NUTURE
THE SPIRIT
FOR
BETTER HEALTH
************************************************
"... those will prosper who purify themselves." (Islam, Al-A'la 87:14)
"One ought every day at least, to hear a little song, read a good poem, see a fine picture, and if it were possible, to speak a few reasonable words." (Johann Wolfgang von Goethe)
"When we practice a pace of grace -- by purifying our bodies, our thoughts, and our language, resting and playing daily, and seeing every day as a good day -- we may find that a state of grace is not necessarily a singular, dramatic event. It is a regular attitude of receptivity -- and openness to grace." (Linda Kavelin Popov, "A Pace of Grace," p.201)
"It is a mistake," she continues, "to abdicate our spirituality to our religion...It is all too easy to slip comfortably into form without spirit.... What is fundamentally missing [then] is intimacy -- first intimacy with ourselves, with love, respect, and gentle attention. In practicing this practice of presence to ourselves, we are inevitably led to a deeper sense of reverence, and an experience of a greater Presence. Our consciousness shifts from being a tourist to our own lives to being a pilgrim. (ibid p. 203)
It is important to spiritual health to create a sacred time and space in every day: "Regimen is superior to medicine." according to Voltaire. (The Quotations Page: http://www.quotationspage.com/quotes/Voltaire) In this case, regimen means a disciplined life -- in modern terms, preventive medicine.
Popov suggests what she calls the RPMs of spiritual fitness: Reading, Prayer, Meditation, service:
- Read something inspiring and reflect on what it means in your life.
- Pray in a way that is personally genuine and meaningful.
- Meditate according to personal style -- walking, breathing, seeking guidance, reflecting on the meaning of scripture, or simply being still.
- Serve. Focus on your day as an opportunity to be of service in some way.
("A Pace of Grace," p. 211)
Baha'u'llah, Prophet-Founder of the Baha'i Faith, laid out essential requisites for spiritual growth, and these themes weave throughout the body of His Teachings. To summarize them:
1. Daily recital of an Obligatory Prayer with pure-hearted devotion. 2. Reading from the Sacred Scriptures each morning and evening, with reverence, attention and thought. 3. Prayerful meditation on these teachings, to understand them more deeply, fulfill them more faithfully, and convey them more accurately to other. 4. Teaching the Cause of God. 5. Selfless service in the work of the Cause and in one's trade or profession.
(Universal House of Justice, quoted in "Spiritual Being: A User's Guide," Happy Dobbs)
On the healing power of prayer, Larry Dossey, M.D., in the introduction to his book, "Healing Words: The Power of Prayer and the Practice of Medicine," Harper, 1993, says:
"I am not an authority on prayer, nor do I pretend to be. If there is any justification for the physician addressing this subject, it is that both religious professionals and scientists currently appear to be poorly informed about the empirical evidence surrounding prayer. I am convinced that ignoring this body of knowledge leaves too much unsaid, particularly since so much of the evidence is positive. Neglecting this information results in an incomplete theology and a misshapen medicine, and it is bad science as well." Dossey is one of the best known authorities on medical application of prayer.
In the Baha'i Faith, one is enjoined to intone the Words of God, certain prayers and exhortations. When asked why it would be necessary for a person to pray aloud, since presumably, God already knows what is in one's heart, 'Abdu'l-Baha, the Son of Prophet-founder, said this:
"One reason for this is that if the heart alone is speaking, the mind can be more easily disturbed. But repeating the words so that the tongue and heart act together enables the mind to become concentrated. Then the whole man is surrounded by the spiritual of prayer and the act is more perfect." ("Star of the West," Vol. 8, No. 4, p. 46)
How to fit spiritual nourishment into a day already crowded with tasks, responsibilities and activities becomes a problem when the process seems to be time consuming. Exercise and feeding the body do not require huge chunks of time -- in fact there is a growing body of research suggesting that shorter periods space regularly through the day produce better health -- and so it can be with attention to one's spirit.
Even the great religious Leaders do not enjoin upon the majority of their followers huge amounts of time to be devoted to "spiritual" pursuits. "One hour's reflection is preferable to seventy years of pious worship." (Muhammad, quoted by Baha'u'llah, in "Kitab-i-Iqan, The Book of Certitude," p. 238)
Meditation does require a few things, however. There must be time for it in daily routine; one must be silent; and commune with one's own spirit. It is not a group activity, nor can it be accomplished easily amid life's busy distractions. It's form does not have to be rigid, does not have to be accompanied by physical movements or rituals -- but can be enhanced for some people by adding those.
"Many of us are used to being at the beck and call of the world; this is one time you are not," says psychologist Joan Borysenko. "*You must make time for yourself.* If you fail to make time for yourself, always putting other things first, you will never by happy, nor will you make others happy." ("Minding the Body, Mending the Mind," p. 43)
"...meditation need not be confined to ten- or twenty-minute periods. It can be practiced for a minute or a few minutes anytime throughout the day. Furthermore, any activity can be engaged in as if it were meditation. **The final goal of meditation is to be constantly conscious of experience so that relaxation and peace of mind become the norm rather than the exception."** (ibid, p. 47)
**************************************************
FACTORS INVOLVED IN SPIRITUAL HEALTH
**************************************************
by Ron Kurtus
You are spiritually healthy in your normal state of being. That means you are naturally good, compassionate and peaceful. To sustain your spiritual health, you must provide your spirit with nutrients and exercise. You must also be in a environment that is spiritually positive. You can become spiritually unhealthy when you are infected with evil thoughts and feelings. Thus, a major part of spiritual health concerns resisting those attacks and healing its damage.
Maintaining spiritual health: You are naturally a good, compassionate, spiritual person. Christianity, Judaism and Islam [and the Baha'i Faith -- ed] state that man was created in God's (or Allah's) image. Other religions have similar beliefs. But that spiritual health must be maintained.
Nutrition: Ingesting spiritual nutrition can help you maintain your health. This can include hearing positive and loving messages from others. Some go to a house of worship for those messages. But also taking in the wonders and beauty of this world can be spiritual nutrition. Appreciating the beauty of Nature can feed your health. Even the ugliest insect is a wonder to observe and appreciate.
Peaceful meditation is another form of taking in spiritual nutrition. It is not asking your God for something you want, but rather going into solitude to reflect and be thankful for everything you have received.
Exercise: Just as exercise is essential for a healthy body, so too is spiritual exercise needed to maintain your spiritual health. This exercise consists of using your spirit. It is getting in touch with your spirit and using it to guide you to perform good deeds, to show love and compassion to others, to be understanding, and to seek peace. You are naturally a good person, so your must exercise that capability.
Environment: The environment in which you live is very important in maintaining good spiritual health. The reason is because it is the primary source of evil that can infect your spirit. You must be careful to avoid negative and spiritually toxic environments and seek out the positive and the loving.
Threats to spiritual health: Your spirit is constantly under attack from evil forces, both internally and externally. Your spirit or soul has defenses against these attacks, but sometimes they can be overwhelming.
Many seemingly good people have suddenly done something bad or even evil. Afterwards they wonder what ever possessed them to do such a bad or stupid thing. It seems like some internal force has polluted their good spirit, making it unhealthy. Explanations range from the evil angel Satan to the weakness of the flesh. Whatever the source, there are these other forces that can make your spirit unhealthy.
Spiritual healing: Just as a major effort in physical and mental health concerns healing from disease or injury, so too is it a concern in spiritual health. By realizing you are spiritually unhealthy, you can take steps to get back on the right track.
The common methods to heal your spirit is to be sorry for your acts. Praying and meditation can help the healing process. Being thankful for what you have can also help the healing process. Doing good deeds and trying to make amends for your acts will also help to heal the spirit.
People who are able to cleanse and renew their spirits are often happier than they were when they were simply spiritually healthy by their own nature.
In conclusion: You are normally spiritually healthy and are naturally good, compassionate and peaceful. To sustain your spiritual health, you must provide your spirit with nutrients, exercise and a positive environment. You can become spiritually unhealthy when you are infected with evil thoughts and feelings. Thus, a major part of spiritual health concerns resisting those attacks and healing its damage.
(visit his website
http://www.school-for-champions.com/life/spiritual.htm)
***************************************************************
MEDITATION: MANY PATHS TO THE PRESENT MOMENT
***************************************************************
Sarah Ban Breathnach
"Meditation is simply about being yourself and knowing about who that is. It is about coming to realize that you are on a path whether you like it or not, namely the path that is your life." Jon Kabat-Zinn
If you do not already practice mediation, when you hear the word you probably conjure up the unpleasant image of sitting uncomfortably in a lotus position, back aching, mind racing ahead to all the things you need to be doing, and hyperventilating because now you are concentrating on whether you are breathing or not.
This image is unappealing and incorrect. But it goes a long way toward explaining why many people do not meditate. However, there are compelling physiological, psychological, and spiritual reasons why we should engage in regular meditation. It is the mortar that holds mind, body, and Spirit together.
There are many ways of meditating. Dr. Joan Borysenko, the gifted and inspired psychologist, scientist, and spiritual teacher, explains that meditation is intentional concentration on one thing, which can be either secular or spiritual. "Perhaps you have become so absorbed in gardening, reading or even balancing your checkbook that your breathing slowed and you became as single pointed as a panther stalking her dinner! In this state creativity flowers, intuition leads to a deeper wisdom, the natural healing system of the body is engaged, our best physical and mental potential manifests itself and we feel psychologically satisfied," she writes. Spiritual meditation, on the other hand, "Will help you become aware of the presence of the divine in nature, in yourself and in other people. The love and joy that are inherent in Spirit -- that are the very essence of Spirit -- will begin to permeate your life."
I have many different ways of meditating, depending on my inner needs: the golden mirror meditation, writing my daily dialogue pages, gazing into the flame of a candle, concentrating on sacred words in a centering prayer, focusing on a poetic phrase to find deeper personal meaning, or setting out on a walking meditation. There are many paths to the present moment. Joan Borysenko"s "All-time favorite meditation is a small, most piece of chocolate cake eaten with exquisite attention and tremendous gratitude. Any time we are fully present in the moment we are meditating."
(from "Simple Abundance: A Daybook of Comfort and Joy," March 3, a book which is designed to be a starting point for daily meditations)
*******************************
TAKE A SPIRIT WALK
*******************************
Linda Kavelin Popov
This is an activity I developed for Virtues workshops inspired by the reverence of First Nations people. People of many backgrounds, from corporate executive to teens, have found this meaningful.
1. Spend ten minutes walking outside slowly and contemplatively, with a spirit of openness. (It is best to do this in a place of natural beauty, but I have also done this is cities.)
2. Allow your attention to be drawn by something. It could be a leaf, the sky, a bridge, a gate, a flower. Contemplate it with gentle concentration. Ask the question: "What is your message for me? What is your gift to me?"
3. Journal the dialogue with your object of contemplation for ten minutes, giving it voice and answering the question. If there is a particular issue on your mind, let the message be about that.
4. If you are doing this in a group or have a friend to companion with, share the message with them.
5. Discern what action you can take in response to this message and the virtues you need to do so.
.........................................................................................
************************************************
"... those will prosper who purify themselves." (Islam, Al-A'la 87:14)
"One ought every day at least, to hear a little song, read a good poem, see a fine picture, and if it were possible, to speak a few reasonable words." (Johann Wolfgang von Goethe)
"When we practice a pace of grace -- by purifying our bodies, our thoughts, and our language, resting and playing daily, and seeing every day as a good day -- we may find that a state of grace is not necessarily a singular, dramatic event. It is a regular attitude of receptivity -- and openness to grace." (Linda Kavelin Popov, "A Pace of Grace," p.201)
"It is a mistake," she continues, "to abdicate our spirituality to our religion...It is all too easy to slip comfortably into form without spirit.... What is fundamentally missing [then] is intimacy -- first intimacy with ourselves, with love, respect, and gentle attention. In practicing this practice of presence to ourselves, we are inevitably led to a deeper sense of reverence, and an experience of a greater Presence. Our consciousness shifts from being a tourist to our own lives to being a pilgrim. (ibid p. 203)
It is important to spiritual health to create a sacred time and space in every day: "Regimen is superior to medicine." according to Voltaire. (The Quotations Page: http://www.quotationspage.com/quotes/Voltaire) In this case, regimen means a disciplined life -- in modern terms, preventive medicine.
Popov suggests what she calls the RPMs of spiritual fitness: Reading, Prayer, Meditation, service:
- Read something inspiring and reflect on what it means in your life.
- Pray in a way that is personally genuine and meaningful.
- Meditate according to personal style -- walking, breathing, seeking guidance, reflecting on the meaning of scripture, or simply being still.
- Serve. Focus on your day as an opportunity to be of service in some way.
("A Pace of Grace," p. 211)
Baha'u'llah, Prophet-Founder of the Baha'i Faith, laid out essential requisites for spiritual growth, and these themes weave throughout the body of His Teachings. To summarize them:
1. Daily recital of an Obligatory Prayer with pure-hearted devotion. 2. Reading from the Sacred Scriptures each morning and evening, with reverence, attention and thought. 3. Prayerful meditation on these teachings, to understand them more deeply, fulfill them more faithfully, and convey them more accurately to other. 4. Teaching the Cause of God. 5. Selfless service in the work of the Cause and in one's trade or profession.
(Universal House of Justice, quoted in "Spiritual Being: A User's Guide," Happy Dobbs)
On the healing power of prayer, Larry Dossey, M.D., in the introduction to his book, "Healing Words: The Power of Prayer and the Practice of Medicine," Harper, 1993, says:
"I am not an authority on prayer, nor do I pretend to be. If there is any justification for the physician addressing this subject, it is that both religious professionals and scientists currently appear to be poorly informed about the empirical evidence surrounding prayer. I am convinced that ignoring this body of knowledge leaves too much unsaid, particularly since so much of the evidence is positive. Neglecting this information results in an incomplete theology and a misshapen medicine, and it is bad science as well." Dossey is one of the best known authorities on medical application of prayer.
In the Baha'i Faith, one is enjoined to intone the Words of God, certain prayers and exhortations. When asked why it would be necessary for a person to pray aloud, since presumably, God already knows what is in one's heart, 'Abdu'l-Baha, the Son of Prophet-founder, said this:
"One reason for this is that if the heart alone is speaking, the mind can be more easily disturbed. But repeating the words so that the tongue and heart act together enables the mind to become concentrated. Then the whole man is surrounded by the spiritual of prayer and the act is more perfect." ("Star of the West," Vol. 8, No. 4, p. 46)
How to fit spiritual nourishment into a day already crowded with tasks, responsibilities and activities becomes a problem when the process seems to be time consuming. Exercise and feeding the body do not require huge chunks of time -- in fact there is a growing body of research suggesting that shorter periods space regularly through the day produce better health -- and so it can be with attention to one's spirit.
Even the great religious Leaders do not enjoin upon the majority of their followers huge amounts of time to be devoted to "spiritual" pursuits. "One hour's reflection is preferable to seventy years of pious worship." (Muhammad, quoted by Baha'u'llah, in "Kitab-i-Iqan, The Book of Certitude," p. 238)
Meditation does require a few things, however. There must be time for it in daily routine; one must be silent; and commune with one's own spirit. It is not a group activity, nor can it be accomplished easily amid life's busy distractions. It's form does not have to be rigid, does not have to be accompanied by physical movements or rituals -- but can be enhanced for some people by adding those.
"Many of us are used to being at the beck and call of the world; this is one time you are not," says psychologist Joan Borysenko. "*You must make time for yourself.* If you fail to make time for yourself, always putting other things first, you will never by happy, nor will you make others happy." ("Minding the Body, Mending the Mind," p. 43)
"...meditation need not be confined to ten- or twenty-minute periods. It can be practiced for a minute or a few minutes anytime throughout the day. Furthermore, any activity can be engaged in as if it were meditation. **The final goal of meditation is to be constantly conscious of experience so that relaxation and peace of mind become the norm rather than the exception."** (ibid, p. 47)
**************************************************
FACTORS INVOLVED IN SPIRITUAL HEALTH
**************************************************
by Ron Kurtus
You are spiritually healthy in your normal state of being. That means you are naturally good, compassionate and peaceful. To sustain your spiritual health, you must provide your spirit with nutrients and exercise. You must also be in a environment that is spiritually positive. You can become spiritually unhealthy when you are infected with evil thoughts and feelings. Thus, a major part of spiritual health concerns resisting those attacks and healing its damage.
Maintaining spiritual health: You are naturally a good, compassionate, spiritual person. Christianity, Judaism and Islam [and the Baha'i Faith -- ed] state that man was created in God's (or Allah's) image. Other religions have similar beliefs. But that spiritual health must be maintained.
Nutrition: Ingesting spiritual nutrition can help you maintain your health. This can include hearing positive and loving messages from others. Some go to a house of worship for those messages. But also taking in the wonders and beauty of this world can be spiritual nutrition. Appreciating the beauty of Nature can feed your health. Even the ugliest insect is a wonder to observe and appreciate.
Peaceful meditation is another form of taking in spiritual nutrition. It is not asking your God for something you want, but rather going into solitude to reflect and be thankful for everything you have received.
Exercise: Just as exercise is essential for a healthy body, so too is spiritual exercise needed to maintain your spiritual health. This exercise consists of using your spirit. It is getting in touch with your spirit and using it to guide you to perform good deeds, to show love and compassion to others, to be understanding, and to seek peace. You are naturally a good person, so your must exercise that capability.
Environment: The environment in which you live is very important in maintaining good spiritual health. The reason is because it is the primary source of evil that can infect your spirit. You must be careful to avoid negative and spiritually toxic environments and seek out the positive and the loving.
Threats to spiritual health: Your spirit is constantly under attack from evil forces, both internally and externally. Your spirit or soul has defenses against these attacks, but sometimes they can be overwhelming.
Many seemingly good people have suddenly done something bad or even evil. Afterwards they wonder what ever possessed them to do such a bad or stupid thing. It seems like some internal force has polluted their good spirit, making it unhealthy. Explanations range from the evil angel Satan to the weakness of the flesh. Whatever the source, there are these other forces that can make your spirit unhealthy.
Spiritual healing: Just as a major effort in physical and mental health concerns healing from disease or injury, so too is it a concern in spiritual health. By realizing you are spiritually unhealthy, you can take steps to get back on the right track.
The common methods to heal your spirit is to be sorry for your acts. Praying and meditation can help the healing process. Being thankful for what you have can also help the healing process. Doing good deeds and trying to make amends for your acts will also help to heal the spirit.
People who are able to cleanse and renew their spirits are often happier than they were when they were simply spiritually healthy by their own nature.
In conclusion: You are normally spiritually healthy and are naturally good, compassionate and peaceful. To sustain your spiritual health, you must provide your spirit with nutrients, exercise and a positive environment. You can become spiritually unhealthy when you are infected with evil thoughts and feelings. Thus, a major part of spiritual health concerns resisting those attacks and healing its damage.
(visit his website
http://www.school-for-champions.com/life/spiritual.htm)
***************************************************************
MEDITATION: MANY PATHS TO THE PRESENT MOMENT
***************************************************************
Sarah Ban Breathnach
"Meditation is simply about being yourself and knowing about who that is. It is about coming to realize that you are on a path whether you like it or not, namely the path that is your life." Jon Kabat-Zinn
If you do not already practice mediation, when you hear the word you probably conjure up the unpleasant image of sitting uncomfortably in a lotus position, back aching, mind racing ahead to all the things you need to be doing, and hyperventilating because now you are concentrating on whether you are breathing or not.
This image is unappealing and incorrect. But it goes a long way toward explaining why many people do not meditate. However, there are compelling physiological, psychological, and spiritual reasons why we should engage in regular meditation. It is the mortar that holds mind, body, and Spirit together.
There are many ways of meditating. Dr. Joan Borysenko, the gifted and inspired psychologist, scientist, and spiritual teacher, explains that meditation is intentional concentration on one thing, which can be either secular or spiritual. "Perhaps you have become so absorbed in gardening, reading or even balancing your checkbook that your breathing slowed and you became as single pointed as a panther stalking her dinner! In this state creativity flowers, intuition leads to a deeper wisdom, the natural healing system of the body is engaged, our best physical and mental potential manifests itself and we feel psychologically satisfied," she writes. Spiritual meditation, on the other hand, "Will help you become aware of the presence of the divine in nature, in yourself and in other people. The love and joy that are inherent in Spirit -- that are the very essence of Spirit -- will begin to permeate your life."
I have many different ways of meditating, depending on my inner needs: the golden mirror meditation, writing my daily dialogue pages, gazing into the flame of a candle, concentrating on sacred words in a centering prayer, focusing on a poetic phrase to find deeper personal meaning, or setting out on a walking meditation. There are many paths to the present moment. Joan Borysenko"s "All-time favorite meditation is a small, most piece of chocolate cake eaten with exquisite attention and tremendous gratitude. Any time we are fully present in the moment we are meditating."
(from "Simple Abundance: A Daybook of Comfort and Joy," March 3, a book which is designed to be a starting point for daily meditations)
*******************************
TAKE A SPIRIT WALK
*******************************
Linda Kavelin Popov
This is an activity I developed for Virtues workshops inspired by the reverence of First Nations people. People of many backgrounds, from corporate executive to teens, have found this meaningful.
1. Spend ten minutes walking outside slowly and contemplatively, with a spirit of openness. (It is best to do this in a place of natural beauty, but I have also done this is cities.)
2. Allow your attention to be drawn by something. It could be a leaf, the sky, a bridge, a gate, a flower. Contemplate it with gentle concentration. Ask the question: "What is your message for me? What is your gift to me?"
3. Journal the dialogue with your object of contemplation for ten minutes, giving it voice and answering the question. If there is a particular issue on your mind, let the message be about that.
4. If you are doing this in a group or have a friend to companion with, share the message with them.
5. Discern what action you can take in response to this message and the virtues you need to do so.
.........................................................................................
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