Difference between revisions of "Practices"

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"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>
  
"There are specific activities that can be called spiritual practices, but for them to be truly effective and to be truly
+
"Your practice is a gift to the world, for it gives that which you are affirming within yourself."
meaningful, they must be integrated with a more complete approach [addressing the] Four Pillars of
+
<ref name="stk149">[https://stepstoknowledge.com/ ''Steps to Knowledge''], Step 149</ref>
life."
 
<ref name="ltw6">''[[Living The Way of Knowledge]]'', Chapter 6</ref>
 
  
"Your practice is a gift to the world, for it gives that which you are affirming within yourself. What you affirm within yourself you affirm for all individuals, in all circumstances, in all worlds and in all dimensions. Thus, you affirm the reality of Knowledge. Thus, you affirm your Ancient Home while you are here."
+
"You will find that regardless of your circumstances, there will be a way for you
<ref name="stk149">''Steps to Knowledge'', Step 149</ref>
+
to practice."
 +
<ref name="stk62">[https://www.stepstoknowledge.com ''Steps to Knowledge''], Step 62</ref>
  
"You will
+
==Directives==
find that regardless of your circumstances, there will be a way for you
 
to practice this today."
 
<ref name="stk62">''Steps to Knowledge'', Step 62</ref>
 
  
==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>
  
"But 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>[http://www.newmessage.org/the-message/volume-1/new-life/the-awakening The Awakening (October 20, 2008)]</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
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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." <ref>''Steps to Knowledge'', Step 323</ref>
+
yourself, your certainty, your fulfillment and your happiness." <ref>[https://stepstoknowledge.com/ ''Steps to Knowledge''], Step 323</ref>
 
 
===Recommended by the Messenger of our time===
 
 
"For Steps Practice, I recommend you kept a Steps Practice Journal and enter into it a record of your study and practice around that Step. Also, do all contemplation practices in Writing in your Journal. With this you really have something to review and to build upon during the Review Steps." <ref>Marshall Vian Summers, Campfire Chat of the [ [http://www.newmessage.org/the-free-school-of-the-new-message-from-god Free School] of the New Message from God, [http://www.newmessage.org/forum/showthread.php/3368-Campfire-Chat-Transcript-April-18-2015 April 18, 2015]</ref>
 
==Core practices==
 
Regular habits particular to The Way of Knowledge
 
 
 
[[File:NMFG Logo PRACTICE.jpg|left|The Great Practices]]
 
===Step practice===
 
<big>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. These texts require a three- to five-year [[commitment]] for completion. 
 
</big>
 
  
"In your deeper
+
==The formal practices of discipline in the Way of Knowledge==
meditations you practice receiving, and in your hourly practices
 
you practice giving."
 
<ref>''Steps to Knowledge'', Step 329</ref>
 
 
 
"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>
 
  
 
[[File:NMFG Logo PRACTICE.jpg|left|The Great Practices]]
 
[[File:NMFG Logo PRACTICE.jpg|left|The Great Practices]]
===Hourly===
+
===[[Step practice]]===
  
"You will find that there
+
"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>  
are many situations that you thought were inappropriate for practice
 
where you can practice. In this way, you will find that you have the
 
power to govern your experience to meet your true inclinations, and
 
you will find that any circumstance is an adequate environment for
 
true preparation and self-application.
 
Try to practice each hour. Remain conscious of your time. If
 
an hour is missed, do not worry, but rededicate yourself to practice in
 
the remaining hours as you proceed."
 
<ref>''[[Steps to Knowledge]]'', Step 58</ref>
 
  
====Suggestions for hourly practice====
+
===Stillness===
=====Affirmation=====
 
"Upon the hour think [about today's idea] after you repeat the idea for today."
 
<ref name="stk243">''[[Steps to Knowledge]]'', Step 243</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>
 
  
 +
"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>
  
"Remember your idea upon the hour and attempt to utilize all
+
===[[Hourly practice]]===
situations that you encounter today for the purpose of reclaiming
 
Knowledge. In this way, you will see that your entire life can be used
 
for practice. As this is done, everything that happens will serve you, and
 
you will feel love towards the world. Your deeper inclinations will
 
spark and encourage the deeper inclinations in others, and thus you
 
will be a force for Knowledge in the world."<ref>''[[Steps to Knowledge]]'', Step 316</ref>
 
  
=====Observation=====
+
"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>
  
"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."
+
===[[Invocative Language]]===
<ref name="stkct17">''[[Steps to Knowledge Continuation Training]]'', Step 17</ref>
 
 
 
"Each hour you will
 
need to check in to see your thoughts and to observe your current
 
behavior.... Each practice period need only take several minutes but
 
should be given your full attention. You need not close your eyes to do
 
this, though if it is appropriate, it will be helpful. You may practice in
 
the middle of a conversation with another. In fact, there are very few
 
circumstances that will prevent this moment of introspection. In
 
practice you simply ask yourself,'How do I feel?' and 'What am I
 
doing now?' That is all. Then feel if there is something you must do
 
that you are not doing. If there are no corrections to be made,
 
continue on with what you are doing. If there are corrections to be
 
made, make them as expediently as possible. Allow your inner guidance
 
to influence you, which it will do if you are not governed by impulses,
 
fear or ambition. Observe yourself this day."<ref>''[[Steps to Knowledge]]'', Step 29</ref>
 
 
 
[The next] day observe your world, following the same practice
 
plan as practiced the previous day. 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 name="stk30">''[[Steps to Knowledge]]'', Step 30</ref>
 
 
 
===Daily===
 
 
 
 
 
[[File:NMFG Logo PRACTICE.jpg|left|The Great Practices]]
 
====Suggestions for stillness====
 
"Enter into stillness and peace .... 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"/>
 
 
 
"Begin by taking three deep breaths and then
 
focusing on an internal point. It may be an imaginary point or it may
 
be a point in your physical body.With eyes closed, simply give this
 
your full attention, without judgment and evaluation. Do not be
 
discouraged if early attempts prove difficult."
 
<ref>''[[Steps to Knowledge]]'', Step 8</ref>
 
 
 
"Practice without the expectation of a result. Do not use this practice to
 
ask any form of question because you are practicing stillness, in which
 
all speculation, all questions and all searching end. For 15 minutes,
 
twice today, practice stillness...."
 
<ref>''[[Steps to Knowledge]]'', Step 9</ref>
 
 
 
"Repeat your idea for the day and enter into
 
stillness .... Allow this to be a day where Knowledge is
 
strengthened."
 
<ref>''[[Steps to Knowledge]]'', Step 269</ref>
 
 
 
"Attempt to give yourself
 
wholeheartedly to your practice."
 
<ref>''[[Steps to Knowledge]]'', Step 274</ref>
 
 
 
[[File:NMFG Logo PRACTICE.jpg|right|The Great Practices]]
 
=====Invocative language=====
 
  
 
"Enter
 
"Enter
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[[File:NMFG Logo PRACTICE.jpg|left|The Great Practices]]
 
[[File:NMFG Logo PRACTICE.jpg|left|The Great Practices]]
====Suggestions for contemplation====
+
===[[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>
 
  
 
"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
+
===[[Steps Review]]===
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>
 
  
"These thinking meditations
+
"Beginning with the first day in this two-week period, read the lesson
require mental work. Here you will not be still.You will be
 
investigating. You will be exploring. You will be actively using your
 
mind to penetrate things that you recognize exist there. This is a time
 
for serious introspection. When you realize that what you thought you
 
knew is only a form of imagination, then you will realize your great
 
need for Knowledge."
 
<ref name="stk97">''Steps to Knowledge'', Step 97</ref>
 
 
 
"Exploration and analysis [constitute] a useful application of your
 
mind. Think about [the] message and all of your ideas surrounding it,
 
and you will begin to understand your own current belief system. You
 
will be able to understand this objectively. Then, you will be able to
 
work with it, for the mind is fixed in a certain structure until it is
 
utilized for other purposes. Do not accept this structure as your reality,
 
for the outward manifestation of your mind is a structure that you
 
have imposed upon it. Yet, its real inward harmony and nature seek
 
only to be expressed.To enable this to happen you must have an
 
adequate structure in the mind to enable the mind to express itself in
 
the physical world without restraint or distortion."<ref>''Steps to Knowledge'', Step 127</ref>
 
 
 
"Practice ... mental application so that you
 
may learn to think constructively. For when your mind is not still, it
 
should be thinking constructively. It should be investigating. Do not
 
rely upon early conclusions. Do not rely upon self-comforting ideas.
 
Allow yourself to be vulnerable today, for you are only vulnerable to
 
Knowledge. Yet, Knowledge will shield you from all things of harm
 
within this world and will provide a comfort and a stability that the
 
world can never change."
 
<ref name="stk152">''Steps to Knowledge'', Step 152</ref>
 
===Weekly===
 
 
 
[[File:NMFG Logo PRACTICE.jpg|left|The Great Practices]]
 
====Steps review====
 
"Review the practices and instructions for the
 
preceding week. Review your progress objectively. Realize
 
how great your learning must be. Your steps now are small, but
 
substantive. Small steps lead you all the way."
 
<ref name="stk84">''Steps to Knowledge'', Step 84</ref>
 
 
 
"Review objectively the extent of
 
your involvement and realize the opportunities to give yourself more
 
fully and more completely."
 
<ref>''Steps to Knowledge'', Step 252</ref>
 
 
 
"Beginning with the first day in [the past] two-week period, read the lesson
 
 
for that day and remember your practice. Continue on in this way to
 
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
 
cover all the days in this two-week period, and then attempt to have
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<ref>''Steps to Knowledge'', Step 294</ref>
 
<ref>''Steps to Knowledge'', Step 294</ref>
  
"Try to gain an overview of all that has transpired in the past
+
===[[The Four Pillars of life|Four-pillar]] review===
[week or two]. Try to see how you could deepen and improve your
 
practice. Recognize how much time and energy are wasted in
 
ambivalence and idle speculation. Realize how much of your energy is
 
being wasted in doubt and confusion when you need only abide with
 
Knowledge."
 
<ref>''Steps to Knowledge'', Step 280</ref>
 
 
 
"Review with great emphasis and discrimination. Do not allow
 
yourself to miss the recognition of your learning process."
 
<ref name="stk84"/>
 
 
 
"Be very thorough in your
 
investigation. Begin with the first lesson in the two-week period and
 
follow it day by day. Recognize what happened in your life each day.
 
Try to remember. Try to concentrate here. In this way, you will feel the
 
movement of your own life. It is in recognizing this movement over a
 
period of time and seeing how the stages of your life progress that you
 
will realize that you are firmly on the road to Knowledge. You will
 
then see that there will be less and less behind you to hold you back
 
and that the future will open itself to accommodate you increasingly.
 
This is the beneficence of life bowing before you who are becoming a
 
student of Knowledge."
 
<ref>''Steps to Knowledge'', Step 266</ref>
 
 
 
"Review the past week of practice, rereading all of the instructions and with each step reviewing what has
 
transpired in your times of practice. Be sure to ask yourself how deeply
 
you were involved in practice—how much you wanted to search and
 
investigate, how carefully you examined your own experience and to
 
what extent you felt motivated to penetrate whatever barriers that
 
might exist."
 
<ref name="stk28">''Steps to Knowledge'', Step 28 </ref>
 
 
 
"Be objective and
 
recognize where your practice could have become deeper or more
 
conscientious. Recognize how you still let the world overtake you and
 
how you need to reapply yourself with greater certainty and
 
determination. Do this objectively. Condemnation will only discourage
 
you and will only lead you to quit your participation, for
 
condemnation is simply the decision not to participate and the
 
justification for not participating.
 
Therefore, do not fall into this habit, but view your
 
participation objectively."
 
<ref>''Steps to Knowledge'', Step 322</ref>
 
 
 
"Refrain from self-judgment
 
if you have not met your expectations. Merely realize what
 
is required to follow the instructions as they are given and involve
 
yourself with them as fully as possible. Remember that you are
 
learning to learn, and remember that you are learning to reclaim your
 
self-worth and your true abilities."
 
<ref>''Steps to Knowledge'', Step 56</ref>
 
 
 
[[File:NMFG Logo PRACTICE.jpg|left|The Great Practices]]
 
====Four-pillar review====
 
* "Come then [after reviewing the Step lessons of the week] to the first pillar, the Pillar of Relationship, and ask within yourself, 'Is there anything I need to know about any of my relationships?' Ask for a 'Yes' or a 'No' answer. If the answer is 'No,' fine. Yet, if the answer is 'Yes,' seek out who that might be. Maybe it is the relationship that you need to attend to at this moment. Ask yourself, 'Is there something I need to know here?' "Then open yourself to receive what that could be. This may only take a moment, but you must be very present.
 
* "Then go on with the Pillar of Career and Providership, the Pillar that deals with work, money, and contribution in the world. Apply the same process: 'Is there anything I need to know regarding my Career and Providership in the world?' If something comes to mind, ask yourself, 'Is there something I need to know here?" Then open yourself to what that could be.
 
* "Then you go on to the Pillar of Health and ask yourself, 'Is there anything I need to know about my health or about the health of those who are close to me?' If something comes to mind, ask yourself, 'Is there something I need to know here?" If there is, open yourself to it. Face it. Receive it.
 
* "Then go on to your Pillar of Spiritual Advancement and ask yourself, 'Is there something I need to know regarding my spiritual advancement?' And as with all of the other pillars, if  something comes to mind, ask, 'Is there something I need to know here?'"
 
<ref>''Steps to Knowledge Continuation Training'', Step 14</ref>
 
  
 
"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
 
"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
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<ref>''Steps to Knowledge Continuation Training'', Step 63</ref>
 
<ref>''Steps to Knowledge Continuation Training'', Step 63</ref>
  
==Occasional practices==
+
==Active practice in the world==
Practices particular to a time or purpose
+
''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>
  
===Advocacy===
+
===[[Advocacy]]===
  
 
"Return to stillness and silence
 
"Return to stillness and silence
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yourself to be an emissary of Knowledge in the world. This is your
 
yourself to be an emissary of Knowledge in the world. This is your
 
responsibility today."
 
responsibility today."
<ref>''[[Steps to Knowledge]]'', Step 288</ref>
+
<ref>''Steps to Knowledge'', Step 288</ref>
  
 
"In your deeper practices in stillness today, recognize that
 
"In your deeper practices in stillness today, recognize that
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away into imagination. Engage yourself as a student of Knowledge
 
away into imagination. Engage yourself as a student of Knowledge
 
according to the requirements of your preparation, for you are now
 
according to the requirements of your preparation, for you are now
becoming a person of responsibility and a person of power." <ref>''[[Steps to Knowledge]]'', Step 282</ref>
+
becoming a person of responsibility and a person of power." <ref>[https://stepstoknowledge.com/ ''Steps to Knowledge''], Step 282</ref>
  
 
===Community===
 
===Community===
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supplemented by the giving of others, and this represents the Will of God in the universe."<ref>''[[Steps to Knowledge]]'', Step 170</ref>
 
supplemented by the giving of others, and this represents the Will of God in the universe."<ref>''[[Steps to Knowledge]]'', Step 170</ref>
  
"In your longer practice
+
"Repeat today's idea upon the hour and realize that it is an
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]
 
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>
 
 
 
"Repeat today's idea ['ALONE I CAN DO NOTHING'] upon the hour and realize that it is an
 
 
affirmation of your strength and inclusion in life. In your deeper
 
affirmation of your strength and inclusion in life. In your deeper
 
meditations allow yourself to re-enter the stillness of your sanctuary of
 
meditations allow yourself to re-enter the stillness of your sanctuary of
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you are in true marriage with life and in true union with those who
 
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
 
have come to serve you and guide you and with those who practice
with you now."<ref>''[[Steps to Knowledge]]'', Step 337</ref>
+
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 [I MUST FIND MY TRUE RELATIONSHIPS IN ORDER TO KNOW MY DIRECTION]. <ref>''[[Steps to Knowledge Continuation Training]]'', Step 5</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]]
 
[[File:NMFG Logo PRACTICE.jpg|left|The Great Practices]]
===Deep evaluation===
+
===[[The Deep Evaluation|Deep evaluation]]===
 
 
"Think for a moment in terms of everything being a
 
relationship.... The next thing to consider is
 
that each of these relationships represents an influence. Each
 
influences you, and you influence them."
 
<ref name="gwc5">[[The Great Waves of Change]], Chapter 5</ref>
 
  
 
"The great evaluation begins with taking stock of where you are now—how you spend your time, your energy, your focus
 
"The great evaluation begins with taking stock of where you are now—how you spend your time, your energy, your focus
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in now that give you a sense of certainty and direction? And
 
in now that give you a sense of certainty and direction? And
 
which relationships cloud that certainty or obstruct it
 
which relationships cloud that certainty or obstruct it
completely? <ref>''[[The Great Waves of Change]]'', Chapter 5: The Deep Evaluation </ref>
+
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>
  
"As you can see, there are many questions, and these are not
+
===Listening to others===
all of them. That is why this deep evaluation takes time. It is
 
not something you do in an hour as
 
a process or an exercise. It is not
 
something you spend a weekend
 
thinking about. Instead, it is
 
something you must give yourself to
 
as one of the main priorities of your
 
life, particularly at this time."<ref name="gwc5"/>
 
  
"Begin then with simple things. Review everything that you
+
"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>
own. Everything that you own, even insignificant things, have a
 
value to you of some kind and in a subtle way represent an
 
influence.... Begin, then, to clear out your life, to simplify."<ref name="gwc5"/>
 
  
===[[Inner listening]]===
+
===[[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.
 +
 
 +
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."<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>
 +
 
 +
"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>
 +
 
 +
===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?"
 +
<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>
 +
 
 +
===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."<ref name="rs"/>
 +
 
 +
===Mind-mapping===
 +
<blockquote>
 +
"'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.'"<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>
 +
 
 +
<blockquote>
 +
"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:
  
"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>
+
;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
  
==Remedial 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
  
*''see'' [[Practices to release]]
+
;Lower Order Tendencies
 +
:Complaint
 +
:Chatter
 +
:Distraction
 +
:Preoccupation
 +
:Being anxious/stressed
  
==Capacity-strengthening practices==
+
;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 _____
  
*''see'' [[Practices to strengthen]]
+
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]]
 
[[File:Steps-to-knowledge.jpg|right|The Great Practices]]
Line 427: Line 227:
 
<references/>
 
<references/>
  
==Further study==
+
==See also==
*[http://www.newmessage.org/nmfg/Our_Practices__Worldwide_Community_of_the_New_Message_from_God.html The Great Practices]
+
 
 +
[https://www.newmessage.org/wiki/Steps_to_Knowledge#How_to_Work_with_Steps 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]]
  
*[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]
+
[[Invocative Language]]
  
*[http://www.newmessage.org/taking-the-steps-to-knowledge Taking the Steps to Knowledge]
+
[[Practices to release]]
  
*[http://www.newmessage.org/the-message/other-revelations/deepening-your-spiritual-practice Deepening Your Spiritual Practice (November 1, 2008)]
+
[[Practices to strengthen]]
  
==See also==
+
[[Recommendations for People Everywhere]]
  
[[Steps to Knowledge]]: How to Work with Steps
+
[[Short Quotes About Relationships]]
  
 
[[Spiritual practice]]
 
[[Spiritual practice]]
  
[[Recommendations for People Everywhere]]
+
[[Step practice]]
  
[[Guidelines for Living the New Message]]
+
[[Steps Review]]
  
 
[[Stillness]]
 
[[Stillness]]
Line 450: Line 263:
 
[[The Great Practices]]
 
[[The Great Practices]]
  
[[Practices to release]]
+
==Further study==
 +
*[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)]
  
[[Practices to strengthen]]
+
*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)
  
[[Advocacy]]
+
*[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)
  
[[Inner listening]]
 
  
 
[[category:practice]]
 
[[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