The Work - Part 7
March 31, 2025
Many spiritual practices increase our level of serenity. But perhaps the most effective spiritual practice is meditation. In meditation, we are grounded, still, and open to our higher mind. Simply quieting our mental activity and external stimulation reshapes our neuropathways and emotional response patterns. In settling our minds, we move past the chatter, and extraneous thoughts pass. The condition we achieve in meditation can remain with us after our meditation formally ends. If we notice that condition and work to keep it, we move through the world with tranquility. Negative emotions cannot readily take over in serenity and tranquility.
The soul’s natural state is not hatred or anxiety. Our true nature does not want to hurt people. Look around and see the beautiful souls who come to each other’s aid all the time, all around the world. Think of all the people whose souls grant mercies and grace even in the toughest of times. And finally, just think of the indomitable human spirit that sacrifices for others all the time. But when we are in a pain body, under stress, afraid, or hurt, our defenses are down. In these states, we often respond to life with the patterns of least resistance — the patterns ingrained in our egos.
However, if we achieve a tranquil condition, our thinking processes transform. We return to the unconditioned state that we were born in — the stage that Oscar Ichazo referred to as divine child. This state can elevate us beyond our conditioned patterns. And we can reinforce this state all day by such supportive spiritual practices as breath prayers, mantras, tactile reminders, mini-meditations, visualization exercises, and centering prayer.
Maintaining reverence for those who get under our skin or whose values differ from ours can be challenging. It takes spiritual work to remain reverent to all people. But this is an essential part of our journey. Tranquility, serenity and the reverence for life they foster are fundamental building blocks for peace.
Spiritual practice: If you have no experience with meditation, familiarize yourself with this ancient spiritual practice. Meditate 10 minutes every morning for a week and take stock of your condition.
Self-inquiry: How do you connect irreverence for life with tyranny?
Dear God,
Grant that we may experience the soul of every living thing around us. Amen
