October 29: Day 121

STONE FIVE CONTINUED
 
Connect: Not only will I try to discern through mental activity, but I will also discern by connecting with The Divine through prayer, meditation, and contemplation.

Instruction: Use whatever works.

Communication has changed over the years. Before the invention of the phone, we wrote letters and walked next door to talk with people in person. Now, we have so many different ways of connecting there is no need to leave the house. Most people have embraced the new technology. Like anything, if taken to an extreme it can be bad for us, but taken in moderation it simplifies our lives and brings us together with friends who have moved away. Why would we limit ourselves to just one form of communication such as only the phone, or only letter writing, or only when we meet face-to-face? But, some people find, or make, excuses as to why they don’t accept the latest technology. Some might even give religious reasons saying something like, “If God had wanted me to use a computer he would have made sure I wasn’t born so long ago.”

I’m of the opinion that we use whatever works, especially whatever works well. That seems to be common sense. We don’t want technology that makes our lives more complicated. We want technology that makes life simpler, so we have more quality time to do the important things in life — things like spending time with family and friends, meeting and making new friends, and simply enjoying the world and the universe that surrounds us. To that end, we can be open to any and all forms of communication that allows us to connect with The Divine. Prayer, meditation, and contemplation are three forms of communication that are mentioned in Stone Five, but there are others that we haven’t covered but should not be overlooked.

We want to be careful that we don’t have a limited view of spiritual communication. Some religious organizations shun meditation, because they believe it is a practice taken from Eastern religions and thus should be avoided. Yoga is another practice that can open us to hear the voice of The Divine, but some religions also shun yoga, because they are convinced there is a hidden agenda that will lead their followers down a dark path. Whatever opens the lines of communication between us and our Creator can be embraced and used to help us understand why we are here, and what, if anything, is expected of us.

Consider if you have shunned a practice that could help you develop your spiritual muscles. Also, consider if you have discounted certain variations on practices you might find acceptable. There are many ways to perform meditation, yoga, contemplation, prayer, and other exercises that can help develop our spiritual strength. Open to the possibility of trying something you’ve never experienced before such as a walking meditation, dancing meditation, laughter yoga, or simply take a stroll through nature and experience the sounds and sights it has to offer.