21. Choosing Exercises

Below, (beginning with number 23) I will begin listing exercises of a wide variety.  Our task, at this point, is to find a beginning path to the Spirit.  This path will consistent of a set of exercises that we practice regularly.  As mentioned above, the path you choose may not be the same as another seeking the Spirit.  It probably won’t.  The Spirit knows you intimately, and you and the Spirit will choose a set of exercises, and the level of practice between the two of you.

If you like, look over the list below and pick two or three exercises that resonate with you.  Then use the tips in each section, making an attempt to practice them.  There may be an exercise that immediately doesn’t feel right to you.  That is fine, set it aside and next time choose another.  There may be some exercises that you gain some benefit from, but over time you realize that it is not for you.  Again, that is fine, just set it aside and pursue another one.

Then there may be an exercise that you reject.  It is too difficult, too outside the scope of your experience.  That’s fine.  But don’t be surprised if the Spirit later leads you back to the unthinkable practice.  Again, the Spirit knows us better than we know ourselves.  What may not work for us now might be the very thing we need later in our lives.

Whatever path you choose or attempt, don’t fail to do it.  If you aren’t in the mood, practice it anyway. If you get distracted and forget, pick it up and do it at the next possible opportunity.  The important thing is to act it out, regularly, until it becomes second nature.  That will take a long time.  Well, be patient.  The spiritual life isn’t an instant breakfast.  It’s a long term project, just like growing up.

You will fail.  You might even set your spirituality aside for a time.  But always come back.  The Spirit will be there, ready for you when you come.