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A poor man was walking through the woods, reflecting upon his many troubles. He stopped to rest against a tree. The tree was a magical tree that would instantly grant the wishes of anyone who came in contact with it. The man realized he was thirsty and wished for a drink. Instantly, a cup of cool water appeared in his hand. Alarmed, he looked at the water, decided it was safe, and drank it. He then realized he was hungry. He wished he had something to eat. A meal appeared for him. "My wishes are being granted," he thought. "Well, then, he spoke out loud, I wish for a beautiful home. The home appeared in the meadow. A huge smile crossed his face as he wished for servants to take care of the home. When they appeared he realized he had been blessed with an incredible power. Next, he wished for a beautiful, loving, and intelligent woman to share his good fortune. "Wait a minute, this is ridiculous," the man said to the woman. "I'm not this lucky. This can't be happening to me." As he spoke, everything disappeared. He shook his head and said, "I knew it." He walked away thinking about his many troubles.
Spiritual formation entails the transformation of our thoughts. Each thought is a form of energy. Each thought has a particular charge, so to speak, either negative or positive.
Faith is linked with our emerging understanding of energy. Faith is an expression of positive energy. With each positive thought, we are making a positive energy investment that slowly transforms our thought processes. Our thought becomes, then, more faith-full.
This transformation of thought energy is a slow process. The way we become more faith-full in thinking is gradually, one thought at a time.
So, what do we do when a negatively charged thought arises in our mind? We release the thought. Likewise, we can replace negatively charged thoughts with positively charged thoughts.
We each have a store of thought energy. Our thought energy is on a spectrum from totally negative to totally positive. Through spiritual formation, including positive affirmation, visualization, energy work, and meditation
we can become more positively thinking and, consequently, positively living persons.
Likewise, we need to be compassionate toward ourselves in this process of transformation of thought. We have been shaped in varied ways by environment, family, genetics,
Finally, we can trust that even as we have been shaped in the way we now think, we can take responsibility to engage in reshaping our minds. One thought at a time we can be transformed to think more healthily and, thereby, live more healthily.
Spiritual Exercise
1. Reflect on the opening story. What does it teach you?
2. Read Philippians 4.8, below, or in your favorite Bible translation. What thoughts does the writer say are to occupy our mind?
Finally, my friends, keep your minds on whatever is true, pure, right, holy, friendly, and proper. Don't ever stop thinking about what is truly worthwhile and worthy of praise. (CEV)
3. Take a positive word (i.e. love, peace, joy, God
) or a positive phrase (i.e. all is well, I have peace, love surrounds me, God is with me
) and for one day commit to repeat it at intervals throughout the day. Likewise, take at least five short breaks of five minutes, stand or sit quietly, close the eyes, and internally repeat the word or phrase as a meditative prayer.
Prayer
God is with me
Love surrounds me
I rest, knowing all is well
I enjoy my work
I enjoy meeting persons
I have the best of friends
This is a beautiful day
This is a wonderful day
I am blessed
Peace
Peace
Peace
Yes
Yes
Yes
Thank You. Thank You.
*Brian K. Wilcox
OneLife Ministries is a pastoral outreach and nurture ministry of the First United Methodist Church, Fort Meade, FL. For Spiritual Direction, Pastoral Counseling, spiritual formation workshops, Christian meditation retreats, or more information about OneLife, write Rev. Dr. Brian K. Wilcox at briankwilcox@comcast.net.
Brian's book of mystical love poetry, An Ache for Union, can be ordered through major bookdealers.
Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors
The People of the
United Methodist Church
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