal is beneficial to you and others. 
• Develop a small reading group. Pray, encourage, and support one another.
• Balance your time with the people you love. List all the significant people in your life and schedule quality time with each person. See or call that person(s).
• Balance your time and be busy doing what matters.

Blessed are the balanced, they shall outlast everyone. Balance regulates internal and external peak efficiency. Being balanced is a combination of relaxation, play, and nurturing. Regularity and good habits decrease the aging process and keeps aging at bay.  Develop a process to balance your physical and spiritual lifestyle.

How do you balance God’s purpose for your life? Develop your own spiritual practice.

 

Peace and Much Blessings