Monday, September 27, 2010

Loving my entire self: Lectio of Beatitudes #6 & #7


We are now entering into the last two weeks of the Sacred and Feet program and the final phase of fully incorporating weight loss and health into our spiritual practice.  We have used the Beatitudes from the Sermon on the Mount  (Matthew 5 ) because these verses out line the steps to creating a profound spiritual, mental/emotional and physical shift in one’s being.  These steps are actually repeated throughout scripture but in the Sermon on the Mount they are presented as part of a teaching on spiritual growth in a succinct and logical progression. In my view, the steps outline the following TO DO list for spiritual growth and change; an acknowledgement of our inability to change a behavior; an honest inquiry into the reasons behind the behavior;  a willingness to change an old belief system, pattern or habit; and then finally receiving grace, in the form of a new revelation or understanding resulting a radical change of actions or behaviors

 If we were to make these seven Beatitudes into the kind of affirmations used in a 12-step program, it might read like the following (IN CAPS).  Note that these affirmations are the result of my personal journey with spirituality and weight.  I understand that they will not be yours, especially since you may have used different translations or interpretations over the last six weeks. 

Beatitude #1, Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven OR 
Healed are those who devote themselves to the link of spirit; the design of the universe is rendered through their form.
ALTHOUGH I HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO AFFECT PERMANENT CHANGE IN THIS AREA IN THE PAST, I NOW BELIEVE THAT IT IS POSSIBLE TO INVOLVE THE SPIRT OF GOD AND TO CHANGE MY HEALTH HABITS ONCE AND FOR ALL.

Beatitude #2 Blessed are they that mourn for they shall be comforted
Tuned to the Source are those feeling deeply confused by life; they shall be returned from their wandering.
BEFORE NOW I THOUGHT OF MY BODY AND MY HEALTH AS SOMEHOW NOT CONNECTED TO MY RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD. I WAS CONFUSED.

Beatitude #3 Blessed are the meek for they shall inherit the earth
Healthy are those who have softened what is rigid within; they shall receive physical vigor and strength from the universe
I KNOW THAT THE REASONS BEHIND MY WEIGHT GAIN HAVE BEEN HIDDEN AND DIFFICULT TO ADMIT, EVEN TO MYSELF. AS I NOW ACKNOWLEDGE AND RELEASE THE REASONS FOR MY UNHEALTHY HABITS, I AM ALSO RELEASING THE WEIGHT.


Beatitude #4 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst after righteousness, they shall be filled.
Healed are those who persistently feel inside: “If only I could find new strength and a clear purpose on which to base my life”; they shall be embraced by birthing power.
Integrated, resisting delusion are those who long clearly for a foundation of peace between the warring parts of themselves; they shall find all around them the materials to build it.
ULTIMATELY, MY ISSUES WITH WEIGHT REPRESENTED FALSE BELIEFS WHICH SHOWED THAT I HAD FORGOTTEN THE TRUTH ABOUT MYSELF.  THE ABSENCE OF THIS TRUTH LEFT ME WANTING. THE PRESENCE OF THIS TRUTH NOW FILLS ME. 


Beatitude #5 Blessed are the merciful for they shall obtain mercy.
Healthy is the one who extends mercy for they shall have their prayers answered.
WITHIN THIS TRUTH, I AM ABLE TO GRANT MERCY, GRACE AND COMPASSION TO MYSELF.  WITHIN THIS TRUTH, I AM ABLE TO GRANT MERCY, GRACE AND COMPASSION TO OTHERS, EVEN MY ENEMIES.  THEREFORE, THERE IS NOTHING TO HINDER MY PRAYERS.

Beatitude #6 Blessed are the pure in spirit for they shall see God.
Aligned with the One are those whose lives radiate from a core of love; they shall see God everywhere.
THE TRUTH ABOUT MYSELF IS THAT I RADIATE FROM PURE LOVE. I SEE GOD EVERYWHERE, INCLUDING WITHIN ME.  I KNOW THAT I AM OF GOD. I SEE AND EXPERIENCE MY GOODNES. I SEE AND EXPERIENCE MY GOD-NESS.

Beatitude #7 Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called the children of God.
Blessed are those who plant peace each season they shall be named the children of God.
AS THE REVELATION OF THE TRUTH OF WHO I AM GROWS BRIGHTER,  I AM MORE AT PEACE WITH MY BODY.  EVERY DAY I TREAT MY BODY WITH LOVE AND CARE.  I NO LONGER PRACTICE JUDGMENT, CRITICISM OR COMPARISON. OTHERS RECOGNIZE THIS PEACE AS THE PEACE THAT PASSES ALL UNDERSTANDING. IT IS THE PEACE OF GOD.

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Create your own Affirmations that are based on your participation in the Sacred and Fit Program.  Do this activity slowly and take your time. This week  think about how you would interpret the scriptures  if they had been written just for you and focused on your health regimen. Utilize all of the tools that have been introduced to you during the course of the program, especially those aimed at heightening your intuitive senses; morning pages, dreams,  self-suggestion before sleeping, vision pages, mindfulness and  Lectio Divina.   During the course of this week, write down at least one Affirmation and place it where you can see it on a daily basis.

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