Spiritual Solutions

I dreamed I had an interview with God.

“So you would like to interview me?” God asked.

“If you have the time” I said.

God smiled. “My time is eternity.”

“What questions do you have in mind for me?”

“What surprises you most about humankind?”

God answered…

“That they get bored with childhood,

they rush to grow up, and then

long to be children again.”

“That they lose their health to make money…

and then lose their money to restore their health.”

“That by thinking anxiously about the future,

they forget the present,

such that they live in neither

the present nor the future.”

“That they live as if they will never die,

and die as though they had never lived.”

God’s hand took mine

and we were silent for a while.

 And then I asked…

“As a parent, what are some of life’s lessons

you want your children to learn?”

“To learn they cannot make anyone

love them. All they can do

is let themselves be loved.”

“To learn that it is not good

to compare themselves to others.”

“To learn to forgive

by practicing forgiveness.”

“To learn that it only takes a few seconds

to open profound wounds in those they love,

and it can take many years to heal them.”

“To learn that a rich person

is not one who has the most,

but is one who needs the least.”

“To learn that there are people

who love them dearly,

but simply have not yet learned

how to express or show their feelings.”

“To learn that two people can

look at the same thing

and see it differently.”

“To learn that it is not enough that they

forgive one another, but they must also forgive themselves.”

“Thank you for your time,” I said humbly.

“Is there anything else

you would like your children to know?”

God smiled and said,

“Just know that I am here… always.”

-author unknown  

In the Second Conversation of Brother Lawrence, we learned that he had always been governed by love and had resolved to make the love of God the end of all his actions. For the first four years in the religious life, he had been troubled in mind and expected the worst for his life, and initially it took a great deal of diligence to form the habit of conversing with God continually.

He found that in speaking to God plainly of his shortcomings, with the confidence that God would give him the strength to overcome them, he could release any concern he may have had. He realized that negative thoughts needed to be rejected as soon as they were perceived, and that his only business was to love and delight in God, and recommended that approach for all of us.

Now we turn to the THIRD CONVERSATION:

He told me that the foundaton of the spliritual life in him had been a high notion and esteem of God in faith; which when he had once well conceived, he had no other care at first but faithfully to reject every other thought, that he might perform all his actions for the love of God. That when sometimes he had not thought of God for a good while, he did not disquiet himself for it; but, after having acknowledged his wretchedness to God, he returned to Him with so much the greater trust in Him as he had found himself wretched through forgetting Him.

That the trust we put in God honors Him much and draws down great graces.

That it ws impossible not only that God should deceive, but also that He should long let a soul suffer which is perfectly resigned to Him, and resolved to endure everything for His sake.

That he had so often experienced the ready succours of divine grace upon all occasions, that from the same experience, when he had busines to do, he did not think of it beforehand; but when it was time to do it, he found in God, as in a clear mirror, all that was fit for him to do. That of late he had acted thus, without anticipatinng care; but before the experience above mentioned, he had used it in his affairs.

When outward business diverted him a little from the thought of God, a fresh remembrance coming from God invested his soul, and so inflamed and transported him that it was difficult for him to contain himself.

That he was more united to God in his outward employments than when he left them for devotion and retirement.

That he expected hereafter some great pain of body or mind; that the worst that could happen to him was to lose that sense of God which he had enjoyed so long; but that the goodness of God assured him He would not forsake him utterly, and that He would give him strength to bear whatever evil He permitted to happen to him; and therefore that he feared nothing, and had no occasion to consult with anybody about his state. That when he attempted to do it, he had always come away more perplexed; and that as he was conscious of his readiness to lay down his life for the love of God, he had no apprehension of danger. That perfect resignation to God was a sure way to heaven, a way in which we had always sufficient light for our conduct.

That in the beginning of the spiritual life we ought to be faithful in doing our duty and denying ourselves; but after that, unspeakable pleasures followed. That in difficulties we need only have recourse to Jesus Christ, and beg His grace; with that everything became easy. 

That many do not advance in the Christian progress because they stick in penances and particular exercises, while they neglect the love of God, which is the end. That this appeared plainly by their works, and was the reason why we see so little solid virtue.

That there need neither art nor science for going to God, but only a heart resolutely determined to apply itself to nothing but Him, or for His sake, and to love Him only.

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Last week we considered the Preface and the First Conversation in the little book The Practice of the Presence of God - The Best Rule of a Holy Life, by Brother Lawrence. 

The essence of what was covered is as follows: 

We learned the importance of establishing ourselves in a ongoing sense of God’s presence, of continually conversing with God, and of feeding and nourishing our souls with high notions of God, practices which bring feelings of great joy into our everday experience. In other words, we are to praise God and give thanks to God in an ongoing basis, in order to develop a continuing sense of God’s presence in our life through an ever-deepening feeling of gratitude.

And we are to do this without being overly concerned about others “sins” or misdeeds, praying for them but simply leaving that all in God’s hands.

Encouraged to quicken, or enliven, our faith, we are to “give ourselves up to God” in both temporal and spiritual things. As we are faithful in times of “dryness or insensibilities or irksomeness in prayer” we will find that these can be times of spiritual advancement.

Even when we cannot feel God’s presence, we are to continue in our faith in God, in our praise and gratitude toward God for all the blessings in our life.

As we are attentive to our passions in both spiritual and material things, God will give light and direction to those who truly desire to serve God’s highest purpose for our lives.

This week, we turn to the “Second Conversation.”

SECOND CONVERSATION

That he had always been governed by love, without selfish views; and that having resolved to make the love of God the end of all his actions, he had found reasons to be well satisfied with his method. That he was pleased when he could take up a straw from the ground for the love of God, seeking Him only, and nothing else, not even His gifts.

That he had been long troubled in mind from a certain belief that he should be damned; that all men in the world could not have persuaded him to the contrary; but that he had thus reasoned with himself about it: I engaged in a religious life only for the love of God, and I have endeavored to act only for Him; whatever becomes of me, whether I be lost or saved, I will always continue to act purely for the love of God. I shall have this good at least, that till death I shall have done all that is in me to love Him.

That this trouble of mind had lasted four years, during which time he had suffered much; but that at last he had seen that this trouble arose from want of faith, and that since then he had passed his life in perfect liberty and continual joy. That he had placed his sins betwixt him and God, as it were, to tell Him that he did not deserve His favors, but that God still continued to bestow them in abundance.

That in order to form a habit of conversing with God continually, and referring all we do to Him, we must at first apply to Him with some diligence; but that after a little care we should find His love inwardly excite us to it without any difficulty.

That he expected, after the pleasant days God had given him, that he should have his turn of pain and suffering; but that he was not uneasy about it, knowing very well that as he could do nothing of himself, God would not fail to give him strength to bear it.

That when an occasion of practicing some virtue offered, he addressed himself to God, saying, “Lord, I cannot do this unless Thou enablest me;” and that then he received strength more than sufficient.

That when he had failed in his duty, he only confessed to his fault, saying to God, “I shall never do otherwise if you leave me to myself; it is You who must hinder my falling, and mend what is amiss.” That after this he gave himself no further uneasiness about it.

That we ought to act with God in the greatest simplicity, speaking to Him frankly and plainly, and imploring His assistance in our affairs, just as they happen. That God never failed to grant it, as he had often experienced.

That he had lately been sent into Burgundy, to buy the provision of wine for the society, which was a very unwelcome task for him, because he had no turn for business, and because he was lame and could not go about the boat but by rolling himself over the casks. That, however, he gave himself no uneasiness about it, nor about the purchase of the wine. That he said to God, It was His business he was about, and that he afterward found it very well performed. That he had been sent into Auvergne, the year before, upon the same account; that he could not tell how the matter passed, but that it proved very well.

So, likewise, in his business in the kitchen (to which he had naturally a great aversion), having accustomed himself to do everything there for the love of God, and with prayer, upon all occasions, for His grace to do his work well, he had found everything easy, during fifteen years that he had been employed there.

That he was very well pleased with the post he was now in; but that he was as ready to quit that as the former, since he was always pleasing himself in every condition by doing little things for the love of God.

That with him the set times of prayer were not different from other times; that he retired to pray, according to the directions of his superior, but that he did not want such retirement, nor ask for it, because his greatest business did not divert him from God.

That as he knew his obligation to love God in all things, and as he endeavored so to do, he had no need of a director to advise him, but that he needed much a confessor to absolve him. That he was very sensible of his faults, but not discouraged by them; that he confessed them to God, but did not plead against Him to excuse them. When he had so done, he peaceably resumed his usual practice of love and adoration.

That in his trouble of mind he had consulted nobody, but knowing only by the light of faith that God was present, he contented himself with directing all his actins to Him, i.e., doing them with a desire to please Him, let what would come of it.

That useless thoughts spoil all; that the mischief began there; but that we ought to reject them as soon as we perceived their impertinence to the matter in hand, or our salvation, and return to our communion with God.

That at the beginning he had often passed his time appointed for prayer in rejectng wandering thoughts and falling back into them. That he could never regulate his devotion by certain methods as some do. That, nevertheless, at first he had meditated for some time, but afterward that went off, in a manner he could give no account of.

That all bodily mortifications and other exercises are useless, except as they serve to arrive at the union with God by love; that he had well considered this, and found it the shortest way to go straight to Him  by a continual exercise of love and doing all things for His sake.

That we ought to make a great difference between the acts of the understanding and those of the will; that the first were comparatively of little value, and the others, all. That our only business was to love and delight ourselves in God.

That all possible kinds of mortification, if they were void of the love of God, could not efface a single sin. That we ought, without anxiety, to expect the pardon of our sins from the blood of Jesus Christ, only endeavoring to love Him with all our hearts. That God seemed to have granted the greatest favors to the greatest sinners, as more signal monuments of His mercy.

That the greatest pains or pleasures of this world were not to be compated with what he had experienced of both kinds in a spiritual state; so that he was careful for nothing and feared nothing, desiring only one thing of God, viz., that he might not offend Him.

That he had no scruples; for, said he, when I fail in my duty, I readily acknowledge it, saying, I am used to do so; I shall never do otherwise if I am left to myself. If I fail not, then I give God thanks, acknowledging that the strength comes from Him.

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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