Spiritual Growth Exercises

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Sure-Fire Spiritual Growth Exercises

Four Ways to Grow Spiritually

© Tubbs

Jan 13, 2009

People want happiness and inner peace. For many such seekers, there is an awareness that such joy and fulfillment can only be found through spiritual growth.

What is spiritual growth? Before one can grow spiritually (and thus attain inner peace and joy) he or she must first understand the nature of the task. What constitutes spiritual growth?

Spiritual Growth 101

Ask 10 people what " spiritual growth " entails and there will be 10 different answers. In the midst of this cultural and religious diversity, however, there are common themes that emerge in terms of what people are ultimately seeking in their spiritual growth journeys. Those seeking spiritual growth want more in life than money, fame, or power. They want peace, love, inner meaning, and purpose. The following spiritual growth exercises should help the reader in his or her quest to reach those qualities.

1. Practice Looking Upward

While much of the self-help literature encourages readers to " look inward " in their quest for spiritual fulfillment, it's much more constructive to look upward. It's too easy to get lost in a sea of emotions, feelings, biases, and stresses. The ancient Jewish prophet once warned: " The heart is deceitful above all things. "

This isn't to say that a person should not get in touch with his or her inner feelings. That will come. But it's critical that a person have a " North Star " to properly orient her, before she undertakes self-examination. What is that " North Star " ?

There are three basic possibilities when it comes to the overall reality of existence itself. Either the universe created itself and sustains itself (atheism) or the universe is itself alive (pantheism) or the universe was created and is sustained by an all-powerful, Supreme Being (monotheism). If a person truly wants to achieve spiritual growth, he or she must explore these possibilities in a determined effort to discover and embrace the truth.

2. Practice Prayer & Meditation

While prayer and meditation may not be popular with some (particularly those who lean toward atheism), they are vital components of true spiritual growth. In fact, the very nature of spirituality demands that one relinquish any stubborn refusal to contemplate the realities outside of oneself. Spirituality demands consideration of the...well...spiritual.

Meditation involves a concentrated (and yet relaxed) state of focus. It provides a deep sense of awareness that can aid in one's spiritual journey. The ancient psalmist wrote: " My mouth shall speak of wisdom; and the meditation of my heart shall be of understanding. " (Psalm 49:3)

Prayer is, of course, the act of communicating with God. This is difficult for one who doubts the existence of God, yet there is widespread consensus that prayer is indispensable to spiritual growth.

In fact, there's a growing body of medical scholarship is pointing to the health benefits of prayer. These facts should not be ignored, and prayer's indispensable role in spiritual growth should not be dismissed.

3. Grow in Wisdom and Knowledge

King wrote that a " wise man will hear and increase learning " (Proverbs 1:5a). It is not possible to grow spiritually (or, in any way, for that matter) and not dedicate oneself to greater wisdom and knowledge. Even Jesus is reported to have grown in wisdom as well as stature (Luke 2:52).

Astor perhaps best explained why education is critical to spiritual growth. Astor once said: " Real education should educate us out of self into something far finer; into a selflessness which links us with all humanity. "

4. Serve Others

Self-centeredness is the direct opposite of spiritual growth. In order for someone to grow spiritually, that person must cultivate habits of service. The late scientist Albert Einstein recognized this truth when he said: " Only a life lived for others is a life worthwhile. " Einstein also said a man should not strive to be a " man of success, " but rather a " man of value. "

The keys to spiritual growth (upward focus, prayer, meditation, wisdom, knowledge, and service) are available to everyone. Yet few will undertake the journey.

The copyright of the article Sure-Fire Spiritual Growth Exercises in Spiritual Growth is owned by Tubbs. Permission to republish Sure-Fire Spiritual Growth Exercises in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Read more: " Sure-Fire Spiritual Growth Exercises: Four Ways to Grow Spiritually " - http://spiritual-growth.suite101.com/article.cfm/seven_surefire_spiritual_growth_exercises#ixzz08yoLGtEZ

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