Conference quark::human_relations-v1

406.0. "Maintaining Balance and Spiritual Unfoldment" by CAMLOT::COFFMAN (Howard D. Coffman) Wed Sep 30 1987 15:32

The following was originally posted in the DEJAVU conference. It was 
suggested that I post this here..



I was speaking to some friends last night about the balance in one's 
life.  As a result of that conversation, I thought it might be an 
interesting topic to present here.

	WHAT FOLLOWS ARE MY PERSONAL EXPERIENCES AND BELIEFS.

For me and my life, balance is probably the most important thing I 
strive for.  When I am balanced, my life goes smoothly.

For me, I am aware of the extremes I am willing to work within and I 
strive not to render beyond those personal limits.

For example, there are many activities in my life I choose to do.  I 
work to experience all these things.  I am constantly altering my 
priorities so I can accomodate my in-the-moment decision.  I have 
moved myself from a very serious, opinionated person to a not very 
serious opinionated person :-).

I try to be as forgiving and as loving to myself (and others) as I can.
I am responsible to my day-to-day, personal and relationship 
commitments.  I work to maintain my level of integrity and maintain 
the promises I have made to myself and others.

It is my belief that my balance is an indication of 
the balance in my spiritual.  Being in balance serves as 
a recognition for me that I am progressing in my spiritual affairs.  
When I notice I am out of balance I know (almost immediately) and can 
correct accordingly.  This is one of the commitments I have.

This balance can often be described as a tight rope or a razor's edge. 
Sometimes the balance point is a very fine line and very fragile.

Being in/out of balance can manifest itself in almost any way 
possible.  These messages from Spirit are quite personal.  Things I 
look at are are timings of things; parking spots, phone calls, 
observational things.  Health can also be a good indicator.  Say you 
have a cough and ignore it, later you find out you have pneumonia.

When I first started my spiritual study, and consuming spiritual 
truth, I didn't have much of an urge to eat.  I was getting my 
nourishment from another source.  I mention this because you may know 
someone who is experiencing this.

I also, when starting out, spent more of my time by myself.  In that 
environment I was able to "search my soul" without the distraction or 
interruption of others.  I needed my space to do my work.

For me, my circle of friends became narrower.  Some people that I was 
quite friendly with, no longer interested me.  I made new friends.

I gave up smoking (all kinds), drinking, and as much foul language as 
I can :-).

Changes like those above manifested a change in my attitude about my 
life, how I wanted to focus my attention and awareness.

By me maintaining as much of a detached view of my life as I can, I 
gain as much insight into my situation thereby making the best 
decision that I can.  Thereby hopefully making me a person that *I* 
want to be around as well as others.

- Howard

Not to give you a run around, but it really sounds like your note belongs
in HYDRA::HOLISTIC. :-)

Jim Baranski
HOLISTIC Moderator

    
    what sorts of spiritual paths/endeavors have you followed ?
    
    stuart
    
    
    
    

    
� The following was originally posted in the DEJAVU conference. It was 
� suggested that I post this here..
    

        	I KNEW I had seen this before!!
    
    
    	Sorry :-) :-)
    
    							mike

re ; -2
    
>    what sorts of spiritual paths/endeavors have you followed ?
    
Stuart,

Sorry for the delay in response.  I gave the moderator to delete if 
he wanted and did not check the outcome.

I do study a spiritual teaching that has helped me focus on more of 
who I am and my purpose for being here.  It has certainly assisted me 
in balancing "my act" as indicated by the base note.

I am a student of ECKANKAR.

ECKANKAR is the path of total awareness.  It is the Ancient Science
of Soul Travel.

If you are interested in any additional information I would be happy 
to provide it.

- Howard
    
    
    

    
    Is it really possible to get nourishment from something spiritual
    instead of food ?
    
    I think spirituality can be "uplifting" but can't really replace food.
    
    /Eric

    
    Visualize a box of Ritz and a jar of Skippy...

    it had better be chunky :-)

          RE: Note 406.5 by HANNAH::OSMAN
   
    < Can spirituality really replace food ?>

   >> Is it really possible to get nourishment from something
   >> spiritual instead of food ...?


   [ When I went up the mountain to receive the tablets of..the covenant
     Which the Lord made..I remained on the mountain for FORTY DAYS and
     FORTY NIGHTS; I neither ate bread nor drank water..]

     
      A documented/written account by Moses - presumably.

   (From Deuteronomy Chapt. 9 vs 9 - Quoted from the Revised Standard Version.) 
    

      RE: 406.6 by BTOVT::BOATENG

    >>..."shall not live by bread alone..">>


 The above quotation is ORIGINALLY from:

 Deuteronomy the 5th book of the Pentateuch/Torah - chapt. 8 vs 3 -

       Parts of the full text stated, 

  "... did your fathers know...that man does not live by bread alone ..."

  
  (Text ref. is from the 1952 edition of the Revised Standard Version)