Wisdom as a Spiritual Practice

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PRACTICE

Wisdom 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 Wisdom.

We are complex organisms and require more than food, water, clothing, and shelter for optimal wellness. Through study, experience, and wisdom, there are four basic life areas that with focused attention increase the quality of life. When these areas are aligned, we experience Holism; total well- being. Alignment is being in harmony with what we think, say, and do. Holism means aligning our thoughts, words, and deeds with four areas of awareness; mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual, to create total well-being.  If we focus our attention on one area, the other areas atrophy. Wisdom is living on all levels of awareness and striking a balance.

Physical level of awareness consists of the five senses; it is the base level of our experience. We are more knowledgeable and less wise in this area. The basics for optimal health in this area: eat fresh vegetables, drink plain water, breathe fresh air; get adequate sleep. Daily Suggestions: 30 minutes of conscious deep breathing of fresh air; consume plain water; eat 6-8 fresh fruits/vegetables; 30 minutes of conscious exercise (walk, bike, jog, etc.)

Mental level of awareness consists of our internal thoughts. Be aware of your thoughts; thoughts create your experiences. Thoughts are things. Listen to your internal dialogue and filter out thoughts that you know are not true about you. Replace negative thoughts by affirming the good you are and the good you expect.  Affirmations change your mental programming.  Read and study. Do your own independent study of the Truth (2 Timothy: 2:15). Pay attention to reoccurring thoughts/ideas – they may be the urging of the soul.

Emotional level of awareness consists of an internal energy system. The heart is a part of that energy system - not the physical heart, but the feeling heart. The scripture counsels, “Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life (Proverbs 4:23).  Masking emotions with food, sleep, drugs, shopping, and activity is unwise. Keep the heart open and acknowledge what you feel when you feel. Emotions are messages from the soul.

Spiritual level of awareness consists of our connection with God; our Source. Develop a personal relationship with God through daily practice of prayer, meditation, acts of faith, kindness, and living spiritual principles.

Wisdom Practice:

Develop a regimen and live on all levels for optimal wellness; Holism.  It takes disciplined obedience to do what you know. Be gentle with yourself.

Self-Assessment:

Did I honor my agreements with myself and others?

Did I honor my feelings throughout the day?

What things did I do today that I could do better?

Who did I share my knowledge with today?

Who did I serve today?

What were the things I did well?

Did I celebrate my successes?

What am I willing to work on tomorrow?

Did I ask for guidance and follow it?

Did I give thanks for the guidance I received?

Wisdom is the principal and most important thing. Wisdom is discernment, comprehension, and interpretation, so get wisdom, even if it costs everything you have. And with all you have gotten, get understanding  (Proverbs 4:7).

How do you share and demonstrate wisdom? Develop your own spiritual practice.

Peace and Much Blessings