Hi Everyone,
OK, so are you all ready? Fan-frickin'-tastic!!! Let's get started...
I know the name Spiritual Boot Camp sounds a bit daunting, but I don't want you to see it in a negative way. I think of boot camp as a place where you become better. A place where you push yourself to be the best you can be. That's our ultimate goal. By the time we are done with this series, my sincere hope is that we will all have grown more as individuals and as spiritual beings. That's what we're aiming for. ;-)
Every journey begins with a first step, right? And that first step is usually the toughest and most important one. The first step often defines the direction you will travel on the journey and sets the tone for the entire expedition. You can't set a course unless you have a destination. So, during this first step it is imperative that you are completely honest with yourself. Now, I know sometimes that can be hard and it is very difficult to be subjective when you, yourself are the subject at hand, but...well...If you can't be honest with yourself, then you can't be honest with anyone else. "What was that Sister Candi?" Yep, that's what I said, "If you can't be honest with yourself, then you can't be honest with anyone else." Think about that for a moment, because you will find it to be true. I'm sure we all know someone who seems to be a chronic liar. Unfortunately it does happen, and there are people that can't tell the truth to save their soul. But if you really look deeply at those people, they aren't just lying to others. Generally, they are also lying to themselves about one thing or another. When untruths become a way of life they affect all areas and all relationships, even the relationship you have with yourself. ;-)
Know Thyself
So, with that in mind, we all need to be perfectly honest for this first step. Get out a piece of paper and something to write with. Got those things? Great! :-) The title of this exercise is "Know Thyself." Now draw a line down the center of the paper to make two columns. On the left side title the column, "Things I Want To Keep" and on the right side title the column, "Things I Need To Change." Next, under each column make three subheadings. Write "Mind," then space down a few lines and write "Body," and then space down a few more lines and write "Spirit." Make these three subheadings under each title, so that you have two columns with three subheadings in each one. (Hopefully that makes sense, and I'm not talking in circles! heehee)
Now, sit down at a desk or a table in a quiet place where you can think, with the paper in front of you. Sit quietly for a moment. Really concentrate. We all have things that we like and don't like about ourselves...that's true of everyone. So be honest. No one else will ever see this piece of paper but you, so write down your completely truthful answer under each heading. Under "Mind" list things that you want to keep and things that you want to change about yourself that have to do with the way you think or the way you process things, thought patterns, mind sets that you may have, etc. Under "Body" list things that you want to keep and need to change about your physical being like exercise patterns, diet, habits like excessive tobacco and/or alcohol usage, eating patterns, the way you physically appear to yourself and others. Under "Spirit" list things that you want to keep and things that you want to change in regard to the spiritual being inside of you such as things that you do to nurture your spiritual being and things you do to hinder it. When you are finished I want you to have at least one thing listed under each subheading in both columns. You can list more than one thing if you like, but there has to be at least one item listed under each subheading on both sides of the paper.
Take your time with this exercise. You don't even have to do it all in one sitting. You can leave the paper on the table and come back to it as you think about it throughout the day. As things come to you go back to the paper and write it down in the appropriate space. This paper is very important, as it will be your personal guide to what you really want to concentrate on during Spiritual Boot Camp. This is the first step so make it count, don't shortchange yourself, and be completely honest. There is much growth to be had here and much to be learned.
Group Blessing
When you are completely finished with this exercise, I want you to close your eyes, light a white candle if you have one (If you don't, it's perfectly fine. You can do this without it.), and concentrate for a moment on everyone who is participating in this series growing and becoming better, stronger, and more fulfilled body, mind, and spirit. Picture a beautiful white light coming from above settling down upon all of us. A light that encompasses us and radiates around and through us so that it permeates everyone of us. Do this for nine minutes, if you can. I will ask you to do this at the end of each one of the "lessons" in Spiritual Boot Camp, but you can also do it at any time. This exercise will also help you to draw strength from the group and help you to know that you are not in this alone. We are all doing this together and thus we have strength through the group. Know that the strength is there for you any time you need to tap into it. :-)
Great! WELL DONE, EVERYONE!! Whew! OK, so that's it for this time. I will also have a special prayer list for those that are following along with this series, so if you wish to be included by name write to me at candelaria@spellmaker.com. You don't need to tell me what you're working on. Just tell me that you are following along with Spiritual Boot Camp and working toward a better you, and you would like to be added to my list for special prayers. If you want to remain anonymous that's fine, too. I will catch you in my group prayers. :-)
OK, everyone... now, SMILE! You've just taken the first step on a very rewarding journey. A journey you will be glad you made. ;-)
Much love,
Sister Candelaria
