THROUGH THE SPIRITUAL DOOR (on St. Patrick's Day)

Yesterday's de-briefing discussion with the ISW group raised the question of spiritual growth. Have we entered the spiritual door of learning during our time in Mexico? Some thought that they had grown spiritually through the experience of physical problems -- "stomach problems." Others had found that they were very grateful for what they returned to here -- family, house, friends. People talked of humility and gratitude.

My contribution to the discussion was my realization that the Chiapas, Mexico experience had confirmed something I had been taught over and over again during the years. I had been told to follow my gut feeling. In the group discussion, "Do what you enjoy!" is what I said. I added: "Follow the energy." Blogging has been a matter of following the energy. I felt consoled in thinking out, writing about and distributing my thoughts.

I'm not being original in this but it is hitting home that this counsel to follow the energy applies to me. If I am to be a productive person, it is important that I focus on what gives me energy. I could express that somewhat differently: I should be doing what I have energy for. St. Augustine said it better: "Love and do what you will." He recognized that the issue is that one has to be in a state of grace, that is, in love: then do what you will, then -- do what you enjoy. Follow the holy energy.

To distinguish when I am acting on the basis of a loving frame of mind and when I am acting out of something else I shall have to be self-critical. Am I basically concerned for others or only for myself? Generous or selfish? Let us suppose that I have the good sense to recognize when I am off-balance. Then I may say the opposite: "John-boy, Don't do what you enjoy when you're in this nasty frame of mind." Work against your spontaneous energy. Get back in balance.

I prefer to take an optimistic view of my state of being. Given that with the support of wife and friends I am in a generally peaceful state of being, then I should be alert to what brings me consolation and what brings me desolation.