Jesus asks us to keep watch in his story of the ten virgins. We are cautioned to watch out for false prophets. Religion specifically is a very tricky experience as it is all subjective based on a number of factors including but not limited to, time, cultural, geographic location and political factions. All the major religions of the world have love and peace somewhere in their core tenets. To boil it down further, do good.
Trained in humanistic psychology, I will continue to believe that we are shaped by experiences and no person is born bad. At the end of the day, we all want the same thing, to be loved, noticed and cared for. We attain our higher selves when we transcend our own desires and outwardly project love to those around us, in my Christian language, building the kindom of God.
Cultivating a strong spiritual discipline then is key to the path of establishing this. Spiritual discipline, therefore, involves a variety of practices and activities that foster spiritual growth and alignment with one’s values and beliefs. These practices are voluntarily and must be intentional and train us to live in alignment with our values and beliefs. Through these disciplines, such as prayer, meditation, and fasting, individuals can transcend their own desires and project love outwardly, contributing to the building of a more compassionate and loving community. Such practices not only fortify our inner lives but also enable us to respond to the external world with greater wisdom and empathy.
I have been writing a lot the last couple of weeks about the chaos we have been observing in our world, and I am reminded of Hebrews 12. Here, we are called to endure our trials as discipline. Often taken out of context and misinterpreted as God will not give you more than you can handle, I think this passage has deeper truths inside it. I am immediately reminded of Stoic thought. Every obstacle is an opportunity to grow, every emotion is a call to some action.
Why is Discipline Important in Spirituality?
Just like physical exercise strengthens the body, spiritual disciplines strengthen your spirit. They help you overcome negative tendencies, cultivate virtues, and deepen your connection with the divine. Jocko Willink is famous for his notion of discipline equals freedom and spiritual discipline can be applied here as well. The world is a crazy place, the only control we have is in our selves. When we master ourselves, our emotions, our reactions, we master our enemy. By mastering yourself, you become less enslaved to your impulses and desires, allowing you to make conscious choices aligned with your spiritual goals.
Additionally, being spiritually disciplined helps us transform. By focusing on the practices that you may find on Spirituality and Practice’s website, you may find yourself a more loving, compassionate, and wise person.
Types of Spiritual Disciplines
Spiritual disciplines can be broadly categorized into three groups:
Inward Disciplines: These focus on the inner life:
- Prayer: Communicating with the divine.
- Meditation: Quieting the mind to connect with one’s inner self or the divine.
- Fasting: Abstaining from food or other items to concentrate on spiritual matters.
- Study: Reading and reflecting on sacred texts or spiritual teachings.
- Journaling: Reflecting on experiences and insights through writing.
Outward Disciplines: These involve actions in the external world:
- Simplicity: Living with fewer material possessions to emphasize what truly matters.
- Solitude: Spending time alone to reflect and connect with oneself or the divine.
- Submission: Prioritizing the needs of others before one’s own.
- Service: Actively assisting and serving others.
Corporate Disciplines: These are practiced collectively:
- Worship: Expressing reverence for the divine in a communal setting.
- Confession: Acknowledging one’s shortcomings to oneself, others, or the divine.
- Guidance: Seeking wisdom and support from spiritual mentors or communities.
- Celebration: Joyfully marking spiritual milestones and festivals.
How to Start
I know how hard it can be engaging in spiritual practices and maintaining the discipline it takes to engage in lectio and prayer each day. Most days, I engage in lectio, but trying to pray the daily offices consistently is a real challenge.
Choose one or two disciplines that resonate with you.
Start small and gradually increase the intensity or frequency.
Be patient and persistent. Spiritual growth takes time and effort.
Find a community or mentor for support and accountability.
Be flexible. Adjust your practices as needed to fit your life and circumstances.
It is important to note that spiritual disciplines are not about perfectionism or self-judgment. They’re about progress, growth, and deepening your connection with the divine. When one embarks on a path of spiritual discipline, they begin a path of becoming.
Cultivating Discipline – my Practice
In my practices, there are two practices that I find helpful.
The Jesuit Examen, also known as the Daily Examen or the Examination of Conscience, is a prayerful practice of reflection on your day. It’s a way to grow closer to God by reviewing your experiences and discerning how God is working in your life. It’s not about beating yourself up over mistakes, but rather about noticing God’s presence and learning from your experiences. The structure of the Examen often looks like this, but can be adapted to fit your needs and style:
Become Aware of God’s Presence: Begin by finding a quiet place and taking a few moments to center yourself. Acknowledge God’s presence with you. You might recall God’s love for you or a moment in the day where you felt close to God.
Review the Day with Gratitude: Think back over your day, from the moment you woke up until now. What are you grateful for? Who did you encounter? What good things happened? Express your thanks to God for these blessings.
Review Your Feelings: Pay attention to the emotions you experienced throughout the day. When did you feel joy, sadness, anger, peace, or anxiety? What triggered these feelings? Don’t judge your feelings, simply acknowledge them. Were there times you felt distant from God?
Choose One Specific Moment: Out of all the events of the day, choose one that stands out to you. It could be a moment of joy, struggle, or confusion. Reflect on this moment in more detail. What happened? What were your thoughts and feelings? What did you do or say? What do you think God might be saying to you through this experience?
Look Toward Tomorrow: Based on your reflection, what do you feel God is inviting you to do tomorrow? Is there something you need to apologize for? A relationship you need to mend? A virtue you want to cultivate? Ask God for guidance and strength to live more faithfully tomorrow.
The Benedictine Daily Office
In Benedictine Monasticism, the day revolves around The Divine Office or the Liturgy of the Hours. Chapter 16 of the Rule lists 7 periods for daily spiritual practice, with Vigil making it 8 gatherings in total. This morning, realizing God’s providence, I found myself in prayer. For 32 years, my life has been marked by periodic prayer throughout the day. When I was introduced to monastic life at 18 and 19, my prayer routine became more structured. The Benedictine model is widely followed by monastics.
In closing, spiritual discipline fosters a deeper connection with God and a more intentional way of living. Reflect on your daily actions and seek to align them with your faith, creating a harmonious and purposeful life.
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