The ego or human personality has for a long time thought itself to be
quite alone in the universe, having to struggle under the law of the jungle to
survive. Now it is to be introduced to a
new way of being, and to the ego this new way feels very much like death. There is a way to introduce the ego with the
larger arena in which it has being and bring it into communion with the Inner
Being. This may be done in such a manner
as to allow the ego to corporate with the Greater Being of which it is a part,
minimize resistance, and still maintain its integrity. This is done through the
practice of a Spiritual Discipline. Spiritual Discipline is a method or methods of communing with the Spirit
within each and every one. It is not
necessarily the types of discipline that are so described by any particular
religion, group, sect, teaching or cult; but it is whatever method an
individual uses to commune with the Inner Being. It must always be approached with reverence
and love; when so approached Spiritual Discipline will always provide a new
measure of peace whenever it is practiced. To be effective it must be done daily so that the ego grows accustomed
to living in communion with its Maker.
Whenever we slip into a reverie we are in communion with our Inner Being. The call now is to commune with conscious
intent, and not to be overtaken by communion as it were. This communion takes place under different
circumstances for each one of us. For
some people walking puts then in a state of communion, for others it may be
running, riding a bicycle, swimming, pumping iron or merely sitting under their
favorite tree; for still others it could be doing repetitious tasks, or
drinking tea; whatever triggers a state of reverie can lead to a state of
active, conscious communion with the Inner Being. In certain circles this active, conscious
communion is called meditation, and there are people who daily practice
meditation. For those of us who have not
yet begun to consciously commune with the Inner Being it may seem a long way
from falling into reverie every once in a while to get to the place where
meditation is done daily. This is not
necessarily true, with a willing attitude and the aid of the Inner Being, a
daily meditative practice may become the norm within weeks.
There are certain markers to indicate that we are in a state of sense of balance and equanimity.
The world in which we live is replete with stressors to disturb the
peace we so long to attain. Having a Spiritual Discipline will restore this
peace which is described in Scriptures as "the peace which passes all
understanding." In other words
with the practice of a Spiritual Discipline the response to a stressor will not
be stress, but an unruffled composure which will astonish family and
friends. As the discipline becomes a
habit, the results will be a life of steady peace, which is one of the most
attractive features a human being can have.
Others will want to know how such and such a situation did not cause an
upset, how can you remain so calm when the "sky is falling?" This state of being in harmony with the self
may be attained by everyone and is readily available with the daily practice of
a Spiritual Discipline.
It is important it note that a Spiritual Discipline differs from a
Spiritual Practice, the one is the solitary communion of the soul with its
Maker, the other is the gathering together of people who hold the same
beliefs. Both are of importance, as each
brings its own gift to the evolving ego.
For some souls having a Spiritual Practice has been sufficient to
satisfy their need for Spiritual Compliance. Spiritual Compliance is living from the inner compunctions we all have,
but often ignore, as they do not seem to fit with how the world says we ought to
be. In order for the ego to relinquish
its dominance of the personality, and allow the Inner Being to guide an
individual's life, Spiritual Compliance is required. At this time in the world's evolutionary
epoch, it is of paramount importance that more of the earth's people engage the
Higher Forces represented by the Inner Being, and produce the type of lives
possible from living inside out. This is
for two main reasons; the first reason is to be in a state of well being and
joy. The second reason is to be an
example to the less centered among us; as by the example of those who are
centered more people are drawn into this state of active, conscious communion
with the Inner Being.
It is best to start with what is known and familiar. The trips into reverie were triggered by some
conscious activity. Thus the place to
start is upon returning from a reverie to note what triggered it. Was it a word, a picture, a piece of music,
or was it some strenuous activity like running? Begin by recalling the trigger, and see if it is a repeatable
event. If it is, and it may be done communion with the Inner Being; the most obvious of which is alone, as this is the other key to this Spiritual Discipline. Then this trigger
may be used until other more refined methods are obtained. The Inner Being will help. The mere desire to probe this area of
existence will bring the might and power of the Inner Being to your aid so
swiftly, your head will spin, perhaps literally. Once the trigger is noted then resolve
becomes a factor.
Remember the ego
thinks of this as the beginning of the end for it, therefore it will resist
with all its might. And it does have
might, as well as power. It has been
absolute ruler for so long, this new activity will seem to it like
rebellion. Most absolute rulers are
swift to squash any insurrection. Thus
resolve is quite necessary at this point. Once the habit of communing with the Inner Being is formed, the ego will
like it, but first it must try it to know this.
You have found the trigger and resolved to begin, but all those
activities that were merely important a few moments ago now become urgent. The cellar was to have been cleaned five
years ago, it is best to do so now; no knowing what and all is down there, best
to go see. Oh dear, did you notice how
dirty that car is, the day is so sunny and calm. What better time to wash that
dirty car? That project from work could
be finished within a few hours, and how it will impress the boss that it was
done ahead of schedule; there could be a promotion in it. Better get started on
it while there is this free time. It has
been a long time since you have spoken with Aunt Fran, and the telephone rates
are low right now, it would be so good to hear her voice, better give her a
call. You find you own excuse, those
where some of the ones that came immediately to mind. The ego will find as many as it is allowed to
prevent the beginning of this most important of activities. All of that can wait. Plus with the beginning
of the Spiritual Discipline, the person who comes to any task or activity is a
more balanced individual than would have appeared, had you not paused and
communed with the Inner Being.
The next phase is to find a place where this Spiritual Discipline may be
practiced in solitude and without interruption.
If you live in a household alone, it may be a simple as unplugging the
telephone and ignoring the door bell.
However if like most people on the planet you share space with others,
like a spouse, parents or children, then the solitude may be interrupted as the
egos of others seem to want in on the prevention game. It is important to be clear with those with
whom you live that this is what you feel you have to do. Ask them for the space to do your chosen spiritual discipline. Assure them that this is not an exclusionary tactic but something you need to do for yourself. The result will change all of your relationships for the better.
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