Class #2001
Spiritual Living Group - Weekly Class Plan
48:4.1 Joyful mirth and the smile-equivalent are as universal as music. There is a morontial and a spiritual equivalent of mirth and laughter. The ascendant life is about equally divided between work and play — freedom from assignment.
Definition Self-mastery is the degree to which we as humans have self-control over our human/animal urges and emotions and act out of our higher spiritual nature in loving each other even as God loves us.
How Do We Attain Self-Mastery? 1. Self-Understanding
Suggested Growth Practices:
2. FAITH
When we act out of self-mastery it is selfless and without expectation. It is wise, loving, and motivated by doing the highest good for the greatest number of people for the longest period of time; while affirming, ” It is my will that thy will be done.”
Suggested Growth Practices:
3. Self-Forgetfulness:
When we examine our self, we have a limited subjective perspective and it can be an act of self-absorption with strong emotions. How can we look at our self through a microscope? However when we suppress or repress our human feelings there is little self-understanding. It's like putting a dam up to stop ocean waves, eventually we have a tsunami of thoughts and uncontrollable feelings. At that point, we use denial to force ourselves to be loving when we are feeling fear, hurt anger, shame and guilt. (etc.) With self understanding our perspective is more objective, compassionate and forgiving. It is hard to use our wisdom and rational thinking when we are emotional. However, when we suppress or repress our feelings there is little self-understanding. It’s like putting up a dam to stop ocean waves. Eventually the dam breaks and we are overwhelmed with a tsunami of thoughts and feelings that are very hard to control. At that point, we must use self-denial to force ourselves to be loving when we are really feeling fear, anger, shame and guilt. With self-understanding, we are aware and acknowledge our thoughts and feelings, and see ourselves as others see us, and know ourselves as the angels know us. Our perspective is more objective, compassionate, and forgiving. Suggested Growth Practices:
Part III: Loving Service (Weeks 5-6)
1. Respect an Individual's Personality and Free Will
Suggested Growth Practices:
2. Trustworthiness
Suggested Growth Practices:
3. Attitudes of Brotherly Love and Reactions of Fatherly Love
Suggested Growth Practices:
4. Practice Living the Fruits of the Divine Spirit
Suggested Growth Practices:
Conclusion Spiritual Growth
|