Revival Part 3

January 9, 2025

​​​​​Revival Part 3

Steps to Revival 

In college, there were always parties and fantastic events that had great music with live bands. At such events, I used to dance and loved it. Little did I know then that I was expressing myself through the body center. Then adulthood hit, and dancing gave way to long work schedules and devoting time to our children and their activities. With two little kids and then with teens, Lark and I danced only a few times a year… and I really looked forward to those times. Several years ago, I was introduced to Zumba, a cardio exercise that uses wonderful upbeat music. It is actually like dancing and working out at the same time. I decided to revive my dancing life by adding to my workout life. So now I attend Zumba "classes" about four times a week. Lark and I take ballroom dancing classes and love it. I am so thankful that I chose to revive something so meaningful. Dancing is one of my body's center's expressions of soul — my soulality.

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Spiritual practice for personal revival:

Considering your heart, physical, and mental faculties, what would you like to revive? If you are not in touch with those things but want to know, you may want to meditate and see what comes up. Another way to see what you would like to revive is to begin writing without self-judgment or editing. Begin a thought stream and write it. You may want to start with the words, "It's been so long since I have felt ________. I would like to revive __________ because ___________________.”

Inquiries for personal revival:

1. What would make it righteous to revive something inside me that has died? 

2. In reviving it, would compassion for myself and others be a benefit? 

3. In reviving what had once been dead, how will I manifest it to others and the larger world?

4. How many ways will the revival bring me new life?

5. What are some reasons why reviving this in me is a wise thing to do? 

6. How will it affect my brothers and sisters in the community when I revive it?

7. How will my life be more joyful if I revive something once dead inside me? 

8. What are some reasons why I would prevent myself from reviving this? 

9. Am I willing to implement the thing I revive?

Dear God, 

As I Go into the deep of my own being, show me the hidden things… Take me down to the spring of my life and tell me my nature and my name. Amen 

(From A Gathering Prayer by George Appleton)