Spiritual Solutions

Some of the highlights we learned from the Third Conversation of Brother Lawrence in his book, The Practice of the Presence of God – The Best Rule of a Holy Life, were these:

Once he had established for himself what he felt was the foundation of the spiritual life, he focused on performing all his actions for the love of God to the exclusion of all else. If sometimes he neglected his attention on God’s presence he didn’t waste much time on beating himself up about it but quickly returned to his focus.

His faith and trust in God brought a great awareness of all the blessings he experienced due to this practice, causing him to automatically turn to God for guidance in all his affairs without even having to think about it beforehand.

He didn’t have any great expertise in the formal practice of prayer and meditation; indeed it caused him some anxiety and perplexity. But if in his ordinary everyday affairs he put his attention on God with genuine and loving feelings he was confident in being guided in every aspect of his life; and he felt that no particular knowledge or skill was needed for anyone to experience this for themselves if they would only put the love of God first and foremost in all things.

Now we turn our attention to the Fourth Conversation:

He discoursed with me very frequently, and with great openness of heart, concerning his manner of going to God, whereof some part is related already.

He told me that all consists in one hearty renunciation of everything which we are sensible does not lead to God. That we might accustom ourselves to a continual conversation with Him, with freedom and in simplicity. That we need only to recognize God intimately present with us, to address ourselves to Him every moment, that we may beg His assistance for knowing His will in things doubtful, and for rightly performing those which we plainly see. He requires of us, offering them to Him before we do them, and giving Him thanks when we have done.

That in this conversation with God we are also employed in praising, adoring, and loving Him incessantly for His infinite goodness and perfection.

That without being discouraged on account of our sins, we should pray for His grace with a perfect confidence, as relying upon the infinite merits of our Lord Jesus Christ. That God never failed offering His grace at each action; that he distinctly perceived it, and never failed of it, unless when his thoughts had wandered from a sense of God’s presence, or he had forgotten to ask His assistance.

That God always gave us light in our doubts when we had no other design but to please Him.

That our sanctification did not depend upon changing our works, but in doing that for God’s sake which we commonly do for our own. That it was lamentable to see how many people mistook the means for the end, addicting themselves to certain works, which they performed very imperfectly, by reason of their human or selfish regards.

That the most excellent method he had found of going to God was that of doing our common business without any view of pleasing men, and (as far as we are capable) purely for the love of God.

That it was a great delusion to think that the times of prayer ought to differ from other times; that we are as strictly obliged to adhere to God by action in the time of action as by prayer in the season of prayer.

That his prayer was nothing else but a sense of the presence of God, his soul being at tht time insensible to everything but divine love; and that when the appointed times of prayer were past, he found no difference, because he still continued with God, praising and blessing Him with all his might, so that he passed his life in continual joy; yet hoped that God would give him somewhat to suffer when he should grow stronger.

That we ought, once for all, heartily to put our whole trust in God, and make a total surrender of ourselves to Him, secure that He would not deceive us.

That we ought not to be weary of doing little things for the love of God, who regards not the greatness of the work, but the love with which it is performed. That we should not wonder if, in the beginning, we often failed in our endeavors, but that at last we should gain a habit, which will naturally produce its acts in us, without our care, and to our exceeding great delight.

That the whole substance of religion was faith, hope, and charity, by the practice of which we become united to the will of God; that all besides is indifferent, and to be used as a means that we may arrive at our end, and be swallowed up therein, by faith and charity.

That all things are possible to him who believes, that they are less difficult to him who hopes; that they are more easy to him who loves, and still more easy to him who perseveres in the practice of these three virtues.

That the end we ought to propose to ourselves is to become, in this life, the most perfect worshipers of God we can possibly be, as we hope to be through all eternity.

That when we enter upon the spiritual life, we should consider and examine to the bottom what we are. And then we should find ourselves worthy of all contempt, and not deserving indeed the name of Christians; subject to all kinds of misery and numberless accidents, which trouble us and cause perpetual vicissitudes in our health, in our humors, in our internal and external dispositions; in fine, persons whom God would humble by many pains and labors, as well within as without. After this we should not wonder that troubles, temptations, oppositions, and contradictions happen to us from men. We ought, on the contrary, to submit ourselves to them, and bear them as long as God pleases, as things highly advantageous to us.

That the greater perfection a soul aspires after, the more dependent it is upon divine grace.

(The particulars which follow are collected from other accounts of Brother Lawrence.)

Being questioned by one of his own society (to whom he was obliged to open himself) by what means he had attained such an habitual sense of God, he told him that, since his first coming to the monastery, he had considered God as the end of all his thoughts and desires, as the mark to which they should tend, and in which they should terminate.

That in the beginning of his novitiate he spent the hours appointed for private prayer in thinking of God, so as to convince his mind of, and to impress deeply upon his heart, the divine existence, rather by devout sentiments, and submission to the lights of faith, than by studied reasonings and elaborate meditations. That by this short and sure method he exercised himself in the knowledge and love of God, resolving to use his utmost endeavor to live in a continual sense of His presence, and, if possible, never to forget Him more.

That when he had thus is prayer filled his mind with great sentiments of that infinite Being, he went to his work appointed in the kitchen (for he was cook to the society). There having first considered severally the things his office required, and when and how each thing was to be done, he spent all the intervals of his time, as well before as after his work, in prayer.

That when he began his business, he said to God, with a filial trust in Him: O my God, since Thou art with me, and I must now, in obedience to Thy commands, apply my mind to these outward things, I beseech Thee to grant me the grace to continue in Thy presence; and to this end do Thou prosper me with Thy assistance, receive all my works, and possess all my affections.

As he proceeded in his work he continued his familiar conversations with his Maker, imploring His grace, and offering to Him all his actions.

When he had finished he examined himself how he had discharged his duty; if he found well, he returned thanks to God; if otherwise, he asked pardon, and, without being discouraged, he set his mind right again, and continued his exercise of the presence of God as if he had never deviated from it. "Thus," said he, "by rising after my falls, and by frequently renewed acts of faith and love, I am come to a state wherein it would be as difficult for me not to think of God as it was at first to accustom my self to it."

As Brother Lawrence had found sucn an advantage in walking in the presence of God, it was natural for him to recommend it earnestly to others; but his example was a stronger inducement than any arguments he could propose. His very countenance was edifying, such a sweet and calm devotion appearing in it as could not but affect the beholders. And it was observed that in the greatest hurry of business in the kitchen he still preserved his recollection and heavenly-mindedness. He was never hasty, nor loitering, but did each thing in its season, with an even, uninterrupted composure and tranquillity of spirit. "The time of business," said he, "does not with me differ from the time of prayer, and in the noise and clatter of my kitchen, while several persons are at the same time calling for different things, I possess God in as great tranquillity as if I were upon my knees at the blessed sacrament."

God is Blessing You, Right Now!

Rev. Alan A. Rowbotham

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Rev. Alan A. Rowbotham, a Unity minister for over thirty-six years, invites you to enjoy more articles and/or subscribe to his free inspirational newsletter, Spiritual Solutions or go directly to the Spiritual Solutions Blog

If you’d like to receive weekday inspirational quotes, you can subscribe at Rich Words

I have been asked how a person can donate to "Spiritual Solutions." Just go to Send a Love Offering and it will take you to a form you can use for your donation. Thank you – I am very grateful for your generosity!

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(Note: This is the ninth lesson adapted from the series “Steady in the Wind,” by Ann Strong. Ann kindly gave me permission to adapt and use parts of the lessons in my blog and newsletter. I believe you will find much value in applying the twelve life principles covered in this course. Enjoy!)

WELCOME TO:
Lesson Nine: Generosity

Please listen to the audio first by clicking on the link below, and then let’s read the lesson together.

Lesson Nine: Generosity

As you give, so you receive. Giving generously means living generously. A little couplet by John Bunyan goes like this: “A man there was and they called him mad, and the more he gave, the more he had.” This is a principle, for giving creates a need and, by the vacuum law, the need draws the supply and draws it beautifully.

As we give of our time, money, energy and resources, we set in motion time, money, energy and resources becoming available to us, coming back to us. As we give generously, we express our trust that we will always have what we need. We have no reason to hoard or hold back. We know we are taken care of.

Get the thought of sharing a bit of love, understanding, blessing, thoughtfulness with every person. Seek ways of actually helping; the little you do is better than the lot you say you wish you could do. Giving the idea of peace and love and understanding is the greatest demonstration of the law of increase. Losing nothing and gaining much, when we get into this kind of consciousness of giving it becomes a flow in our lives, and we find it easy to give of our substance and our efforts and our time. We see a tremendous return because of the law of “Give and you will receive.”

Living generously feels good. We are living from our bigger self, sharing ourselves, connecting more deeply with others. As we feel good, living from our bigger selves, we are more attractive, attracting wonderful people and opportunities into our lives.

Living generously puts us in life’s flow. Giving creates movement, circulation, growth. With generosity we activate generous reciprocity. We have no reason to fear the wind. We know we are always taken care of.

AN EXAMPLE OF GENEROSITY

A man was out of work, depressed, frantic, too young to retire and lacking the financial security to support retirement. Yet, as far as the world was concerned he was too old to get a new job. He took a good look at himself and discovered he was not really looking for work; he had merely been trying to get on a payroll to allay his sense of insecurity. So, he asked himself if there was not something he could do, somewhere that he could give something of himself.

This was a new concept for him, giving of himself for free instead of for monetary compensation. Anyway, he volunteered his services to a friend who was struggling to get a business started, asking for and receiving no pay. During a few weeks’ period he was able to donate a great deal of wisdom gained through experience and other help, so that the business righted itself and went on to do quite nicely.

The other thing that happened was that this new activity opened a flow in his own consciousness. He became part of a giving process and, connected to or coincidental to it, he was led to a marvelous position as a consultant in his own field. The man discovered the wonder of giving, and it changed his life.

ALWAYS ERR ON THE SIDE OF GENEROSITY

Haven’t we all had an experience of deciding to do the “bare minimum” in a certain circumstance? I know for myself when I have overridden that urge and given generously of my time or money, I felt great. And, I’ve opened up a valve for more – more for me, more for the recipient of my generosity and connection to the flow of the universe. We also both have the opportunity for expanded awareness of natural, generous flow. When I have followed my fear impulse to give “as little as possible,” I felt constricted, cheap and small.

God has given us the entire kingdom. As individual expressions of God, why would we give less? Let us always err on the side of generosity.

PRACTICE GENEROSITY THIS WEEK

Contemplate how you would like to be more generous with your time, money, energy and resources.

Put into action two or three of your ideas.

Record how you feel living more generously. What new opportunities and possibilities come your way?

CONTINUE PRACTICING DETACHMENT

How consistently do you KNOW that your good comes from one source only; God? That you serve on God’s payroll? Can you completely focus on the other person’s situation and needs, rather than your own? Are you recording in your evidence journal what happens by focusing on detachment?

CONTINUE PRACTICING GRATITUDE

Are you making entries in your gratitude journal daily? How are you doing with looking for something about which you can be grateful even in challenging situations? Are you recording in your evidence journal what happens by focusing on gratitude even in tough situations?

CONTINUE PRACTICING OPENNESS

In what situations can you brainstorm several possible new ways to proceed? If you get stuck, ask a friend or colleague to help you brainstorm options. Record your findings and opportunities in your evidence journal.

CONTINUE PRACTICING AWARENESS

Several times this week, check in with yourself. How do you feel, physically and emotionally? What will make you feel even better? Look for opportunities. Talk about what feels most exciting to you. Ask for what you want. Find out what others need. Give it to them. Record your findings in your evidence journal.

CONTINUE PRACTICING COMMITMENT

Have you written your commitment for your life or work? Are you recording evidence in your journal that supports your commitment?

CONTINUE PRACTICING COMMANDING 

What have you chosen to command or claim? Are you recording evidence in your journal? What is showing up for you?

CONTINUE PRACTICING VISIONING

Whenever you feel stuck, do you write out a vision? Are you tracking evidence for all your visions?

CONTINUE PRACTICING DEEP LISTENING

Are you integrating both deep listening within and deep listening to others into your natural, regular routine?

CONTINUE PRACTICING YOUR OBSERVER ROLE

Is observation becoming a natural part of your life and work?

Next week, you will receive Lesson Ten: Knowledge Sharing.

Until then, have fun with generosity, detachment, gratitude, openness, awareness, commitment, commanding, visioning, listening deeply and observing.

God is Blessing You, Right Now!

Rev. Alan A. Rowbotham
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Rev. Alan A. Rowbotham, a Unity minister for over thirty-six years, invites you to enjoy more articles and/or subscribe to his free inspirational newsletter, Spiritual Solutions or go directly to the Spiritual Solutions Blog

If you’d like to receive weekday inspirational quotes, you can subscribe at Rich Words

I have been asked how a person can donate to “Spiritual Solutions.” Just go to Send a Love Offering and it will take you to a form you can use for your donation. Thank you – I am very grateful for your generosity!
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 (Note: This is the eighth lesson adapted from the series “Steady in the Wind,” by Ann Strong. Ann kindly gave me permission to adapt and use parts of the lessons in my blog and newsletter. I believe you will find much value in applying the twelve life principles covered in this course. Enjoy!)

WELCOME TO:
Lesson Eight: Detachment

Please listen to the audio first by clicking on the link below, and then let’s read the lesson together.

Lesson Eight: Detachment (or Non-Attachment)

Nobody wants to buy anything from someone who NEEDS them to buy it. We’ve all had at least one experience of a salesperson who pressures us to buy so he or she can meet a quota. Or, worse, the salesman who tells you he needs your sale so is kid can get braces.

Even though we often do feel we need to make more money, we must serve from a place of detachment, not NEEDING any particular outcome. If you are in sales, for instance, it is important that you help your client make a good buying decision based on his or her needs, not your own.

Detachment involves not feeling invested in a specific outcome, not needing things a certain way. You can then serve from that place of helping others and trusting in the bigger picture, knowing that you serve on God’s payroll. You can hold “Steady in the Wind” with detachment, knowing that you offer great service and there is an infinite number of people who will benefit from what you offer. Know, too, that you are building excellent ongoing relationships and will receive tons of referrals.

Do not judge by appearances. If you are having difficulties or going through a tough situation, remember that nothing is ever as bad as it appears to the human eye. Tear down all barriers in your mind and all thoughts of limitation and separation. Your good is already here and yours for the believing. Remember the words of Jesus: “Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they neither toil nor spin; . . . therefore do not be anxious.” (Matt. 6:28, 31) The secret is to let the experiences of life pass. “This too shall pass.” Let it go, and let your good unfold.

UNDERSTANDING DETACHMENT

Detachment is a state in which a person overcomes his or her attachment to desire for things, people or concepts of the world and thus attains a heightened perspective. Detachment as release from desire and consequently from suffering is an important principle in Hinduism, Buddhism, the Bahai faith and Kabbalah.

The Hindu view of detachment comes from the understanding of the nature of existence and that the true ultimate state sought is that of being in the moment. In other words, while one is responsible and active, one does not worry about the past or future. The detachment is towards the result of ones actions rather than towards everything in life. (This description is drawn from Wikipedia.)

DETACHMENT AND THE LAW OF ATTRACTION

Detachment is an important part of the Law of Attraction. Some call it “allowing,” others call it “receiving” and still others call it “detachment.” Using a fishing term,  it could also be dubbed “catch and release.”

It works in this way: When you catch a vision of what it is you want, you see it clearly – just like the fish you just caught and netted. You admire it for a moment, you acknowledge yourself for catching it, maybe you pose for a picture to capture the excitement of the moment. Then you set it free or “release” it and forget all about it; and you go back to whatever you were doing: tying another lure, fixing your pole, having a sandwich and a soft drink, or whatever.

Next time you cast your line, you are not hoping that you will catch this same fish again. You’re not even expecting it. When you cast again, you’ve already and altogether put that first fish out of your mind. In fact, you might suddenly get the urge to pull up anchor and move your boat to a totally different fishing spot; you’re certainly not thinking about the catch you just let go.

And that is exactly the moment when the granddaddy of all fish snaps onto your line. That’s precisely how the Law of Attraction works.

AN EXAMPLE OF DETACHMENT

Ann Strong relates how she recently went into a store looking for a specific type of product. The owner of the store told her they had the product she was looking for, but it didn’t have the exact features she wanted. Instead of trying to sell it to her anyway, the store owner told her which of her competitors might have a larger selection. And, she told her how to get to that store.

The store owner’s willingness to lose a sale to a competitor impressed Ann so much that she bought the product from her. She left the store happy to do without the features she had previously thought she needed because the store owner clearly had her best interests in mind. And, she says, she knows that even if she had gone to her competitor to buy the product, she would go first to her store next time because she would remember the store owner looks out for her.

PRACTICE DETACHMENT THIS WEEK

Start thinking of God or the Cosmos as your employer. Begin to really know that you never NEED any one particular result from any individual. Look for opportunities to serve as a committed employee of God. Know that your good comes from one source: God. It comes through an infinite number of known and unknown channels.

When you are talking to someone, completely focus on his or her situation and needs, not on your own. Serve the highest good of the person you are talking to, even if that means referring him or her to a competitor. Trust that you will be taken care of because you serve on God’s payroll.

Notice where you can practice “catch and release” this week. What are the results of your letting go?

Record in your evidence journal what happens by focusing on detachment.

CONTINUE PRACTICING GRATITUDE

Continue practicing gratitude this week. Are you making entries in your gratitude journal daily? How are you doing with looking for something about which you can be grateful even in challenging situations? Are you recording in your evidence journal what happens by focusing on gratitude even in tough situations?

CONTINUE PRACTICING OPENNESS

Continue practicing openness this week. In what situations can you brainstorm several possible new ways to proceed? If you get stuck, ask a friend or colleague to help you brainstorm options. Record your findings and opportunities in your evidence journal.

CONTINUE PRACTICING AWARENESS

Continue practicing awareness this week. Several times this week, check in with yourself. How do you feel, physically and emotionally? What will make you feel even better? Look for opportunities. Talk about what feels most exciting to you. Ask for what you want. Find out what others need. Give it to them. Record your findings in your evidence journal.

CONTINUE PRACTICING COMMITMENT

Continue practicing commitment this week. Have you written your commitment? Are you recording evidence in your journal that supports your commitment?

CONTINUE PRACTICING COMMANDING 

Continue practicing commanding or claiming this week and beyond. What have you chosen to command or claim? Are you recording evidence in your journal? What is showing up for you?

CONTINUE PRACTICING VISIONING

Continue practicing visioning this week. Whenever you feel stuck, do you write out a vision? Are you tracking evidence for all your visions?

CONTINUE PRACTICING DEEP LISTENING

Are you integrating both deep listening within and deep listening to others into your natural, regular routine?

CONTINE PRACTICING YOUR OBSERVER ROLE

Is observation becoming a natural part of your life and work?

Next week, you will receive Lesson Nine: Generosity.
Until then, have fun with detachment, gratitude, openness, awareness, commitment, commanding, visioning, listening deeply and observing.

God is Blessing You, Right Now!

Rev. Alan A. Rowbotham
———————————————————————————–
Rev. Alan A. Rowbotham, a Unity minister for over thirty-six years, invites you to enjoy more articles and/or subscribe to his free inspirational newsletter, Spiritual Solutions or go directly to the Spiritual Solutions Blog

If you’d like to receive weekday inspirational quotes, you can subscribe at Rich Words

I have been asked how a person can donate to “Spiritual Solutions.” Just go to Send a Love Offering and it will take you to a form you can use for your donation. Thank you – I am very grateful for your generosity!
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