Difference between revisions of "Practices"

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"With simplicity, humility and without false assumptions,
+
[[File:Practice medallion.jpg|right|The Practices of The Greater Community Way of Knowledge]]
−
remembering that you are a beginning student of
 
−
Knowledge, you will be able to learn how to reveal greatness in the
 
−
world."
 
−
<ref name="stk360">''[[Steps to Knowledge]]'', Step 360</ref>
 
−
 
 
−
"In your practice in stillness, if you are able to experience something greater than the mind, the mind will yield to Knowledge."
 
−
<ref name="stkct17"/>
 
−
 
 
 
"We give only so much
 
"We give only so much
 
methodology as is necessary to aim your mind in the proper direction."
 
methodology as is necessary to aim your mind in the proper direction."
−
<ref>''[[Steps to Knowledge]]'', Step 185</ref>
+
<ref>[https://www.stepstoknowledge.com ''Steps to Knowledge''], Step 185</ref>
  
 +
"Your practice is a gift to the world, for it gives that which you are affirming within yourself."
 +
<ref name="stk149">[https://stepstoknowledge.com/ ''Steps to Knowledge''], Step 149</ref>
 +
 +
"You will find that regardless of your circumstances, there will be a way for you
 +
to practice."
 +
<ref name="stk62">[https://www.stepstoknowledge.com ''Steps to Knowledge''], Step 62</ref>
  
 
==Directives==
 
==Directives==
 +
 +
"There are specific activities that can be called [[Quotes About Spiritual practice|spiritual practice]]s, but for them to be truly effective and to be truly meaningful, they must be integrated with a [[The Four Pillars of life|more complete approach]]."
 +
<ref name="ltw6">''Living The Way of Knowledge'', Chapter 6: [https://www.newmessage.org/the-message/volume-3/living-way-knowledge/spiritual-development-practices The Pillar of Spiritual Development]</ref>
 +
 +
"You must proceed every day. Carry on your practice every day. Reinforce your allegiance to Knowledge every day. Learn to be tolerant and compassionate of others every day. Learn to be tolerant and compassionate with yourself every day. And hold fast to those things you most deeply know, for they are the bricks of your foundation." <ref>''The Journey to a New Life'', Chapter 1: [http://www.newmessage.org/the-message/volume-1/new-life/the-awakening The Awakening]</ref>
 +
 
"Carry forth
 
"Carry forth
 
that which you need to do to deepen your practice, to utilize your
 
that which you need to do to deepen your practice, to utilize your
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your practice into the world and to allow your world to support your
 
your practice into the world and to allow your world to support your
 
practice. Do not neglect this, for if you neglect this, you but neglect
 
practice. Do not neglect this, for if you neglect this, you but neglect
−
yourself, your certainty, your fulfillment and your happiness."
+
yourself, your certainty, your fulfillment and your happiness." <ref>[https://stepstoknowledge.com/ ''Steps to Knowledge''], Step 323</ref>
−
<ref>''[[Steps to Knowledge]]'', Step 323</ref>
 
  
 +
==The formal practices of discipline in the Way of Knowledge==
  
 +
[[File:NMFG Logo PRACTICE.jpg|left|The Great Practices]]
 +
===[[Step practice]]===
  
−
==Core practices==
+
"In taking the steps to Knowledge, you learn how to still the mind, how to listen within yourself and how to discern the voice and the movement of Knowledge from all the other voices in your mind—the voice of your parents, the voice of your teachers, the voice of your culture, the voice of your friends, the voice of your fear, the voice of your desire, the voice of your self-doubt, the voice of your self-criticism—all these other voices that reside within you. And then there is Knowledge."<ref>''The Great Waves of Change'', Chapter 12: [http://www.newmessage.org/the-message/volume-4/great-waves-change/your-purpose-and-destiny-in-a-changing-world Your Purpose and Destiny in a Changing World]</ref>  
−
Regular habits particular to The Way of Knowledge
 
−
===Step practice===
 
−
Following the guidelines in the texts ''[[Steps to Knowledge]]'' and ''[[Steps to Knowledge]] Continuation Training'' for consistent and thorough practice is an efficient initiation into the Way of Knowledge for those who haven't found adequate resource in other traditions. The texts require a three- to five-year commitment for completion. 
 
−
 
 
−
"In your hourly remembrances and in your longer meditations
 
−
in stillness today, allow your efforts to supplement the efforts of others,
 
−
which will supplement your efforts. Allow the combination of your
 
−
mutual dedication, then, to be a source of strength which you will
 
−
experience this day and which will be experienced by those whom
 
−
you have not yet met in this life."
 
−
<ref>''[[Steps to Knowledge]]'', Step 232</ref>
 
−
===Hourly===
 
−
====Suggestions for hourly practice====
 
−
"Upon the hour think [about today's idea] after you repeat the idea for today."
 
−
<ref name="stk243">''[[Steps to Knowledge]]'', Step 243</ref>
 
  
−
"Upon the hour practice looking and seeing. Check the mental environment. Check how you feel. Check what is going on inside of you, taking this moment to come back to yourself."
+
===Stillness===
−
<ref name="stkct17">''[[Steps to Knowledge]] Continuation Training'', Step 17</ref>
 
  
−
"Repeat [the] affirmation upon the hour and consider it in
+
"In learning how to still the mind, you must have a focus, you must be in a quiet place, you must be sitting comfortably, and you must have a passive attitude. Four things are required here. Your passive attitude means you are not aggressively trying to make something happen, or to solve problems, or to engage in other kinds of mental activities. You are just there, in a relaxed manner."<ref>''Deepening Your Spiritual Practice'': [https://www.newmessage.org/the-message/volume-3/deepening-your-spiritual-practice/deepening-your-spiritual-practice Deepening Your Spiritual Practice]</ref>
−
light of all things that happen today."
 
−
<ref name="stk141">''[[Steps to Knowledge]]'', Step 141</ref>
 
−
===Daily===
 
  
−
====Suggestions for meditation====
+
"The New Message recommends choosing a single-syllable word, a simple word that you will be uttering as you breathe on the exhale, possibly, something like the word “one”, the word “Rahn” from the New Message. Ideally this word wouldn’t have a lot of meaning for you, doesn’t provoke imagery or association. It’s just like the pebble that’s going to be dropped in the pond okay. That’s all it is. It’s something your mind will, in a way, attach to and hopefully stay with until the pebble just disappears, and you just keep going. And if your mind wanders, you just bring it back to this meaningless simple word; that’s all you do. You just gently bring it back."<ref>Patricia Summers presenting the November 15, 2020, session of the 2020 Summit: [https://www.community.newmessage.org/2020-summit-building-your-meditation-practice/#transcript Building Your Meditation Practice]</ref>
−
"Enter into stillness and peace once
 
−
again. Do not petition for answers because you do not need to do this
 
−
in your meditation practices. Your time now is to practice receiving
 
−
Knowledge."
 
−
<ref name="stk243"/>
 
  
−
"Repeat your idea for the day and enter into
+
===[[Hourly practice]]===
−
stillness once again. Allow this to be a day where Knowledge is
 
−
strengthened."
 
−
<ref>''[[Steps to Knowledge]]'', Step 269</ref>
 
  
 +
"Observe your world without judgment and observe what you are doing in the world without judgment. Then feel if anything needs to be done. Again, your hourly practices take but minutes, and as you practice, they will become more swift, more keen and more effective." <ref>[https://stepstoknowledge.com/ ''Steps to Knowledge''], Step 30</ref>
  
−
"Attempt to give yourself
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===[[Invocative Language]]===
−
wholeheartedly to your practice."
 
−
<ref name="stk274"/>
 
−
 
 
−
=====Invocative language=====
 
  
 
"Enter
 
"Enter
 
into stillness using the word RAHN to take you deep into meditation."
 
into stillness using the word RAHN to take you deep into meditation."
−
<ref>''[[Steps to Knowledge]]'', Step 172</ref>
+
<ref>''Steps to Knowledge'', Step 172</ref>
  
 
"Upon each exhale, speak the word RAHN. RAHN. RAHN.
 
"Upon each exhale, speak the word RAHN. RAHN. RAHN.
Line 77: Line 53:
 
stimulate Ancient Knowledge within you and give you the strength
 
stimulate Ancient Knowledge within you and give you the strength
 
that you most need at this time."
 
that you most need at this time."
−
<ref name="stk134">''[[Steps to Knowledge]]'', Step 134</ref>
+
<ref name="stk134">''Steps to Knowledge'', Step 134</ref>
−
 
 
−
====Suggestions for contemplation====
 
−
 
 
−
"Actively
 
−
engage your mind in considering the idea for today. Its true meaning
 
−
is not superficial, and you must investigate it to understand its full
 
−
value. Do not be complacent with premature conclusions. Do not
 
−
stand on the outside of Knowledge and attempt to judge it for
 
−
yourself. Enter into it so that you may be a student today, for you are
 
−
now a student of Knowledge. You are now giving yourself to the
 
−
world in your preparation."
 
−
<ref>''[[Steps to Knowledge]]'', Step 165</ref>
 
  
 +
[[File:NMFG Logo PRACTICE.jpg|left|The Great Practices]]
 +
===[[Contemplation]]===
  
 
"Actively engage your mind in
 
"Actively engage your mind in
−
thinking about [the idea for the day]. Let your mind be a useful instrument of
+
thinking about this. Let your mind be a useful instrument of
 
investigation. Once again review all your ideas and beliefs that are
 
investigation. Once again review all your ideas and beliefs that are
 
associated with today’s idea."
 
associated with today’s idea."
−
<ref name="stk310">''[[Steps to Knowledge]]'', Step 310</ref>
+
<ref name="stk310">''Steps to Knowledge'', Step 310</ref>
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
"Engage your mind actively in
 
−
attempting to understand the depth and the meaning of today’s idea.
 
−
Recognize objectively all of the feelings and the thoughts that are in
 
−
favor of it and all of the feelings and the thoughts that are opposed to
 
−
it. Take special care to recognize any objection that you might have to
 
−
today’s idea. Then, recognize the power of this idea within your own
 
−
mind. This will give you a recognition of today’s idea and its true
 
−
meaning. This will also help enable you to realize objectively the
 
−
current construction of your mind. This is all part of your education as
 
−
a student of Knowledge. Give yourself to considering today’s idea and
 
−
do not be complacent with simple answers and explanations, for
 
−
today’s idea contains a gift you have not yet experienced."
 
−
<ref>''[[Steps to Knowledge]]'', Step 230</ref>
 
  
−
===Weekly===
+
===[[Steps Review]]===
−
====Steps review====
 
  
−
"Review objectively the extent of
+
"Beginning with the first day in this two-week period, read the lesson
−
your involvement and realize the opportunities to give yourself more
+
for that day and remember your practice. Continue on in this way to
−
fully and more completely."
+
cover all the days in this two-week period, and then attempt to have
−
<ref>''[[Steps to Knowledge]]'', Step 252</ref>
+
an overview of your life during this practice time. Begin to see what
 +
has occurred in your life in this two-week period."
 +
<ref>''Steps to Knowledge'', Step 294</ref>
  
 +
===[[The Four Pillars of life|Four-pillar]] review===
  
−
"Try to gain an overview of all that has transpired in the past
+
"Turn to your Four Pillars Review, once again checking, checking, and checking again to see if there is anything that you need to know, if there is anything
−
[week or two]. Try to see how you could deepen and improve your
+
that is amiss that requires your attention. Look and see if anything is producing
−
practice. Recognize how much time and energy are wasted in
+
consistent discomfort--any relationship or any activity that constantly
−
ambivalence and idle speculation. Realize how much of your energy is
+
reminds you that there is a problem or a conflict. Pay special attention
−
being wasted in doubt and confusion when you need only abide with
+
should you find this during your Review."
−
Knowledge."
+
<ref>''Steps to Knowledge Continuation Training'', Step 63</ref>
−
<ref>''[[Steps to Knowledge]]'', Step 280</ref>
 
  
 +
==Active practice in the world==
 +
''Active practice: a particular spiritual practice of your choice undertaken while engaging with your daily activities out in the world, versus the formal practice of meditation, [[Steps to Knowledge]], or a focused contemplation.''<ref>[https://www.community.newmessage.org/the-power-of-knowledge-spiritual-practice-2020/ The June 2020 Study Plan] of the Free School of the New Message from God (registration required)</ref>
  
−
====Four-pillar review====
+
===[[Advocacy]]===
−
==Occasional practices==
 
−
Practices particular to our time or purpose
 
  
−
===Advocacy===
+
"Return to stillness and silence
 +
so that you may strengthen your ability to cultivate and prepare
 +
yourself to be an emissary of Knowledge in the world. This is your
 +
responsibility today."
 +
<ref>''Steps to Knowledge'', Step 288</ref>
  
−
===Deep evaluation===
+
"In your deeper practices in stillness today, recognize that
 +
you have a responsibility to cultivate your faculties of mind as a
 +
student of Knowledge. Exercise these responsibilities and do not drift
 +
away into imagination. Engage yourself as a student of Knowledge
 +
according to the requirements of your preparation, for you are now
 +
becoming a person of responsibility and a person of power." <ref>[https://stepstoknowledge.com/ ''Steps to Knowledge''], Step 282</ref>
  
 
===Community===
 
===Community===
Line 150: Line 111:
 
all manner of encouragement and will banish forever the idea that you
 
all manner of encouragement and will banish forever the idea that you
 
are inadequate to the tasks that are given to you. For your giving is
 
are inadequate to the tasks that are given to you. For your giving is
−
supplemented by the giving of others, and this represents the Will of
+
supplemented by the giving of others, and this represents the Will of God in the universe."<ref>''[[Steps to Knowledge]]'', Step 170</ref>
−
God in the universe."
+
 
−
<ref>''[[Steps to Knowledge]]'', Step 170</ref>
+
"Repeat today's idea upon the hour and realize that it is an
 +
affirmation of your strength and inclusion in life. In your deeper
 +
meditations allow yourself to re-enter the stillness of your sanctuary of
 +
Knowledge where it will become evident that you are not alone. Here
 +
you are in true marriage with life and in true union with those who
 +
have come to serve you and guide you and with those who practice
 +
with you now."<ref>''[https://stepstoknowledge.com/ Steps to Knowledge]'', Step 337</ref>
 +
 
 +
"Today's lesson" ... "holds the key to understanding human relationships. A great deal can be revealed to you if you spend time considering the meaning of today's practice."<ref>''[[Steps to Knowledge Continuation Training]]'', Step 5</ref>
 +
 
 +
[[File:NMFG Logo PRACTICE.jpg|left|The Great Practices]]
 +
===[[The Deep Evaluation|Deep evaluation]]===
 +
 
 +
"The great evaluation begins with taking stock of where you are now—how you spend your time, your energy, your focus
 +
and your interests. Where is your life
 +
being given away? What is it being
 +
focused upon? Where is it being
 +
assigned? You only have so much
 +
energy in the day, so much time in
 +
the day, so much space within your
 +
mind to consider things. Where is
 +
that all going now? What are you doing? Who are you with?
 +
What are your priorities? Where are you gaining energy in your
 +
life, and where are you losing it? And to whom are you losing
 +
it, and to what are you losing it? Where do you feel certainty,
 +
and where do you feel uncertain? What relationships are you
 +
in now that give you a sense of certainty and direction? And
 +
which relationships cloud that certainty or obstruct it
 +
completely?"<ref name="gwc5">''The Great Waves of Change'', Chapter 5: [https://www.newmessage.org/the-message/volume-4/great-waves-change/the-deep-evaluation The Deep Evaluation]</ref>
 +
 
 +
===[[Inner listening]]===
 +
 
 +
"When you are out in the world, listen within yourself. Watch the world and listen within yourself. This is a practice you can do almost anywhere. " <ref name="dysp">[http://www.newmessage.org/the-message/other-revelations/deepening-your-spiritual-practice Deepening Your Spiritual Practice (November 1, 2008)]</ref>
 +
 
 +
===Listening to others===
 +
 
 +
"If people would listen to each other, really, without simply reacting, you would have far less misunderstanding, far less violence and far less conflict in the world today. This is a fundamental skill. You must see beyond your judgments and your reactions. You must gain a greater control over your mind, or you will not be able to see, hear and know the truth about anything." <ref> ''The Great Practices,'' [https://www.newmessage.org/the-message/other-revelations/watchtower-paying-attention-world The Watchtower]</ref>
 +
 
 +
===[[The Watchtower]]===
 +
"Look at
 +
the world. Listen for its signs. Learn what it is teaching you
 +
and telling you about what is coming."<ref>''The Great Waves of Change'', Chapter 4: [https://www.newmessage.org/the-message/volume-4/great-waves-change/the-freedom-to-move-with-knowledge The Freedom to Move with Knowledge]</ref>
 +
==Study practices==
 +
 
 +
<blockquote>
 +
"With regard to these revelations, there's a number of ways to begin to engage with them. Initially, there's the experience, perhaps, of just listening, just being like a blank, white sheet of paper and allowing the revelation to strike you. Just like that, just see what strikes you and what drops to the floor that you have to pick up and look at, so to speak. That's one approach.
  
−
"In your longer practice
+
Another is, you can listen to the revelation and read it at the same time. Listen to the Voice, read the words. That's another approach.
−
periods, engage your mind actively in attempting to understand ... what Spiritual
 
−
Family really means. Try to understand that it is intrinsic to you. You
 
−
did not choose it. You are simply born of it. It represents your
 
−
accomplishment in Knowledge thus far."
 
−
<ref>''[[Steps to Knowledge]]'', Step 300</ref>
 
  
−
"In your longer meditations attempt to penetrate [the]
+
Another approach is to read and recite aloud the revelation, to hear yourself respeak the words in your own voice. That's an important process to engage in."<ref>Patricia Summers on [https://www.community.newmessage.org/the-power-of-knowledge-spiritual-practice-2020/ Deep Reading and Deep Listening], beginning at 11:30. (registration required)</ref></blockquote>
−
idea [of one world community]. Do not be complacent here, but actively engage your mind as
 
−
your mind was meant to be engaged. Try to recognize your own
 
−
ambivalence about the world becoming one community. Try to
 
−
recognize your fears and concerns about this. Try to recognize as well
 
−
your desire for one community and your understanding that this is
 
−
necessary. Once you take inventory of your own thoughts and feelings
 
−
concerning today’s idea, you will further understand why the world is
 
−
in its current predicament. The world has a certain destiny and a
 
−
certain course to follow, yet it is ambivalent about everything. Thus,
 
−
the world itself must unlearn ambivalence, as you are now learning to
 
−
do, and your accomplishments will assist it in its great undertaking, for
 
−
this is your contribution to the world."
 
−
<ref>''[[Steps to Knowledge]]'', Step 309</ref>
 
  
−
==Practices addressing human needs and desires==
+
"Out in nature, read a paragraph, be with it, keep moving, stop and read another."<ref name="rs">Reed Summers on the Free School Campfire Chat, [https://www.community.newmessage.org/forums/topic/campfire-chat-transcript-May-2-2020/ May 2, 2020] (registration required)</ref>
−
Topical issues with remedial practices
 
  
−
===Ambition===
+
===Mapping a revelation===
−
"Allow yourself to be without ambition, for
 
−
you do not know what to do with Knowledge. In your longer
 
−
meditations, allow this to free you so that you may enter stillness and
 
−
leave the world of physical things."
 
−
<ref>''[[Steps to Knowledge]]'', Step 219</ref>
 
  
−
"Allow yourself to be
+
"Some questions or criteria that I listen for in these revelations. These are wisdoms that are being communicated. These are admonitions that are being communicated. And I need to hear them. I ''need'' to hear them. I need to realize these questions are being posed either to me or to the world:
−
instructed in how to reveal greatness in the world. Realize that the
+
::::What must I do? / What must I not do?
−
world is ambivalent and accept this, for this is the current state of the
+
::::What is the revelation asking of me?
−
world. Realize that you must give with Wisdom and discernment. And
+
::::What are the specific teachings presented in this revelation?
−
realize that you must let Knowledge give of itself and not try to give
+
::::What are the promises or possibilities spoken of in this particular revelation?"
−
from your own ambition or need to avoid a sense of inadequacy. Allow
+
<ref>These are just a few of the questions that Patricia Summers uses. More are given in the Free School archives from June 2020, [https://www.community.newmessage.org/the-power-of-knowledge-spiritual-practice-2020/ Deep Reading and Deep Listening starting at 12:45].(registration required)These questions are also archived on the Campfire Chat transcript from [https://www.community.newmessage.org/forums/topic/campfire-chat-transcript-May-2-2020/ May 2, 2020](registration required)</ref>
−
your giving to be true and your giving will be true."
 
−
<ref name="stk360"/>
 
  
−
===Ambivalence===
+
===Deep Reading of a Revelation===
−
"Strengthen your conviction that you must escape from
 
−
ambivalence. Realize the deadly cost of ambivalence. See how it keeps
 
−
people lost in their ideas, denying their engagement with life. See the
 
−
human cost around you. It is tremendous. Realize that with certainty
 
−
everyone will find their rightful place."
 
−
<ref name="stk274">''[[Steps to Knowledge]]'', Step 274</ref>
 
  
 +
"Read one verse, stop and each be with the actual meaning of this verse, and then move on. It takes about two hours, but is like a slow journey through meaning, not just a jog through words and ideas."<ref name="rs"/>
  
−
"Once again realize how ambivalence is still
+
===Mind-mapping===
−
robbing you of inspiration, robbing you of motivation, robbing you of
+
<blockquote>
−
courage and robbing you of relationship."
+
"'Self Knowledge' work ... comprises the other side of the 'Knowledge Coin.' This two sided coin consists of the 'Knowledge-Knowing' side of the coin and the 'Self Knowledge-Self Knowing' side of the coin. I encourage us all to engage in the practice of taking inventory of our minds, with the simple model of noting the
−
<ref name="stk310"/>
+
*higher order,
 +
*mid order and
 +
*lower order tendencies,  
 +
*activities and thought tendencies of our minds.  
  
 +
In the Mental Environment context and on a Self Knowledge level, it is important to be aware of the state and condition of our own minds, especially if someone earnestly asks us “Where are you at?” or “Where you are coming from regarding_____?' we are then in a greater position to respond honestly, if we have been engaging with this important mind-mapping practice. In a mission-based environment, there isn’t the time or resources to expend being confused or befuddled regarding yourself or others. To be able to account for yourself as needed, and if asked, keeps the focus where it needs to be, which is on the core mission. The New Message calls to us to 'do the work.' This is one approach to 'doing the work.'"<ref>Patricia Summers gave more details about her engagement with this topic at the November 18, 2020 Summit session on [https://www.community.newmessage.org/2020-summit-working-with-the-mind/#transcript Working with the Mind] (registration required)</ref></blockquote>
  
−
"In your deeper practice periods, escape your own ambivalence
+
<blockquote>
−
and re-enter the sanctuary of Knowledge where in stillness and in
+
"Mind Management can be a major element in our Pillar of Spiritual Development. Our Mind is such a powerful resource if managed. There is great work to be done in just watching, knowing and redirecting the tendencies or activities of our mind, possible examples:
−
peace you can fully experience the power of Knowledge and the truth
 
−
of your own nature."
 
−
<ref>''[[Steps to Knowledge]]'', Step 317</ref>
 
  
 +
;Higher Order Tendencies
 +
:Experiencing/Practicing the Presence
 +
:Being still or quiet
 +
:Watching the world and oneself
 +
:Be connected to the environment
 +
:Meditative deeper mind states
 +
:Being present to another
 +
:Studenthood practices
  
−
"Recognize thus far how ambivalent you have been regarding
+
;Mid Order Tendencies
−
your life and regarding this preparation. Realize that for this reason,
+
:Absorbed in Focused Work
−
this preparation has been given to you in very incremental steps, one
+
:Getting things done
−
step at a time, day after day. One step at a time, you learn to develop
+
:Problem solving – figuring things out
−
and to accept your desire and capacity for Knowledge and you learn to
+
:Acknowledging and being with your Self Talk--acknowledging what you hear yourself saying
−
express Knowledge as well."
 
−
<ref name="stk360"/>
 
−
===Anger===
 
  
−
===Confusion===
+
;Lower Order Tendencies
 +
:Complaint
 +
:Chatter
 +
:Distraction
 +
:Preoccupation
 +
:Being anxious/stressed
 +
 
 +
;Redirection strategies
 +
:Stillness in the Moment
 +
:Hourly Check in’s
 +
:How am I?
 +
:Do I need to be saying/doing this?
 +
:Instead of thinking about this, rather I need to think about _____
 +
 
 +
There’s so many more. What are they??<ref>Patricia Summers on the [https://www.community.newmessage.org/forums/topic/campfire-chat-transcript-may-21-2022/ May 21, 2022, Campfire Chat]</ref></blockquote>
 +
 
 +
[[File:Steps-to-knowledge.jpg|right|The Great Practices]]
 +
==References==
 +
<references/>
  
 +
==See also==
  
−
===Fear===
+
[https://www.newmessage.org/wiki/Steps_to_Knowledge#How_to_Work_with_Steps Steps to Knowledge: How to Work with Steps]
  
−
"Evaluate the existence of your fears and remind yourself that your reality is beyond them, but that you must recognize them to understand their damaging presence in your life. Close your eyes and repeat the idea for today; then consider each fear that arises in your mind. Remind yourself that the truth is beyond that specific fear.Allow all fears to arise and be evaluated in this way."
+
[[Advocacy]]
−
<ref>''[[Steps to Knowledge]]'', Step 51</ref>
 
  
−
===Judgment===
+
[[Contemplation]]
  
 +
[[The Deep Evaluation]]
  
−
==Capacity-strengthening practices==
+
[[The Four Pillars of life]]
−
The gifts of The Way of Knowledge
 
  
−
===Awareness===
+
[[Inner listening]]
  
 +
[[Guidelines for Living the New Message]]
  
−
===Certainty===
+
[[Invocative Language]]
−
"Allow your confidence to dispel fear, doubt and anxiety.
 
−
Support your efforts today, for they require your support on behalf of a
 
−
greater certainty that you are now learning to receive."
 
−
<ref name="stk141"/>
 
  
−
===Confirmation===
+
[[Practices to release]]
−
"Silently and in stillness,
 
−
as you sink into the depths of Knowledge, receive the peace and the
 
−
confirmation that are your birthright."
 
−
<ref>''[[Steps to Knowledge]]'', Step 171</ref>
 
  
−
===Determination===
+
[[Practices to strengthen]]
−
"Try to see in your observations of others how captivating the world is and how captivating the mind is. Ultimately, the only thing that can keep you from Knowledge is the mind. It may seem like the world is dominating you, but in reality it is the mind. Observe this. You will not have to look far. It is all around you. You can look at your own experience to see how close at hand this is and how important it is for you to be present wherever you are and with whatever you are doing."
 
−
<ref name="stkct17"/>
 
  
−
===Intercession===
+
[[Recommendations for People Everywhere]]
−
"Think of someone in need and then give them a quality that you wish to receive yourself. Send that individual that quality. Send them love or strength or faith or encouragement or determination or surrender or acceptance or self-discipline—whatever they need to bring about resolution in their lives.”
 
−
<ref>''[[Steps to Knowledge]]'', Step 121</ref>
 
  
−
===Potency===
+
[[Short Quotes About Relationships]]
−
"Know that all of your efforts on behalf of Knowledge are
 
−
supplemented by those who practice with you—those whom you can
 
−
see and those whom you cannot see. In your deeper practices allow
 
−
your own self-discipline, which prepares you to enter into stillness and
 
−
peace, to be supplemented as well."
 
−
<ref>''[[Steps to Knowledge]]'', Step 233</ref> 
 
  
−
===Purpose===
+
[[Spiritual practice]]
−
"In your deeper practice periods today, actively
 
−
engage your mind to review all of your small personal problems.
 
−
Review all of the things you think hold you back and all of the things
 
−
you think you must resolve for yourself. As you look at each one
 
−
objectively, without denial, remember and remind yourself that a
 
−
greater calling is given you which will correct these things or make
 
−
their correction unnecessary. Remind yourself that Knowledge will
 
−
provide correction at all levels as your life becomes uniform and
 
−
directed, as your Knowledge begins to emerge and as your true sense
 
−
of self begins to be recognized and received."
 
−
<ref>''[[Steps to Knowledge]]'', Step 312</ref>
 
  
 +
[[Step practice]]
  
−
"Upon the hour remind yourself not to define your purpose,
+
[[Steps Review]]
−
and begin to think of the cost of doing so in terms of your own past
 
−
experience."
 
−
<ref name="stk134"/>
 
−
===Resolution===
 
−
"What are the behaviors that you engage in now that are not in keeping with your values or your sense of integrity?  Write these down and really focus upon them.  And see what kind of behaviors or activities can replace these things that would be in keeping with your values and sense of integrity."
 
−
<ref>Freedom from Addiction and Obsession (January 23, 2009)</ref>
 
  
−
==References==
+
[[Stillness]]
−
<references/>
 
  
 +
[[The Great Practices]]
  
 
==Further study==
 
==Further study==
−
*[http://www.newmessage.org/nmfg/Our_Practices__Worldwide_Community_of_the_New_Message_from_God.html The Great Practices]
+
*[https://www.newmessage.org/worldwide-community/our-practice-worldwide-community-of-the-new-message-god The Great Practices]
 +
 
 +
*''The Worldwide Community of God’s New Message'':[https://www.newmessage.org/the-message/volume-2/the-worldwide-community-of-gods-new-message/being-a-person-of-the-new-message  Being a Person of the New Message]
 +
 
 +
*[http://www.newmessage.org/taking-the-steps-to-knowledge Taking the Steps to Knowledge]
 +
 
 +
*[http://www.newmessage.org/the-message/other-revelations/deepening-your-spiritual-practice Deepening Your Spiritual Practice (November 1, 2008)]
 +
 
 +
*The November 15, 2020, session of the 2020 Summit: [https://www.community.newmessage.org/2020-summit-building-your-meditation-practice/#transcript Building Your Meditation Practice] (registration required)
  
−
*[http://www.newmessage.org/nmfg/How_We_Live__Worldwide_Community_of_the_New_Message_from_God.html  Being a Person of the New Message: How We Live]
+
*[https://www.community.newmessage.org/forums/topic/mapping-the-mind/ "Mapping the Mind" discussion] on the Worldwide Community of the New Message from God website (registration required)
−
==See also==
 
−
[[Spiritual practice]]
 
  
−
[[Recommendations for People Everywhere]]
 
  
−
[[Guidelines for Living the New Message]]
+
[[category:practice]]

Latest revision as of 02:36, 23 May 2022

The Practices of The Greater Community Way of Knowledge

"We give only so much methodology as is necessary to aim your mind in the proper direction." [1]

"Your practice is a gift to the world, for it gives that which you are affirming within yourself." [2]

"You will find that regardless of your circumstances, there will be a way for you to practice." [3]

Directives

"There are specific activities that can be called spiritual practices, but for them to be truly effective and to be truly meaningful, they must be integrated with a more complete approach." [4]

"You must proceed every day. Carry on your practice every day. Reinforce your allegiance to Knowledge every day. Learn to be tolerant and compassionate of others every day. Learn to be tolerant and compassionate with yourself every day. And hold fast to those things you most deeply know, for they are the bricks of your foundation." [5]

"Carry forth that which you need to do to deepen your practice, to utilize your practice, to utilize your experience in the world for practice, to carry your practice into the world and to allow your world to support your practice. Do not neglect this, for if you neglect this, you but neglect yourself, your certainty, your fulfillment and your happiness." [6]

The formal practices of discipline in the Way of Knowledge

The Great Practices

Step practice

"In taking the steps to Knowledge, you learn how to still the mind, how to listen within yourself and how to discern the voice and the movement of Knowledge from all the other voices in your mind—the voice of your parents, the voice of your teachers, the voice of your culture, the voice of your friends, the voice of your fear, the voice of your desire, the voice of your self-doubt, the voice of your self-criticism—all these other voices that reside within you. And then there is Knowledge."[7]

Stillness

"In learning how to still the mind, you must have a focus, you must be in a quiet place, you must be sitting comfortably, and you must have a passive attitude. Four things are required here. Your passive attitude means you are not aggressively trying to make something happen, or to solve problems, or to engage in other kinds of mental activities. You are just there, in a relaxed manner."[8]

"The New Message recommends choosing a single-syllable word, a simple word that you will be uttering as you breathe on the exhale, possibly, something like the word “one”, the word “Rahn” from the New Message. Ideally this word wouldn’t have a lot of meaning for you, doesn’t provoke imagery or association. It’s just like the pebble that’s going to be dropped in the pond okay. That’s all it is. It’s something your mind will, in a way, attach to and hopefully stay with until the pebble just disappears, and you just keep going. And if your mind wanders, you just bring it back to this meaningless simple word; that’s all you do. You just gently bring it back."[9]

Hourly practice

"Observe your world without judgment and observe what you are doing in the world without judgment. Then feel if anything needs to be done. Again, your hourly practices take but minutes, and as you practice, they will become more swift, more keen and more effective." [10]

Invocative Language

"Enter into stillness using the word RAHN to take you deep into meditation." [11]

"Upon each exhale, speak the word RAHN. RAHN. RAHN. You only need speak the word RAHN upon the exhale in your meditation. Let this be your total focus. This word will serve to stimulate Ancient Knowledge within you and give you the strength that you most need at this time." [12]

The Great Practices

Contemplation

"Actively engage your mind in thinking about this. Let your mind be a useful instrument of investigation. Once again review all your ideas and beliefs that are associated with today’s idea." [13]

Steps Review

"Beginning with the first day in this two-week period, read the lesson for that day and remember your practice. Continue on in this way to cover all the days in this two-week period, and then attempt to have an overview of your life during this practice time. Begin to see what has occurred in your life in this two-week period." [14]

Four-pillar review

"Turn to your Four Pillars Review, once again checking, checking, and checking again to see if there is anything that you need to know, if there is anything that is amiss that requires your attention. Look and see if anything is producing consistent discomfort--any relationship or any activity that constantly reminds you that there is a problem or a conflict. Pay special attention should you find this during your Review." [15]

Active practice in the world

Active practice: a particular spiritual practice of your choice undertaken while engaging with your daily activities out in the world, versus the formal practice of meditation, Steps to Knowledge, or a focused contemplation.[16]

Advocacy

"Return to stillness and silence so that you may strengthen your ability to cultivate and prepare yourself to be an emissary of Knowledge in the world. This is your responsibility today." [17]

"In your deeper practices in stillness today, recognize that you have a responsibility to cultivate your faculties of mind as a student of Knowledge. Exercise these responsibilities and do not drift away into imagination. Engage yourself as a student of Knowledge according to the requirements of your preparation, for you are now becoming a person of responsibility and a person of power." [18]

Community

"In your deeper practices in stillness, receive the benefit of all who practice with you. Remind yourself that you are not alone and that their rewards are given to you as your rewards are given to them. Thus, you share in your accomplishments together. The power of your undertaking is so tremendously supported by the endeavor and the giving of others that it far exceeds your own abilities. When this is realized, it will give you all manner of encouragement and will banish forever the idea that you are inadequate to the tasks that are given to you. For your giving is supplemented by the giving of others, and this represents the Will of God in the universe."[19]

"Repeat today's idea upon the hour and realize that it is an affirmation of your strength and inclusion in life. In your deeper meditations allow yourself to re-enter the stillness of your sanctuary of Knowledge where it will become evident that you are not alone. Here you are in true marriage with life and in true union with those who have come to serve you and guide you and with those who practice with you now."[20]

"Today's lesson" ... "holds the key to understanding human relationships. A great deal can be revealed to you if you spend time considering the meaning of today's practice."[21]

The Great Practices

Deep evaluation

"The great evaluation begins with taking stock of where you are now—how you spend your time, your energy, your focus and your interests. Where is your life being given away? What is it being focused upon? Where is it being assigned? You only have so much energy in the day, so much time in the day, so much space within your mind to consider things. Where is that all going now? What are you doing? Who are you with? What are your priorities? Where are you gaining energy in your life, and where are you losing it? And to whom are you losing it, and to what are you losing it? Where do you feel certainty, and where do you feel uncertain? What relationships are you in now that give you a sense of certainty and direction? And which relationships cloud that certainty or obstruct it completely?"[22]

Inner listening

"When you are out in the world, listen within yourself. Watch the world and listen within yourself. This is a practice you can do almost anywhere. " [23]

Listening to others

"If people would listen to each other, really, without simply reacting, you would have far less misunderstanding, far less violence and far less conflict in the world today. This is a fundamental skill. You must see beyond your judgments and your reactions. You must gain a greater control over your mind, or you will not be able to see, hear and know the truth about anything." [24]

The Watchtower

"Look at the world. Listen for its signs. Learn what it is teaching you and telling you about what is coming."[25]

Study practices

"With regard to these revelations, there's a number of ways to begin to engage with them. Initially, there's the experience, perhaps, of just listening, just being like a blank, white sheet of paper and allowing the revelation to strike you. Just like that, just see what strikes you and what drops to the floor that you have to pick up and look at, so to speak. That's one approach.

Another is, you can listen to the revelation and read it at the same time. Listen to the Voice, read the words. That's another approach.

Another approach is to read and recite aloud the revelation, to hear yourself respeak the words in your own voice. That's an important process to engage in."[26]

"Out in nature, read a paragraph, be with it, keep moving, stop and read another."[27]

Mapping a revelation

"Some questions or criteria that I listen for in these revelations. These are wisdoms that are being communicated. These are admonitions that are being communicated. And I need to hear them. I need to hear them. I need to realize these questions are being posed either to me or to the world:

What must I do? / What must I not do?
What is the revelation asking of me?
What are the specific teachings presented in this revelation?
What are the promises or possibilities spoken of in this particular revelation?"

[28]

Deep Reading of a Revelation

"Read one verse, stop and each be with the actual meaning of this verse, and then move on. It takes about two hours, but is like a slow journey through meaning, not just a jog through words and ideas."[27]

Mind-mapping

"'Self Knowledge' work ... comprises the other side of the 'Knowledge Coin.' This two sided coin consists of the 'Knowledge-Knowing' side of the coin and the 'Self Knowledge-Self Knowing' side of the coin. I encourage us all to engage in the practice of taking inventory of our minds, with the simple model of noting the

  • higher order,
  • mid order and
  • lower order tendencies,
  • activities and thought tendencies of our minds.

In the Mental Environment context and on a Self Knowledge level, it is important to be aware of the state and condition of our own minds, especially if someone earnestly asks us “Where are you at?” or “Where you are coming from regarding_____?' we are then in a greater position to respond honestly, if we have been engaging with this important mind-mapping practice. In a mission-based environment, there isn’t the time or resources to expend being confused or befuddled regarding yourself or others. To be able to account for yourself as needed, and if asked, keeps the focus where it needs to be, which is on the core mission. The New Message calls to us to 'do the work.' This is one approach to 'doing the work.'"[29]

"Mind Management can be a major element in our Pillar of Spiritual Development. Our Mind is such a powerful resource if managed. There is great work to be done in just watching, knowing and redirecting the tendencies or activities of our mind, possible examples:

Higher Order Tendencies
Experiencing/Practicing the Presence
Being still or quiet
Watching the world and oneself
Be connected to the environment
Meditative deeper mind states
Being present to another
Studenthood practices
Mid Order Tendencies
Absorbed in Focused Work
Getting things done
Problem solving – figuring things out
Acknowledging and being with your Self Talk--acknowledging what you hear yourself saying
Lower Order Tendencies
Complaint
Chatter
Distraction
Preoccupation
Being anxious/stressed
Redirection strategies
Stillness in the Moment
Hourly Check in’s
How am I?
Do I need to be saying/doing this?
Instead of thinking about this, rather I need to think about _____

There’s so many more. What are they??[30]

The Great Practices

References

  1. ↑ Steps to Knowledge, Step 185
  2. ↑ Steps to Knowledge, Step 149
  3. ↑ Steps to Knowledge, Step 62
  4. ↑ Living The Way of Knowledge, Chapter 6: The Pillar of Spiritual Development
  5. ↑ The Journey to a New Life, Chapter 1: The Awakening
  6. ↑ Steps to Knowledge, Step 323
  7. ↑ The Great Waves of Change, Chapter 12: Your Purpose and Destiny in a Changing World
  8. ↑ Deepening Your Spiritual Practice: Deepening Your Spiritual Practice
  9. ↑ Patricia Summers presenting the November 15, 2020, session of the 2020 Summit: Building Your Meditation Practice
  10. ↑ Steps to Knowledge, Step 30
  11. ↑ Steps to Knowledge, Step 172
  12. ↑ Steps to Knowledge, Step 134
  13. ↑ Steps to Knowledge, Step 310
  14. ↑ Steps to Knowledge, Step 294
  15. ↑ Steps to Knowledge Continuation Training, Step 63
  16. ↑ The June 2020 Study Plan of the Free School of the New Message from God (registration required)
  17. ↑ Steps to Knowledge, Step 288
  18. ↑ Steps to Knowledge, Step 282
  19. ↑ Steps to Knowledge, Step 170
  20. ↑ Steps to Knowledge, Step 337
  21. ↑ Steps to Knowledge Continuation Training, Step 5
  22. ↑ The Great Waves of Change, Chapter 5: The Deep Evaluation
  23. ↑ Deepening Your Spiritual Practice (November 1, 2008)
  24. ↑ The Great Practices, The Watchtower
  25. ↑ The Great Waves of Change, Chapter 4: The Freedom to Move with Knowledge
  26. ↑ Patricia Summers on Deep Reading and Deep Listening, beginning at 11:30. (registration required)
  27. ↑ 27.0 27.1 Reed Summers on the Free School Campfire Chat, May 2, 2020 (registration required)
  28. ↑ These are just a few of the questions that Patricia Summers uses. More are given in the Free School archives from June 2020, Deep Reading and Deep Listening starting at 12:45.(registration required)These questions are also archived on the Campfire Chat transcript from May 2, 2020(registration required)
  29. ↑ Patricia Summers gave more details about her engagement with this topic at the November 18, 2020 Summit session on Working with the Mind (registration required)
  30. ↑ Patricia Summers on the May 21, 2022, Campfire Chat

See also

Steps to Knowledge: How to Work with Steps

Advocacy

Contemplation

The Deep Evaluation

The Four Pillars of life

Inner listening

Guidelines for Living the New Message

Invocative Language

Practices to release

Practices to strengthen

Recommendations for People Everywhere

Short Quotes About Relationships

Spiritual practice

Step practice

Steps Review

Stillness

The Great Practices

Further study

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