OTHER VITAL ASPECTS FOR
BEGINNING SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT
By Lawrence Wilson, MD
© August, 2008, The Center For Development
Basic factors needed for our system of development are described
in the article entitled Spiritual Development. However, certain other factors or aspects of life are also
quite important for development and are described here.
These include purification, discipline, a sense of adventure,
spending time alone, developing unconditional self-love and separating the
essential from the non-essential in your life.
In addition, the end of this article describes about four things
to avoid during this development process.
A basic necessity for development today for most people is to
purify the physical, emotional and even the astral or mental bodies. In earlier times, one could just do a ÒcleanseÓ
or fast and it would be over. This
is not the case today.
Purification is just not that simple any more. The bodies are loaded with toxic metals, toxic chemicals and foul emotions and thoughts, thanks to the media and modern reading material and even electronic pollution.
Purification thus means a lengthy detoxification procedure. Usually we use the near infrared sauna
and perhaps coffee enemas as well.
In addition, the diet must be better, with pure water in at least a
quantity of three to four quarts daily.
This is more than most people think of when they think of a
cleansing program but it is absolutely needed.
Discipline and persistence mixed with great love and compassion for the real self is
very important. Recall that the word discipline derives from the same
root as disciple, meaning to follow oneÕs path. It is not a forced
effort, as some make it seem. Everyone must develop self-discipline, as
no one is born perfectly disciplined.
Larger capacity to hold energy.
Discipline does more than just train the mind . It actually increases the amount of
spiritual or etheric energy the body can hold at once. This is another subtle benefit of
disciplining the body, the mind and the spirit or emotions.
Discipline also increases ones ability to receive energy from
spirit guides and other sources. To achieve this requires great purification of the
body, mind, emotions and spirit. It is a process that takes time and
discipline and cannot be shortened by shortcuts of any kind.
One must be willing to venture into the unknown within oneself. This means there will be times of a
Òrough rideÓ or rollercoaster effect when one begins to delve deep and undo
ancient patterns of tension, stress and defense mechanisms. One must come
to accept and even Ôenjoy the adventureÕ. Otherwise a person will tire of the ride and likely become
fatigued by the process and give up.
It also means that one must be willing to set aside time to ride
the bull, as it is sometimes called.
In other words, at times one must ride the self pretty hard to break
through various tensions, patterns and habits. This is not easy for most people who are used to skating
along the surface of life and not delving deep or challenging themselves.
This is one reason that development often occurs most in those who
find themselves challenged in some way.
Indeed, challenges build character and they develop human beings. These challenges need not be
life-threatening, although these are often the best ones.
For this reason, for example, most doctors who are successful in
holistic work are those who were ill themselves and recovered using natural
methods. They know what it takes,
so to speak, to go the distance and stay with the self and its idiosyncrasies
when things get rough. These are
our best people, in general, as they are toughened and donÕt give up easily, as
there will be challenges with any type of development.
In olden times, the guru would often give the student a
challenging assignment, often one that seemed ridiculous, like digging ditches
and then filling them in. The idea
was to derail the brain from figuring out the reasons for the task. Indeed, this is helpful as development
must bypass the logical mind at times.
The logical mind is helpful at times. This is only partly true, however,
because the logical mind if often all that keeps one going when times are
difficult. The emotional mind is
often fed up and ready to quit or fearful of the situation. Logic alone tells one that all is
really well and just keep moving through Òthe valley of the shadow of deathÓ,
as King David of the bible expressed this phase of the journey. Others say it differently, but the
thought is the same.
The point is that times will not always be fun on the path to
development. If it were, millions
would have taken the journey. As it
is, only a few ever do in an age.
This writing is for those few of this day and age.
Time alone to
meditate, rest, relax, contemplate, reflect and otherwise just think is
extremely important for development.
Unfortunately, in most families this is either not permitted or just
discouraged because there is Òmuch to doÓ all the time.
Most of the
activities of human beings, of course, is a perfect waste of their time. Development, from this perspective, is
the best use of time. A
Course In Miraclesª states that
the best use of time is to change oneÕs perspective. This is true, until one comes upon material such as that which
you are reading that then allows you to have direction as to what to do with
your new perspective.
The need is to give
up, rather than find time for rest and peace, generally. One may need to give up distractions. Shopping, for example, is a total waste
most of the time. Even food
shopping can be simplified and done quickly.
Work is often another
waste of time from this perspective.
Family obligations are necessary, but neednÕt be made larger than
necessary. Children need time
alone, not constant irritation, direction, distraction and amusement. This is important for parents to
know. Maria Montessori knew this,
but most of her modern-day teachers do not.
To give up the need
for others company and the distractions of television, books, music and
entertainment that occupy so much time, opens a space for thinking,
contemplation and receiving what are called Ògifts of the spiritÓ.
This is required for all development and cannot be overestimated
in its importance. One must love
the self to death, so to speak.
One must love oneÕs flaws, illnesses, symptoms, neuroses and all else
connected with it. Otherwise, when
certain items come up for review, the self will be unwilling to delve into them
in order to transcend and destroy them inside oneself.
This is a kind of appreciation for the self just as it is. It is not about seeing the self as
something grand or powerful or perfect, as so many affirmations would have one
believe. It is about learning to
see self as a mixture of the past events, traumas and experiences of oneÕs
lifetime and perhaps past lifetimes and then letting it all go with no regrets
or sadness, ultimately.
This kind of self love must be learned by most people, as it is
rare in society. Although babies
love themselves, this is a largely unconscious type of love. One must
develop a conscious awareness of the value of the self, regardless of its
achievements and flaws or losses or ÒfailuresÓ it has had. Of course, there are no failures in
development, only trials and experiences along the way. But many people speak of their job
failures, their marriage failed or something else. This is all a lie in spiritual terms and these words should
be abandoned as soon as possible.
Instead, realize that just because a job or marriage or project does
not succeed as planned means very little.
Perhaps it was unrealistic, and perhaps the loss saved your life or your
savings. But even if savings were
lost and life was compromised, it is for the best if it occurred. Otherwise one might be far less well
along the way than one is today. This
is ow to turn around ÒfailuresÓ and realize they are just experiences along the
way of life.
One must love oneself regardless of the work one does, the school
performance, the intelligence, status, body shape or any other factor. By
doing so, a person breaks through the superficial self and comes to appreciate
the essence of the real self, which is beyond all appearances.
SEPARATING THE ESSENTIAL FROM THE NON-ESSENTIAL
This is a phrase from tÕai chi chuan, an ancient path of development that is still used in some cultures today in the Oriental nations. Most of oneÕs activities are non-essential. One does not need to brush the teeth or even put on the clothes unless it is freezing cold outside.
However, one must eat and drink properly and one must regulate the
mind and the body if development is to progress. This is just one trivial example of separating the essential
from the non-essential.
Another example is to realize that all lifeÕs activities can be so
divided into those that move one forward and those that really do not cause ÒmovementÓ
in this regard.
Just the contemplation of this idea will cause movement toward
development. It makes a person
re-examine every motive, every contemplated action, word, deed and even every contemplated
thought . the essential question
is , ÒIs this word, deed, or even thought helpful for me right now?Ó
This is supreme challenge, of course, and the answer is often not
clear. However, it is worth
thinking about even so. For
example, do I need to go out and check the mail. There might be something important there for me. But usually, it is just Òjunk mailÓ,
invitations to parties, bills that can wait and advertisements. This is how the thinking should go.
One can then add that I need a work break, I will breathe deeply
as I walk and perhaps do my meditation as I walk to the mailbox and I will get
some beneficial outdoor exposure to the sun or moon or whatever. So the thinking can continue in this
way. Of course, it can go
overboard, but the process of contemplating each move is a profound meditation of
sorts that causes reflection and enhances development greatly in some people.
If it becomes an obsession, of course, it is not good. Once you make your decision to check
the mail or not, then just follow your intention.
This process is also called in some circles subordinating
selfish needs. Instead of always deciding on what you
want or what you like, attempt to see your thoughts, actions and words from
other perspectives. This helps
clear away the ego mind so that deeper thoughts and guidance can come in.
Most people, in this regard, are like automatons or robots. They have little conscious thinking and
just act on impulse. I feel like
eating icecream, they say, so they do it.
I feel like shopping, so they do it. This is ÒlivingÓ for most people, but it is not development. Development is about questioning
everything and everyone.
Questioning people is also something anathema for most. It is hard to question your best
friends, your childrenÕs motives, your parents in some cases and others whom
you ÒloveÓ. Yet this is part of
the questioning mind.
Parenting and development. If one is
parent, one must realize that children, including teens and most young adults,
have very little independent thought.
Now and then one acts upon instincts, as they call it, or
intuition.
Most of the time, however, they follow the crowd. If everyone is going out, they go
out. If everyone watches a movie,
they want to watch a movie. This
is herd behavior and is the reason that few young people develop at all until
life has forced them to think more.
That usually takes getting into the 30s, 40s or 50s for most
people.
It is the reason that an economic recession or depression is not a
bad thing, but can be very good for the spirit of the people if it does not
defeat them totally. It can stop
people from acting impulsively and teach them to plan, think and reflect.
Love and development.
This is a huge
area that is dealt with in the book and CD entitled The Real Self and the article
on this website entitled The Universal
Curriculum . Most people
depend on a type of love that derives from things, people, money and other
outer objects and persons.
However, it is possible to depend upon mainly the love of the creator. This does not mean you will not need money, friends, family and more. However, it means they will be less important in your life.
This is an important switch to make in your consciousness and has
to do with the essential versus the non-essential very directly.
The bible states, ÒFirst seek the kingdom of heaven (within) and
all else will be added theretoÓ.
This idea is the same thing exactly, but stated in more modern language. It is a very critical principle of
development that Jesus understood and taught well. He did not mean by this, incidentally, that one should seek
the love of the church, for example, or of a priest or rabbi. The kingdom of heaven, above all else,
is within, he correctly taught.
One will begin to realize that the love offered by most people and
always by things, pets, houses and more is a fleeting and less satisfying love
than that of the Creator.
After a while, you will realize it is best not even to seek the
love of the lower nature because it brings more problems than it solves in most
cases. This is unforltunate, but
true.
Again, it does not mean to live homeless. It is about priorities, however, and
how you spend you time, energy and yes, your money.
The only unconditional love we all seek is the love of our
creator. This love abides inside
each and every one of us. To know
that our creator loves us more than we can even imagine, is what fills the gap
of longing we all seek.
This is also not to suggest that one needs to be alone in
the world to achieve spiritual development. Instead to say that when our
priorities are in order, the development will come.
Never believe you
have ÒarrivedÓ.
This is false. It does not matter what you experience. Even if you
win the lottery, narrowly escape a fatal car crash, meet the partner or your
dreams or anything else. Believing you are already enlightened will stop
your development like nothing else.
On the other hand, never become discouraged or believe you are
unworthy of GodÕs
total love or of developing your real self. Discouragement stops most people from even beginning
the pursuit of spiritual development.
Never expect support from old friends, family or anyone, for
that matter. If you get support, that is excellent. But expecting support is a trap that
stops many people from their path of development.
Most people will not and cannot understand this article and the
idea of spiritual development. It
is not that they are stupid or ignorant.
It is just not their path. So
do not impose your ideas on them and do not expect them to support and embrace
change and development in their lives.
Never go off the deep end with this material. In the quest for self-realization, enlightenment, whatever
they mean by that or development, many, if not most people Ògo off the deep
endÓ.
They may quickly jump into the latest fad diet, fad dogma, fad
political movement or join a spiritual group of some kind. Do not do any of these, please.
The way forward with this path is quite simple, clear,
straightforward and almost boring in its discipline and simplicity. Beware of this one, sometimes called ÒglamourÓ
that can lure many people away.
Too many seekers follow destructive diets, such as vegetarian or
raw food diets. Others stop caring for their bodies, quit a good job, or
abandon good friends and family.
If one is developing spiritually, one ought to become a better
friend, a better parent and a better child, even. If this is not happening something is wrong.
One ought to begin to have an easier time with others shortcomings
and become an easier person to live with.
Never attempt to force or shortcut the process of spiritual development
with any regimens, deprivations, group activities or indulgences.
This is another common pitfall, sadly. People are told by unscrupulous or ill-informed teachers
that special practices will speed the development process. Usually, this is
totally untrue. Instead, it usually
unbalances most people in such as fashion that they never find a balance point
again in their entire lives.
Some opt for great disciplines, fasting, long prayer vigils for
weeks, intense study routines, sleepless nights, 4 AM meditations or just other
meditative practices and much more.
It is true these can help some people and they have been used in
the past, mostly in monastic lifestyles where the monks in control can check
each student very carefully for signs of fatigue. Do not do any of these on your own and do not be tempted to
engage in any extreme or severe routines.
Loads of rest, for example, is absolutely required.
The only disciplines that are extreme, but helpful are to follow our
dietary advice, our rest advice and the other suggestions. Today, the bodies are far too weak, in
general, and other disciplines, if extreme, just damage the body, often
irreparably.
Never use psychotropic and hallucinogenic drugs. These are also recommended in some cultures and groups to enhance
spiritual development. While this
is possible, results can be and are often disastrous in America because other
pieces are not in place.
In cultures where these drugs are used as part of a spiritual
ceremony, they are used with much preparation and extreme caution. If this is not done, it is like
giving a child the pilotÔs wheel of an airplane and saying Ð Òhere, have a good
timeÓ.
All the requirements for development must be met or the process is
extremely dangerous. One can literally overload the system with energies
it is not prepared to handle. The soul may then rebel from the experience and can go the other
way.
Never rely on energy
medicine approaches for development. This is also an
interesting sidelight. Many today
offer shortcuts to enlightenment using machines of various kinds. In fact, they can help a lot. One machine, in particular, the foot
bath using the Q2 and others, is a simple but effective way to spin the charkas
and release toxins.
However, there are
side effects that actually slow down or even stop development altogether. Therefore, be warned about the use of
machines of all kinds that promise detoxification or other benefits.
The exception here is
the lamp sauna. It is an excellent
mechanical way to actually enhance development for many people. The others are not worth the cost and
side effects, in general, though they can be subtle. More on this topic is in the article entitled Energy Medicine.
Be wary of others
who say they have improved on our process or routines for development. If they
truly have, ask if they have discussed the improvements with me. I am open and ready to improve this
process. Everything has been
checked and double-checked many times.
So if someone is improving upon it, I would like to know about it so I
can share it with you.
If a person has not
shared it with me, either they are not sure about what they are doing or donÕt
want it shared, either of which is not healthful.
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