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Stress is all around us. It is inevitable... a part of our existence. Nowadays, we are filled with troublesome realities and everyday, our energies are spent on vices and meaningless activities such as smoking, drinking, worrying, lying, etc. How do we replace wasted energy? Are we even concerned about this?
We are not aware that the things that are supposed to make our lives easier, such as technology, are actually putting a burden on our shoulders. Problems are solved in order to encounter a more challenging ordeal. Today, physical strength is futile and in order to survive we need to develop our internal strength.
How do we attain inner strength? To have inner strength we have to primarily go through the processes of awareness, acceptance, openness, and discipline.
1st Process: Awareness
Awareness simply means waking up from slumber. We have been bombarded by so many information and because of this, the basic and significant essence of living slowly became unknown to us. We have been busy upgrading the quality of life by developing different kinds of technology when in fact, all we need to do is be simple and "empty" to get in touch with our being. The being made in the image and likeness of God. Our inner self. The master within us. Our conscience. The God who resides in our hearts.
2nd Process: Acceptance
This must follow after your eyes have been opened to "what is", to the present, the now. Because acceptance places us to the point when we will make a decision. Acceptance will move us into acting or not acting.
3rd Process: Openness
If awareness is the opening of the mind, the 3rd process is the act of openness itself. To be open is to be able to let go and receive. This is when we are able to listen within. This is listening beyond the physical sense... with openness, we are even able to hear silence.
4th Process: Discipline
This drives us to do what we have to do and not to do what is unnecessary. This may seem the hardest of the 4 steps but in reality, the 3rd step (Openness) is the most challenging of all. If you find this part the hardest, it means you have to go back to one or all of the first 3 processes before going through this final step.
These four processes are not experienced by any person on a one time basis. We can get to the fourth process and go back to the first at one point in our lives. What is important is that you learn how to move forward from the 1st to the last process during difficult situations in your life. Getting through these processes and learning how to stay tranquil inside during turmoil is a way to train yourself to become a stronger person. Developing internal strength is a continuous process and to tread the path of upgrading the self is not easy. But the fruits of learning to be aware, to accept, to be open and to have discipline is endless.
Developing Internal Strength
My First Bloggers' Event
Maybe it was meant to be. We luckily got slots for the Bloggers' Event at SM Mall of Asia.
I have been a hermit for quite sometime so when I got there, I was overwhelmed. People were taking pictures, chatting, laughing -- simply enjoying the food, the prizes, and the food... wait, I already mentioned that!
[my cry]
I am living in a circle of misfortunes,
my bones are crushed and I am down to my knees
with dirt on my face and wounds all over my feet.
Where are you God?
I cry out to you Lord, wherever you are.
Hear my plead
Hear my sorrows
Hear my cry
My cry for your light
My cry for your warmth
My cry for your love
It is you who have the power
to wash away the darkness
in my life.
And it is only you who can resurrect me from my grave.
Touch me now.
Hear me now.
Renew me now.
I surrender.
Angel Whispers
“Love is the only abstract thing in the world that needs no explanation. It speaks a universal language. It knows no limits. It offers itself to the world regardless of race, status, and religion.”
Angel Whispers
“To faithfully abide by God’s laws is never an easy task. A person who wants to serve the Lord will be disciplined and molded by the hands of God. He who follows Him will face trials and difficult battles. But remember this, although he will be wounded as much as a wounded soldier in the greatest battle of the earth, he will not perish. Remain steadfast and pure of heart. Trust in the Lord.”
A Time with God
What is Prayer? It is our way of communicating to God. It is in prayer that we can express our gratitude to our Provider -- even our hopes and desires. Nneka presents Prayer 101 posted at Spirituality Applied to Life. Submit your blog article to the next edition of the Spiritual Growth Carnival using our carnival submission form. Past posts and future hosts can be found on our blog carnival index page. Technorati tags:
In prayer, we begin to be in touch with the Higher Being. In silence, we begin to cast our cares on God and begin to contemplate. In contemplation, we begin to listen and be in touch with our inner selves. Karen Lynch presents an article on listening and trusting your own wisdom. Read Intuitions and Wisdom posted at Live The Power.
Would you like to spend time for meditation but are you too busy to sit down and keep still? Know the special benefits and other interesting information about walking meditation by Michelle Wood in her great article entitled Walking Meditation posted at Living Stress-Free ~ Naturally!. How about a simple meditative technique by Chris? Read his article entitled Cultivating Happiness with the Secret Smile posted at Martial Development.
Spending time for prayer can be a big task for some. But the fruits of prayer are great. It is a worthwhile activity that we should all make time for.
When God becomes a part of your activities, He will keep on sending us signs and symbols for us to continue trusting in Him. Read a remarkable experience by Raymond David Salas in his artcle entitled Pennies From Heaven posted at ZenChill.com - Power Tools for Mind, Body, and Soul.
OTHER POSTS
Kavit Haria presents Calmness admist the storm posted at Kavit Haria.
Laura Young presents More on Life Purpose: Sometimes You Leave Clues posted at Dragon Slayer's Guide to Life.
Miguel Trujillo presents Invincible Happiness and Look for What You Want to Find posted at Think Happy Thoughts Happiness Blog.
Do you want to break a bad habit? do you wish to improve you life? Erich presents 10 Days to a Better Life posted at LifeTraining - Online.
David Maister presents Islamic Saying posted at Passion, People and Principles.
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spiritual growth carnival, blog carnival
Equations of Spiritual Growth
Welcome to the first edition of the
Spiritual Growth Carnival!
There is no single set of rules -- much more no easy way to attain a higher level of consciousness. In this world, the situations in our lives become the means to mold us -- prepare us for something bigger than ourselves. In our path to spiritual growth, we should learn to be in touch with ourselves and communicate with our Inner Being. When we have successfully done this we acquire the gift of discernment, wisdom, compassion, peace, and joy.
We all know that our experiences and interpretations about spiritual growth vary and so for the first edition of the Spiritual Growth Carnival, let us present to you the different equations of spiritual growth.
1. Self - (self) = emptying the self
Spiritual growth may begin when one learns how to empty the self. In order to empty oneself, a person should accept that he/she is nothing without the Higher Self or Being. In Raymond David Salas' article called The Power of Surrender, learn simple "Spiritual Tools" in order for you to experience the power of surrender. You can find this article at ZenChill.com - Power Tools for Mind, Body, and Soul.
Emptying oneself is not a one-time event. It should be practiced in one's everyday life to continue to receive it's fruits. It is not easy either. Meditation is one way to free yourselves from the busy world we live in -- but remember, meditation demands patience and discipline. In a short article by Darren Hayhurst entitled The Minds Focus posted at Darren Hayhurst.com, learn a simple way to meditate. Another way to meditate is presented by Man Anonymous in a simple article entitled About Meditation posted at Blog of Mr. Anonymous.
2. Self - (hurts + vices + attachments) = freeing the self
To attain spiritual growth, we must learn to let go of our bondages. Are you willing to let go? Dr. Hal presents North Star Mental Fitness Blog: Christmas posted at North Star Mental Fitness Blog.
For many centuries, the term "church" has been widely misunderstood. Unfortunately until now, a church is perceived by many simply as a building or place of worship. But it is not only that -- the Church is the people of God communing in faith and charity. When we serve our God through serving others, we begin to learn how to sacrifice and free ourselves from being attached to worldly desires. Although we may not be aware of it, our hurts also become healed and we become renewed. Nevertheless, no matter how beautiful the concept of the Church is, becoming a member of one is not a panacea. We will still encounter challenges that will continue to mold us and make ourselves wholly. Read KWiz's personal experience in the article entitled, Can A Christian Grow Spiritually Without The Church? posted at WOMEN WALKING IN WISDOM'S FOOTSTEPS™.
3. (Self - expectations) + (openness + acceptance) = purpose and meaningRead Ayesha Ashley's personal experience and learn how she discovered her own gift in her article Find YOUR gift. posted at Find YOUR gift.
4. Self - (doubts) + (trust + discipline + vision) = True Teacher
If before, personal growth happens through time and that the tradition of healing is passed on from one generation to another, nowadays personal and healing skills development can come with a cost. Maria Yu presents Cost of Personal Development and Spiritual Growth posted at art-life-spirit. If personal growth and healing seminars are too costly, should we let these be a hindrance towards our path to spiritual growth?
For those who would like to try out reiki, tc presents Choosing a reiki teacher posted at reikiblogger. The blind cannot lead the blind so this is a must read if you want to make your future classes worthwhile.
How about kundalini? JJ Semple presents My Meeting with Gopi Krishna posted at k~Blog.
On the other hand, if you can't afford to enroll for a course on improving your personal life, why not read Peri-Coeurtney-Enkin's article called Living Big in Love and Work - Do What Deliberate Creators Do posted at JT Chandler. What's great about it is that it's simple, effective, and free!
Unlock the master within you... here's another great post entitled Channeling Inspiration by Lorenzo posted at RealitySeeds.
5. Self - ignorance= empowerment
Mark McManus reminds us that "we are what we think". Read The Purpose Of Circumstance and How To Take Control posted at Build Your Life To Order (tm) and let yourself be empowered.
What does faith have to do with everything in your life? Alan presents The power of Faith posted at Made to Be Great.
When you are free of your bondages, you begin to become empowered. A word of caution though, spiritual highness doesn't last long. After a moment of feeling 'connected', there will be a moment of 'non-movement'. It is when some people feel as if nothing is happening in their lives or that they have stopped growing spiritually. During this moment, stay strong and hold on to you faith, because when the right time comes and you are prepared, an 'awakening' will occur in your life. Read John Hill's thoughts in the article entitled Becoming Aware Of The Real World posted at Universe Of Success.
OTHER POSTS
Ken presents the guiding principles from a Japanese samurai known as Miyamoto Musashi. Read his article entitled, Lessons Learned from the Greatest Samurai, Part I posted at Ken Nubo, PUA extraordinaire and ranting buddhist.
As one becomes more mature, his/her perception is widened. Scott Lee presents Cycles of Clarity posted at Dirty Mechanism. When events in your life seem to go wrong, just trust the path that leads you to a greater understanding of things.
Can we be happier? Yes! How? Miguel presents How to Be Happier posted at Think Happy Thoughts Happiness Blog. Also, Barbra Sundquist presents Joy Is Not the Same as Happiness posted at WelcomeJoy.com.
Inner joy also comes from being thankful for the blessings that we receive day by day. Alan presents Attitude of Gratitude posted at Made to Be Great.
We are all treading the path to spiritual growth -- only in different levels. To know whether you have already gone far is not essential. What's more important is that, despite the noise around you -- you are able to keep still and tranquil -- you are able to maintain the feeling of oneness with a Higher Being or Self, with Nature, and with the creatures around us.Wishing you a blessed journey! We hope you have enjoyed this month's edition of the Spiritual Growth Carnival and that bloggers will continue to share with us their knowledge, thoughts, and experiences. Thank you very much.
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Submit your blog article to the next edition of the Spiritual Growth Carnival using our carnival submission form. Past posts and future hosts can be found on our blog carnival index page.
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spiritual growth carnival, blog carnival
To Sing Another Song
Monday morning, you heard that a group case presentation is due the following week. Your team leader proposed that a “made-up” case be submitted. Deep inside, you know that cheating is bad and that it entails a serious offense. When it was time to ask whether there are objections, no one dared to speak. You were silenced by the fact that everyone seems to agree with the plan. Now you are in a dilemma and started asking yourself, “Will I reject the proposal and suggest a legal plan? Or should I continue to keep quiet and agree to it? Anyways, they all seem to like the idea of doing dishonest work.”
Most of us would choose not to deviate from the [perceived] norm even if it will cause us to give up our personal values. Some people make the mistake of equating public behavior with the social norm thus misleading them with the idea that the majority is right.. or that the majority is not in accord with their idea. Instead of choosing what they think is right, they let themselves be driven by the “perceived” choices of the majority and become victims of pluralistic ignorance.
Pluralistic ignorance is a term introduced by Floyd Allport to describe a situation in which members of a group privately reject group norms, but publicly accept them.
Miller and McFarland (1991) described it as a psychological state characterized by the belief that one’s private attitudes and judgments are different from those of others, even though one’s public behavior is identical.
Victims of pluralistic ignorance may respond to the perceived differences between their private attitudes and the social norm through three identified strategies: they can (1) move their private attitudes closer to the [perceived] norm, (2) bring the norm closer to their attitudes, or (3) reject the group altogether. The last two options seem to be too challenging and so most people tend to eliminate the discrepancy by changing their private attitudes.
In the situation described above, it is possible that one or more members among the group may have been going through the same ordeal of trashing the idea of cheating. The team leader asking whether there are objections failed to elicit a response even though there is indeed an objection to the plan. A member’s inaction is driven by pluralistic ignorance where he failed to address his concerns for fear of offending the leader and interpreted the other members’ identical behavior as an indication that everyone agrees to the plan.
Pluralistic ignorance poses various social and psychological consequences. One of its serious consequences is the actual deviation from what is morally right in exchange for belongingness and short-lived harmony.
A situation may lead to pluralistic ignorance when a false façade is interpreted as the truth or when individuals believe that the public actions of others are a truthful representation of their private beliefs. One way to avoid this kind of situation is for us to learn to voice out our concerns and opinions. This may not be easy, as standing by your principles may require a lot of courage. However, personal values and moral truths should not be sacrificed in times when we just don’t want to “look stupid”.
The lesson we need to learn here is that we need to practice living life with dignity for life is too valuable to waste on ignorant conformity.
References:
Prentice, Deborah A. and Dale T. Miller. 1993. Pluralistic Ignorance and Alcohol Use on Campus Some Consequences of Misperceiving the Social Norm. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology. American Psychological Association. Vol. 64, No. 2, 243-256.
Wardwell, Brian. 1999. The Effects of the Outdoor Action Frosh Trip on Freshmen’s Adaptation to Princeton University: A Study of Pluralistic Ignorance. Unpublished Thesis. Princeton University.
Read about SELECTIVE PERCEPTION at The Simple Mind Blog
Angel Whispers
The greatest battle of all is not the one that spills blood but the one that happens deep within you. It entails more hurt and when you look back, you are without a battalion of dedicated soldiers... you are just with yourself.
12.28.06
This is one of my favorite verses. It reminds me that I am the daughter of the world and not my mother's alone. I feel I am not owned. I feel free but with an obligation to do good for my fellowmen. With this, I know I have a purpose --
It is tormenting to be bound by the ignorance of the times. How, where and when will I be freed from it... I don't know. But I hope the answers will be easy, here, and now...
Sigh.
The noise in my mind should soon be tamed, I know. I just have to figure out how and I have to figure it out now... or it will soon be deafening.
Despite these troubling times of being unable to blossom overnight, of failing to understand certain things at the right time... the omnipotent never fails to provide me with times of laughter and silence. Day by day, He blesses me with gifted individuals who exhibit the real meaning of sharing and giving. Most importantly, He offers me compassion and forgiveness which I thought I would never find in this vindictive world. He never fails to touch my heart. God surely never sleeps. I know He is making sure I am always safe and secure.
On Times of Refreshing
I am sickened. I couldn't bear the anguish caused by a society so oblivious and left untaught. One day, I arose from my deathbed... my life hasn't fully changed. But it did make a difference.
With all my strength, I raced away from the world that smothered me most of my existence. I ran. Far away. Without a destination in mind. I ran until I felt it was the farthest I could reach.
Before it totally disappeared before my very eyes, it delivered its final discourse.
...That everyday is a new day and a new beginning. Our passions should shine from within us -- let it refresh us from spiritual decay and heal us from torment. We should keep on going... rising with persistence and setting to rest and gather up ourselves for the next day.
I smiled. I was pleased. It was like a dream. And when dreaming, I knew I had to wake. And so I did. I woke up with a friend by my side realizing that I wasn't alone all along.
Angel Whispers
I reckon that our being mindful of the real cause of our existence sets us apart from other people. We may be imperfect, we may not be smart, we may miscalculate things -- but as long as we keep on trying, as long as we don't quit thriving... our travels and adventures will continue to shape us to being wholly.
Angel Whispers
I pray that we fight for a great and good cause because we believe in the same truth... we see the same good possibilities... and we feel the same resposibility for ourselves, for each other, and for the rest of the world.
Angel Whispers
Hush. Dry your tears. Take a deep breath. The answer will reveal itself. Don't know when, don't know how, but it will come -- in God's time.
Angel Whispers
Why are we born naked? I think our nakedness at birth signifies not only our nothingness but also our consecration to the creator. When we are raised after a painful labor, our cries say, "Take me, I am yours to mold, clothe, and educate.
Angel Whispers
Continue swimming swiftly through the current of life. In tough times, remember that raging waters can be silenced by God.
On Freedom
I'd rather die than live without liberty for it is what makes me -- ME.
On Friendship
"Friends hug, friends kiss
Friends stand by each other
Friends laugh, friends cry
Friends are friends forever."
There must have been gazilions of books about friendships... failing to read any of them is not anybody's loss at all -- for living friendships make books of friendships and not the other way around. Good friends are not bought neither are they found, but if they be found, they are found not because they have been lost but because it is the right time and place for a miracle.
Great friendships are made... molded by the hands of those involved, but without tiring efforts. True friendships are indeed gifts -- gifts that are without a doubt worthy to be kept.
Angel Whispers
Life is a vast ocean. But the people in this world are just too frightened to dive in. Instead, they stay afloat in the shallowness of things. What is not known to them is that the sea below them is a sea of life... so dynamic, so full and rich, so different.