Implementing Spiritual Practices – Part 2

Remember, the two wolves? So, which wolf are you feeding? What are you practicing – whether intentionally or not? Some of your practices will be intentional and most will be by default – like brushing your teeth.

Again, the purpose of the spiritual practices is to bring you into the present moment, thus allowing you greater awareness, clarity, focus and understanding. When you do something by default, on autopilot, you are dancing with your shadow side. There is more chance of feeding the evil wolf. You are no longer in the present moment; which means you are on the edge of fear, doubt, worry or anxiety.

I have found that you are less likely to enter the realm of fear and doubt when you make the conscious decision to engage in your spiritual practices. Engaging in spiritual practices – deliberately and intentionally – will create shifts in your awareness leading to forward movement in your life.

Personally, since beginning my spiritual practices, I have better focus, I am less distracted, and my concentration is heightened. I remain in the present moment longer – which can be daunting. The present moment is also where I meet my physical pain. So, it is seems more advantageous to stay in default mode. But that is not what I am called to. I know this because doing my spiritual practices, I took the time to ask those important questions about myself. Part of the reason we like to drift off into the past or the future, is because we do not know who we are right now. My spiritual practices began with me finding out who I am and what I was all about. Not other people’s perceptions of me, not what my family of origin or society says about me, but who I truly am – my core values and gifts.

Until you do this step, you continue to thrash around in the dark. From this point, all of your other practices make so much more sense to and for you. It’s like putting together an outfit and buying the accessories without first picking out the outfit. You have not laid the foundation first. So, let’s lay your foundation. And if you have already done this step, then it will be easier this time around. I do this every three months or so, just to stay focused and it gives me direction.

“The golden opportunity you are seeking is in yourself. It is not in your environment, it is not in luck or chance, or the help of others; it is in yourself alone.” ~ Orison Swett Marden

“One’s real life is often the life that one does not lead.” ~ Oscar Wilde

Self-Assessment Reflection Questions:

1. “Who am I?

2. “What am I here to do?”

3. “What do I truly desire?”