Creativity as a Spiritual Practice

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 PRACTICE

Creativity 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 Creativity.

We create with our thoughts and feeling moment to moment. The creative process occurs even if we are unaware. We do not create alone, and are most successful when we are co-creators with our God. When we enter into a partnership or sonship (Hebrews 1:5) with our Creator, we utilize our natural talents and gifts. When God is our partner, we know that all things work together for our good (Romans 8:28). The process of creation is thought to speech to manifestation. Feel good about what you want to create. Whatever is true, whatever is worthy of reverence and is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely and lovable, whatever is kind and pleasant and gracious, if there is any virtue and excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think on and weigh and take account of these things, fix your minds on them (Philippians 4:8). Thoughts are things; thoughts are energy, and creativity molds energy. Practice the habit of good thoughts.

 

Emotions play a key role in the creative process. Pay attention to your thoughts and witness the movement from thought to emotion.   Emotions connect us to our soul, and our soul is connected to the Source; God. This Source is all powerful and will guide and direct us.  I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with My eye (Psalms 32:8).  The energy of thought coupled with emotions is a powerful creative tool. How you feel corresponds to what you think. Take the time to experience emotions – emotions are the mind /body connector. Author Esther and Jerry Hicks refer to feelings as our “Emotional Guidance System.” Every thought connects us to an emotion. On a continuum, emotions can be measured as good or bad; good is empowering and bad is disempowering. Our concept of good and bad is determined by our level of consciousness. What do you feel this present moment, emotionally? Are you full of good or bad feelings? Our objective is to identify what we feel at this present moment and improve that feeling. The body responds specifically to feeling and emotion. Have a thought and feel your best feeling. Use the energy to develop your gift, talent, and character.

Self-Assessment

Be creative. What are you living for?

What is your best feeling/thought this present moment?

How much time do you give to how you feel?

How do you feel about what you feel? Good or bad? Empowered or disempowered?

Do you draw your power from others, environment, or within?

What emotion is connected to your best thought?

Creative Practices

Keep a positive ideal of every stage of your life; see the end at the beginning.

Monitor your day-to-day experience and open a creative space through silence and nature:

            Silence- creation occurs in silence.

Nature – find time to watch the sunrise, sunset, and mountains. The naturalness of the elements nourishes the soul.

Be creative in practicing the spiritual principles and notate the results. Keep a journal.

Co-create by sharing your wisdom.

Co-create through prayers and affirmations.

Create a character that reflects God-consciousness; Christ-consciousness.

Journal your feelings of well-being – contemplate that feeling (not the experience) and think on good things.

Write about your Ideal Scene or create a Vision Board.

Live creatively and set high standards for your personal, home, and work life. Use your energy, excitement, and enthusiasm to spark your creativity. Find your passion.  Know what makes you feel alive, passionate, and energetic, and follow your creative energies. When you find your stream of joy, what will you create? Create a you that radiating peace, harmony, and abundance.

How do you create and maintain a life of peace and harmony with self, family, friends, co-workers, community, and the world?  Develop your own spiritual practice.

Peace and Many Blessings

Detachment as a Spiritual Practice

­­­­­­Detachment 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 Detachment.

 
Detachment is unlimited freedom to a higher calling, unhindered by social pressures and self-limitations. When we detach, we are not affected by the demands and expectations of other people’s opinions and purposes. We develop an internal guidance system based on our relationship with our Creator – God; being in the world and not of it (Acts 17:24). When we are attached to the way things are, how things used to be, or how we want things to be, we use our memory and lack spontaneity.  When we are attached to the past and future of how things should be, we overlook the present opportunities within our reach. The present is accessible with a more beneficial outcome. Detach from the past and take advantage of the now – the present is what is available.

Beware of other people’s point of views. What other people think about you is not about you –people live in their own world and everything is all about them. Detach from other people’s opinions, gossip, blame, and rejection. For we are not wrestling with flesh and blood contending only with physical opponents, but against the powers, and rulers of this present darkness, against the spirit forces (Ephesians 6:12). The image you have of you and the image others have of you differ.  Know who you are in relationship to your Creator, and allow others the freedom to be who they are by not imposing your will on them. Do not be conformed to this world, fashioned after and adapted to its external, superficial customs, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, so that you may prove for yourselves what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God, even the thing which is good and acceptable and perfect in His sight for you (Romans 12:2). Do what you do for the joy of doing it and detach from the outcome. Detachment does not mean you abandon your goals or intentions. What detachment means is that between your intention and the outcome, you are open to the possibility of better outcomes. Foster an internal integrity that is above manmade laws by doing what you do to the best of your ability.

Self-Assessment

Do outward appearance and opinion of others affect who you are and what you do?

Do you define yourself and others by their material gain or lack thereof?

What is success?

Do you have heart-centered standards?

Do you expect awards and recognition for your services?

Are you free from other peoples’ opinions?

Are you willing and able to do your best in every situation?

Are you interested in self-mastery?

 

Detachment Practices:

Cultivate a higher moral code of the heart. Be morality and intelligence; not just moral and intelligent.

Don’t take anything personal (Don Miguel Ruiz)

Affirmation: I am moral, profitable, and genius extraordinaire, regardless of what any institutional transcript, or bank statement says (Wayne W. Dyer)

See every experience as new; don’t dull your experience with past expectations. Be enthusiastic, curious, and open to life.

 
Develop your inward guidance system based on truth and right-ness. Your actions make a difference if your intent is for the greater good; God. Detachment is freedom from the past and future events, and an awareness and enjoyment of the present moment.

How do you remain free from social pressures of the past and future? Develop your own spiritual practice.

Peace and Many Blessings

 

 

Kindness as a Spiritual Practice

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PRACTICE

Kindness 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 Kindness.

Kindness is living in the physical world and intentionally creating peace. Kindness is a behavior that is intended to benefit others. Kindness is a moral and humane way to live. Kindness is manifested by our everyday interactions with others. We demonstrate kindness by how we intentionally treat the people we know (family, friends and co-workers) and the strangers we do not know. Kindness is walking in love. We are given ample opportunities to exhibit kindness towards others. There is no greater act than kindness because kindness encompasses love, selflessness, compassion, forgiveness, generosity, gratitude, humility, service, patience, and mindfulness. Being kind to ourselves is a prerequisite to being kind to others. You cannot be authentically kind if your cup is not overflowing.                                                                                                                                                                             

We are encouraged to show God’s grace and mercy by demonstrating kindness. Regard others as valuable and overlook others when they are discourteous. See that none of you repays another with evil for evil, but always aim to show kindness and seek to do good to one another and to everybody (1 Thessalonians 5:15). People who hurt others are hurting and may not be aware of their inconsiderate acts. Have compassion for others because you never know what they may be going through. Return kindness to those who cause conflict and confusion. If your actions do not create peace, it is not the right action. Stevie Wonder’s song “Love’s in Need of Love Today” is apropos: 

Love’s in need of love today,

Don’t delay, send yours in right away.
Hates going round, breaking many hearts
Stop it please before it’s gone too far.

Kindness increases our positive social interactions with others.  We might think that people mistake our kindness as weakness. Not so, your kindness is something you give freely. Do good to those who are not kind and notice the good that others do. Instead of focusing on their imperfections, bless those who are unkind. But I tell you, love those who hate you. Respect and give thanks for those who say bad things to you. Do good to those who hate you. Pray for those who do bad things to you and who make it hard for you (Matthew 5:44).

Choose not to be offended when others are unkind. Be the better person. Practice forgiveness and peace will come. Your kindness will not go unnoticed and will be rewarded in due season. You will receive Blessings on Blessings for your acts of kindness when you move toward unity and peace. Continue to show deep love for each other, for love makes up for many of your faults. (1 Peter 4:8). If possible, work at communicating your grievances. Your unwillingness to communicate causes additional conflict, dividing and separating you from others. The ego thrives on separation. A higher awareness always promotes peace and you cannot reach peace with the ego. When you have an option of being right or being kind, choose kindness; being right is over-rated when it results in alienating others. The goal is to create and maintain peace through kindness.

Self-Assessment: 

What do I need to be kind to others?

Do I resist communicating with others?
How do I measure kindness?
What am I sending out to others in my thoughts and deeds?
Do my thoughts and actions promote peace or conflict?
Are others happy to be in my presence?
What keeps me from being kind to self and others?
How am I proactive in being kind to others?
Can I do more?

Kindness Practices:

Commit to a Day of Kindness; five or more acts of kindness per day. Or pledge at least one act of kindness for the next 30 days. Kindness begets kindness. Kindness is contagious, pay it forward.

 Put money into an expired parking meter.

In a 24 hour time span, smile and greet everyone you encounter.

When standing in line at the grocery store, allow someone to go before you.

Give someone room to have a bad day by offering words of encouragement.

Volunteer to read books at a daycare for children or adults.

Donate books to a local library.

Bring gifts (flower, card, food item, love, peace, etc.) when visiting friends and relatives.

Package food provisions for a homeless person and carry it with you in your car (bottled water, apple, nuts, crackers, etc.).

Send flowers to uplift someone’s day.

Bring gifts to a nursing home for residents to enjoy.

Leave an inspirational book on the seat in a public place (bus, train, doctor’s office) with a note stating “Enjoy, pass it on”.

Post an inspiring story on a bulletin board for others to read.

Donate items to an animal shelter (blankets, cat litter, etc.).

Create your own canned goods food drive.

Anonymously send an item that you know is needed by someone you know.

Help plant/organize a community garden.

Write a letter of encouragement to someone who is incarcerated.

Plant flowers to beautify a neighborhood.

Donate a coat to a winter coat drive.

Donate infant clothing to a women’s shelter.

Tape money to a vending machine with a note stating,” Short on Change?”

Pick up a restaurant tab for someone you do not know.

Do someone else’s dishes.

Hold the door open for a stranger.

Donate blood.

Visit a sick relative.

Help prepare meals for a program like Meals-on-Wheels.

Send a care package to someone in service overseas.

Leave a toy on a door step for a child.

Donate school and art supplies to a community center.

The litmus test of kindness is peace. Pay attention to the acts of kindness that are most fulfilling and follow that energy. It may be an indication of your calling and how to practice your gift. God gives us new strength and guides us in the right paths, as He promised (Psalm 23:3). Return to kindness, goodness, and God-ness. Give without expectation, silently bless others, and look for the passion in your giving. Own your own goodness and kindness and make the difference in someone’s day through practice.

What are your acts of kindness practiced daily, weekly, and monthly?  Develop your own spiritual practice.

Peace and Much Blessings

 

Non-judgment as a Spiritual Practice

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PRACTICE

Non-judgment 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 Non-judgment.

Physical appearances take precedent over everything in our world; if we look good, we are perceived to be good and if we don’t look good, we are perceived to be lazy, unattractive, selfish, angry, and dishonest. When we are judgmental and critical of ourselves and others, in essence we are saying “If I am not right, then nothing can be right with you”.  The scriptures counsel us, Do not judge others, and you will not be judged (Matthew7:1). Judgment closes the heart and builds limits and boundaries, creating an attitude of division opposed to unity. When our judgments are “I don’t like…; look at their hair…; they talk funny…” we create an atmosphere of disruptiveness, drama and conflict. We are self-absorbed in judging others and self to a state of developing a spiritual deficit. Judging is a spiritual dis-service.

Gain an understanding to what troubles you about others. In all you get, get understanding (Proverbs 4:7). What irritates us about others leads us to understanding parts of ourselves that we deny, disavow, and negate. Judgment is a sign of perceived self-importance. Judging is habitual and compulsive; challenge the impulse to judge. The absence of judgment and the ability to forgive leads to freedom. You decide what level of freedom you desire.

Look at yourself without a condescending attitude of the past and present. Do not judge or reject your past, learn from the past and make a personal agreement to be aware when judging yourself. The past is over and the future is not here yet. Neither should have power over your present moment. Be a witness of the present, fallback into yourself and witness/watch life unfold. The witness is heightened awareness. Do not identify with events because events are not you. You are spirit, having and watching your human experience. If you judge others by their external appearances, you are more likely to judge yourself in the same way. Outer appearances are not a good gauge of a person. The primary function of the ego is to keep you from knowing your highest self, keeping you preoccupied with always having to be the best. The ego always seeks validation by comparing the self with others. Ego creates an illusion that success is measured in external acquisitions, such as appearances, credentials, accomplishments, status, position, and success by association. We measure success by the number of “friends and followers” we acquire on social media (people we do not know). External acquisitions are tools to upgrade the self and do not create peace. The ego will cause you to doubt the existence, power, and purpose of the inner self. We are counseled, though our outward man is wearing out, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. (2 Corinthians 4:16).

Examine your habits of judging. You are no better than any other person. A bully is self-important, dependent on another’s discomfort, and overbearing. To be critical is attacking the other; criticism is bullying. Judging others defines you. What you judge in others, there is a possibility that there is a similar trait you identify in yourself. Judgment is an automated response that can be corrected with awareness as you witness/watch the mind.  Notice what you think or say about others (commentators, panhandlers, co-workers, relatives, etc.) and avoid taking any position and sticking to it, no matter what. Outer appearances prevent us from seeing the good in others. There is always something we cannot see that is hidden. We don’t have enough information to judge. Instead of judging, find a creative response by being aware of the needs of others. Tuning into others is a circular flow. Find one thing about the other that is meaningful to that person, and in return, share something about yourself. Be kind to the kind and kind to the unkind, because the nature of being is kindness (Tao/49^th verse). Judging is unkind and an unrighteous thing to do.

The first step to alter behavior is awareness. If you are not aware of your judgments of self and others, there is nothing to change. Give up the attitude of “that’s just the way I am” and have the courage to change. Shift your mind to “whatever is true, whatever is worthy of reverence and honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely and lovable, whatever is kind, gracious, virtuous and excellent (Philippians 4:8).” Remind yourself to replace judging with love.

Self-Assessment:

Are you aware of the judgments you have of self and others?

How do you feel when you judge others?
What are your mind’s demands in order to be okay?
What stereotypes do you place on others based on their appearance?
How will you make the shift to going beyond appearances to awareness?
Have you trained yourself to be cynical and critical?
Do you make excuses for a critical spirit (i.e. that’s just the way I am; my parents are that way; I can’t help the way I am)?
What unresolved issues are you not allowing yourself to see about yourself?

 Non-judgment Practices:

• Make a commitment to silently witness the goodness in all things.  When meeting someone, get to know something about the person that is non-superficial. Replace the habit to judge by affirming: “Namaste” – I honor the place in you where we are one.
• Develop trigger points when you notice that you notice when you are judgmental. For example, before you open a door and enter a room, or when you pick up a phone affirm silently, “Today I will judge nothing that occurs. And throughout the day I will remind myself not to judge.”
• 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.
• Who am I? Who am I not? Who do I serve? Who am I independent of my five senses? Remove the labels that you attach to yourself. Describe yourself in 150 words or less by omitting your age, possessions, accomplishments, experiences, or heritage. 
• Use the word “LOVE” as a mantra. Bring awareness to the moment through mindfulness. (Read Mindfulness as a Spiritual Practice, 4/17/15)
• Shift your career to a calling. You are here to serve. Love is the goal of our lives.

The path of ego is earthly and evolving as we practice non-judgment. Your kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven (Matthew 6:10). How can we live life fully when we only live from the physical? Live a life that is worthy of heaven. Engage fully on all levels and tune into life. A healthy mind never has to think about how to be okay. A healthy mind enjoys life, family, work, and friends. You get to know people, have fun and live a worry free life. Not judging, just enjoying. Make living beyond judgment a preference. Create oneness by seeing yourself in others.  Replace judgment with compassion and kindness.

How do you create an atmosphere free of judgment? Develop your own spiritual practice.

Peace and Much Blessings

Perseverance as a Spiritual Practice

Perseverance 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 Perseverance.

 

Webster defines perseverance as “a continued effort to do or achieve something despite difficulties, failure, or opposition:  the action or condition or an instance of  persevering and steadfastness.” Perseverance coupled with industry, diligence, positive attitude, determination, and flexibility; at just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up” (Galatians 6:9). The right time is God’s perfect timing. Persevere until the appointed.

 

Is there a benefit to hard times? When all is well, we are at our peak, but every peak is prefaced by a valley. God uses situations and people to refine us. If we experience difficult situations with coworkers, we are being challenged to endure and to love others. When we have done all we can do and are expecting the best possible outcome, our challenge is to trust. Perseverance exposes and tests the quality of our character, heart condition, and faith. The good news about time and perseverance is that it provides opportunity to correct the areas that are brought to light. Unless we work through our issues and trials, we will continue to repeat the same trials until we pass the test. Challenge brings out our greatest assets We are God’s workmanship – clay in the Potter’s hand..  For we are His workmanship, created in and for good works, which God has prepared that we should walk in them. (Ephesians 2:10).

 

While waiting for your goals and desires to come to fruition, believe your goals can be reached and you are worthy of the manifestation you desire. The scriptures counsels on perseverance: Be glad of your trials to test your faith. These trials are only to test your faith, to see whether or not it is strong and pure. It is being tested as fire tests gold and purifies it—and your faith is far more precious to God than mere gold; so if your faith remains strong after being tried in the test tube of fiery trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day of his return (1 Peter 1:7). Remain cheerful with a positive attitude and let go of jealousy, anger, frustration, complaining, impatience, wrong attitudes, compromises, and motives. Rise to a new level and be the person God created you to be.

Self-Assessment:

Is God in the midst of what you are doing?

How do you demonstrate your impatience and frustration when you are required to wait?

Examine your heart; are there attitudes that you need to change?

Identify your impurities, intent and motives.

How do you react when things don’t go your way?

Whose life inspires you and why?

What did you do today to advance you toward your goals?

How long will you be faithful to what you desire in your life (marriage, business, family, and livelihood)?

 

Perseverance Practices:

God is working on your behalf. Affirm “God is in control of my life; working out His plan for my life.”

 

We see the micro, but there is a bigger picture; the macro. God knows the end, middle, and beginning of your life. Spending time with God will help you to persevere and remain committed: Pray.

 

Do one thing daily that advances you toward your goals.

 

Many people are having hard times, some are struggling more than you and they continue to persevere. Be encouraged and inspired by reading, listening, and watching how others are encouraged. Success stories contain failures, perseverance, struggle, and character building. Use the experiences of others as teaching tools. In addition, find ways to encourage yourself through positive self-talk, and be aware of your negative thought processes.

 

Trust God’s timing. Enjoy your life while you are waiting with expectation for God’s appointed time, and never grow tired of doing good (2 Thessalonians 3:13). Trials are beneficial; use them as teaching tools. God’s timing is God’s will and favor.     

 

How do you persevere when people and life challenges become difficult? Develop your own spiritual practice.

 

Peace and Much Blessings