EVERYDAY TOOLS OF THE "SPIRITUAL" TRADE: ADDENDUM

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THE 1ST EDITION OF THIS POST WAS ON 7/16 /2020. THIS IS A SIGNIFICANT ADDENDUM! 

Spirituality is not a religion, it simply connects us with the world around us while adding meaning to our existence. There are other forces influencing our existence. Being aware of these energies and following a spiritual path helps us compete with them. Staying in touch with our spiritual side decreases depression, stress and anxiety. Spiritual insight offers us greater clarity when it comes to understanding how life works. Life is a manifestation of where and how we invest our energy. We are wholistic beings and when we put energy (ch'i) into improving any part of ourselves, all other aspects of our lives benefit from it. It’s well known that both our mental and physical health can improve when we take time to address our spirituality. Most of us view meditation as an extra-curricular activity, but to some extent, it is actually occurring as an ongoing function subconsciously or unconsciously in our brain. We practice a raw form of meditation by thinking constantly. Meditation allows our minds time to focus, tune in, empty out, rest or anywhere in between. Whatever we allow ourselves to worry about can disturb our balance and equilibrium. When we redirect and order our thoughts even to the point of emptying many of them out from our minds we can transcend our present state of being and experience a higher sense of peace. This directly relates to how well and how long we relax during the day or sleep at night. ​Our failure to control the meditations of our hearts add to anxiety and can lead to alcohol, drug or food (substance) abuse. Substance abuse offers some piece of temporary relief that temporarily transcends that present state of mind. This is how many people tranquilize the stress and numb the pain within their soul.(the seat of our consciousness) The Psalmist wrote "Let the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be acceptable in thy sight." Both speech and thought, bones and marrow along with soul and spirit are so linked together that it is impossible to address one without the other. Only the living spiritual energy of a divine word is capable of distinguishing and dividing these pairs. 

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TOOLS ARE FOR BUILDING.. WEAPONS ARE FOR BATTLES AND WARS.

Tools can be weaponized but they are intended to be used as tools. "The weapons of our warfare are not carnal." This is a quote from the Bible, but spiritual people already know that we cannot battle ghosts with bullets. "Wherefore put on the whole armor of God that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil," is another quote from the Bible about war that describes how to strategically fight spirits. However spiritual people already know that they are in a war zone. This post is not about weapons or armor but about tools. Many times when it comes to struggles within the spiritual arena we tend to focus on forces and factors from external attacks. This post focuses on our internal struggles and the spiritual tools we can use to better ourselves. The purpose of weapons are for an edge in combat to defeat and KILL an enemy. Using a weapon against our own self is harmful and might be considered suicidal. But when we realize who and what we are fighting we can modify our instruments and methods. It's usually a rude awakening when we are forced to face the formidable adversary called "SELF." Rather then destroy or wound our own being, we can work on constantly fixing it. Just like any house or car it is necessary to inspect and maintain us. Body, mind and spirit are inseparable, but require separate attention. Our bodies are temporary houses that can be damaged. Our minds are molded and quite resilient through neural plasticity. Our individual spirits are indestructible, but have the capacity to be affected by some interactions within the "spiritual realm." The work of parenting is a tooling process and as we grew the responsibility shifted from them to us. Keep in mind that the mechanisms, processes and routines listed here are everyday practices and techniques. We are presenting them to our followers n the form of spiritual tools used to fight the enemy we call self.

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WE BATTLE ON THREE FRONTS: SPIRITS, SITUATIONS AND OURSELVES

Anyone who is honest with themselves realizes that they are and will forever be in an ongoing battled with and within themselves. Until that fact is both contemplated and kept score of, they have yet to engage in a full fledged fight. Sometimes it is easier to subdue demons and fight for or against others, then it is to change ourselves. Most people in general resist change! Both ​Change and Transformation can be considered complementary competing cousins. Change is the one thing in the universe that is inevitable. All finite and tangible things age and gradually change over time. Change is never in a rush and as a matter of fact, although some people and things seem as if they never change they do. Many people tend to fight against the energy of change. The changes we are addressing here refer directly to changes in practices not changes in principles. The power of change can be instantaneous or a slowly trans-formative process of change. The process of transformation like metamorphosis, requires time and effort. The word "change" has more of a permanent aspect to it while the word "transformation" suggests an ability to revert back to an original state or on to other states. Spiritual transformation is a step by step process that progresses from doing to being. The things we do along our trans-formative journey are eventually what we become. Most transformations involve improving some aspect or area in life over a specific period of time. Change usually involves an adjustment in behavior. Transformation always demands a change in both thinking and behavior. (spirit and truth) Transformation should be seen as a life changing event or an ongoing "born again" experience. Sometimes It means going AWOL and switching sides. A.W.O.L. (A Way Of Life) is more than regulations, rituals and rules. Our attitude towards, feelings about and way we see and use "tools" demonstrates the "spirit" in which we embrace  change.  We should expect and even welcome change in everything except "change" itself.  Which is based on the fact and promise that God will never change. 

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OUR TOOLS OF THE TRADE CAN ALSO BE OUR WEAPONS OF WAR 

​Time is said to heal wounds, but time is not a healer. Time regulates and allows us to manage energy. We use time to factor in perspectives, make decisions and ponder our existence. Time is a tool of our journey. We can plant but must wait to see things grow. Even our plans can only take shape over time. Taking advantage of time allows us to administer the appropriate actions in a timely manner. Failing to grasp the significance of time by procrastinating can foster irrevocable effects as we now face with global warming. Time is impartial and answers to no man. We don't have time, make time, take time, waste time or loose time. Time neither sits still nor marches on, but it allows us to measure change. Time is like a tool.

Difficulties are a part of every living thing. Our struggles allow us to build up energy for strength, stamina and endurance. A great tool of the spiritual trade is learning to view hardship in the light of eternity. Nothing in the tangible world lasts forever and "even trouble don't last always." Despite of the difficulties, the hope of the slaves was freedom. "The Underground Railroad" was not a train, it was a dangerous and difficult journey to liberty. Every difficulty we overcome works as encouragement for us and others who see or partake of it with us. Difficulties keep us grounded and allow us to humble ourselves. The essence of sorrow through crying and tears have authored some of our greatest hymns, songs, poems, and movies. The motivation of grief, whether it's ours or from someone else, can serve as a catalyst to overcome any situation rather then allowing that difficulty to overcome us.
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Being thankful is one of the simplest methods of applying invisible energy to any situation. Many people express thankfulness through prayer and praise. Thankfulness can be declared in many manners. The full power of being thankful is best expressed and shared in the spirit (behavior) of emotion. The true "spirit of thankfulness" functions best externally. Thankfulness is a state of mind regardless of our physical circumstances. Genuine thankfulness is reflected in spirit and truth. The phrase spirit and truth speaks not only to the "what" but also the "why."  Describing spirit only in terms of behavior is insufficient. The spirit of something not only reflects its action but also the motivation behind that action. The true motivation behind being thankful illustrates this. Our failure to demonstrate thankfulness doesn't necessarily make us "feel" un-thankful. Our behavior in spirit may not align with what we really "feel" inside. These "emotional" contradictions allow us to "feel" one way but act in a completely opposite manner. Being thankful is at the "feeling" level. Thankfulness is at the "doing /expressing" level.

The "Spirit" of our purpose
Births
​the power of our passions

REPURPOSED TOOLS CAN ALSO WORK AS WEAPONS

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Forgiveness is among the most powerful tools we have. In the realm of spiritual engagements it is a mandatory tool that must be voluntarily used. Forgiveness is not something we do, it is a release of energy we grant to ourselves and others. Forgiveness is love's opportunity to flourish, help and heal. When we forgive we force the universe to channel destructive energy into constructive manifestations. The strength to forgive taps into the supernatural and delivers that power to us in the physical world. Whether we forgive ourselves or others there are certain barriers and strongholds that can only be toppled or broken by and through forgiveness. Remember that one of Jesus' last miracles was his saying "Father forgive them." The topic of forgiveness has a previous post dedicated specifically to it.

Prayer is an invisible extension of energy that we can focus on or towards anything. Understanding what prayer is and how it works is not essential. Prayer is an act that concentrates spiritual energy which manifests into the natural realm. It always has results even if we are unaware of them. It is practiced by just about every religion, race, nationality and culture. Prayer is a natural response to things out of our reach or control. Some may define prayer as a method of affecting the natural through the supernatural, however the prayer itself requires no supernatural abilities on the part of those who pray. Prayer has no prerequisites such as a particular belief or condition. In fact the more difficult the conditions are the more effective the prayer can be. Although most prayers are addressed to or directed towards God, prayer focuses on intervention in human events. It stands to reason that all prayers are heard and answered. The answer to the petition may not be what we want to hear. There may be delays and obstacles that hinder the petitioner from hearing or receiving the answer, but we believe God ALWAYS answers prayer!(Daniel 10: 12 - 14) If we know anything about God we know that God is faithful. Prayer, whether requested or personally performed works across the universe. Prayer has no limitations to it's reach. Prayer works everywhere!

Fasting is a power-tool strategy employed when there is a necessity for urgency. Sometimes as a last resort "targeted" fasting is second to none in effectiveness. Fasting adds more punching power to prayer. The discomfort to our flesh during a fast impacts our bodies, minds and spirit because they all require our daily energy to function in their normal capacity. By voluntarily imposing restrictions to their common source of power they are forced to operate in a way that limits their activity as they all rely on an ever shrinking pool of energy. The bodies autonomous systems are very stingy with the resources they need to function and are programmed not to shut down. They will maintain functionality at the expense of the less vital activities that our willful nature expresses through our mind and spirit. Think about it, when we're hungry most other priorities become secondary. Thinking takes energy too! When we impose a fast upon our members we are forcing them to streamline their consumption while simplifying their resolutions. Hunger, the constant reminder of why we are fasting reverberates through our bodies and the meditations of our hearts and minds during the discomfort of a fast.

Humor is a tool, that if used correctly works in many situations. Humor is not a fools tool. The ironies of life appear funny when viewed from a lighthearted perspective. Difficulties become tolerable and even manageable when we laugh at them. There is a restorative quality to laughing that sometimes defies reasoning. There is a distinct difference between humor and jesting or joking. Jesting and joking are generally done at someone's expense. Humor is funny and appeals to everyone  Happiness and humor are brothers. There are so many things that can baffle and leave us perplexed that's better to giggle at than get upset with. If we don't "get it" a joke is not funny. Even during the darkest of times the perspective gained through humor can see us through it. Humor is medicine for the soul and stimulus to the body. Babies are generally happy until they need or want something, and when they get it they go back to being happy again. It's humorous to tickle and bounce our babies and watch them smile and laugh. Humor and laughter are as contagious as a yarn. Humor can make light of the gravest circumstances and defy the reasoning of logic. The humor of laughter can strengthen and lift our spirits in tragedy. Laughing at ourselves show resiliency and the chuckle of humor radiates hope and positivity. Life is a series of ups and downs, humor can make the downs "feel" like ups.

Affirmations and confessions are components of faith. Faith must be conceived, convinced and confessed to have its full effect. We have repeatedly declared that "words are spirit." Speech is one of our main tools in "spiritual warfare." Declaring and sharing our experiences through conversation offers an exchange of faith through our testimonies of victory over adversity. Conversations also can expose the "spirit" in which we are expressing from. When a fighter enters the ring in doubt it is very likely he will not win. The "hype" is almost as important as the practice or training. Affirmations, are "tools of talk." Affirmations have been used by Winston Churchill, Muhammad Ali and our former president, Donald Trump. Using affirmations at any point along the road of life can be effective. Affirmations can serve as "admissions before the fact." Confession is not for the proud or the weak. The gate of confession lets weaknesses out while allowing strength to enter in. These actions open the possibilities of prayer and asking for prayer is a powerful form of confession. This sense of empowerment also stimulates our resolve. By enrolling the involvement of others able to cheer and encourage us on our road to victory our words become spirit. Talk is not cheap! Only we "ourselves"can devalue what we say by our "own" actions. It is our actions that have the final say and as such our actions can speak louder then our words. Well before our actions come into play there are both thoughts and sometimes words that precede them. This is why it is important to iterate and verbally identify our disposition through what we say and how we say it. Words are spirit! Some spirits can only be discerned or exposed though their speech.

By having the tools to change and transform over time; even with difficulties we can remain thankful. Exercising forgiveness will become easier with prayer and fasting by using humor to temper our affirmations and confessions.

The troubles of life can make us strong
they help us see where we belong.
The way to struggle and really win
is through how we wage the war within.