The start of every year brings an influx of people to gyms and health
clubs. Having resolved to lose weight and/or get into shape, a few for the
first
time, though many are repeat offenders, the intention to change is genuine, but what usually
happens? After a few weeks (sometimes a very few) “stuff” begins to
interfere. Work ramps up. The kids start or resume an extra curricular
activity, the spouse who was
supportive in the beginning becomes less so, especially if there are any
hints dropped about it becoming a family affair. I’m sure you can add
to the list. So with no real
thought we give ourselves license to miss a session or two while the idea of
everyone else eating pizza while we try to choke down one more Lean
Cuisine becomes intolerable. Soon the only remnants of the gym are the work out clothes piled in the
back of the closet and the automatic dues deduction from the bank
account every month.
Because modes of thinking are contagious the same thing happens in our spiritual life. We read a book or hear a speaker which energizes us in the moment and we vow to follow a new path. What happens? Gym Think. After a time the old manner and habits of living reassert themselves and we drift back into old familiar ways of thinking and living. Then a new book or teacher catches our attention and the cycle begins anew.
There is a fundamental difference however between physical and spiritual exercise. The day will come for all, when this physical shell will fail, regardless of how many hours we spend working out and/or eating right. However our essential nature, soul if you prefer, is eternal. So decide today to place your feet on the path of spiritual growth and let no future vicissitude shake your resolve and when Gym Think creeps in, and it happens to everyone, reject it by turning to God as you understand Him for strength and guidance. Just for today demonstrate prayer and meditation in your life, as if your life depended on it, for in truth it does, and be of service to others, even if that is simply picking up some trash on the street or dropping a quarter in a strangers about to expire parking meter. Oh, and a twenty minute walk, plenty of water and a good multivitamin can't hurt.
Because modes of thinking are contagious the same thing happens in our spiritual life. We read a book or hear a speaker which energizes us in the moment and we vow to follow a new path. What happens? Gym Think. After a time the old manner and habits of living reassert themselves and we drift back into old familiar ways of thinking and living. Then a new book or teacher catches our attention and the cycle begins anew.
There is a fundamental difference however between physical and spiritual exercise. The day will come for all, when this physical shell will fail, regardless of how many hours we spend working out and/or eating right. However our essential nature, soul if you prefer, is eternal. So decide today to place your feet on the path of spiritual growth and let no future vicissitude shake your resolve and when Gym Think creeps in, and it happens to everyone, reject it by turning to God as you understand Him for strength and guidance. Just for today demonstrate prayer and meditation in your life, as if your life depended on it, for in truth it does, and be of service to others, even if that is simply picking up some trash on the street or dropping a quarter in a strangers about to expire parking meter. Oh, and a twenty minute walk, plenty of water and a good multivitamin can't hurt.
© Vincent Lee Jones Living In Spirit
All Rights Reserved
Miracles Of Recovery, The Secret,
Wayne Dyer, Recovery, Addiction, Zen, Emmet Fox, Opioids, Four Agreements,
Chopra, Heroin, Einstein, AA, Healing Path, Law Of Attraction
