Spiritual Practices

Understanding

Spiritual Practice: View obstacles and temptations as blessings allowed by God to help you gain greater spiritual strength. Thank God for them.

Spiritual Practice: Give understanding to others rather than advice, even if they specifically ask for it. What they need is someone who listens and understands, and who asks good questions to help them find their own inner advice.

Spiritual Practice: Understand that the person who does wrong is doing so out of ignorance of his or her true nature as a soul. People act according to their level of spiritual understanding or evolution. Blame only prevents them from progressing. Acceptance of their inherent goodness moves them forward. Ask God to bless them and add your blessing as well.

Spiritual Practice: Solomon prayed for an understanding heart above all else, and as a result received riches. Seek spiritual understanding, pray for understanding—first—and then put your attention on the things of the world, and let what’s coming to you come.

Spiritual Practice: Be aware of when you judge or criticize others, and remember that they mirror back to you your own judgments about yourself, as well as your flaws. If there’s an emotional charge, it’s just about certain to be true. Look deeply enough within and you’ll find it to be true. When you do, try to see what a gift that person is to you for being a mirror of your own imperfections. Once you’re aware of them, you can do something about them.