Wisdom Quote: Conscious Spiritual Practice

At worst, we face a day of conscious spiritual practice.
-- Geri Larkin

It's evident from the list of wisdom quotes on my website that I value any advice that helps people get through and make sense of hard times and grow into more complete human beings. As a homegrown example, 12-step groups are rich sources of practical guidance for developing emotional resilience, such as:

"Take one day at a time"
"Do the next right thing"
"Keep an attitude of gratitude"
"Pray for the son of a b****"
"Easy does it"

When things are going well, most of us don't feel a need for such advice. But while some days are easy to get through, others are much more challenging. At such times we can either bounce from one hardship and disappointment to another or find opportunities to consciously act in ways that are helpful to our personal (i.e. spiritual) growth.

That's what makes Larkin's quote so encouraging. What seems like a "bad" day is a great deal worse in the absence of some meaningful guidelines for living, and the worst day is more manageable when we purposefully put into action the principles that can guide us to grow inwardly no matter what difficulties we find ourselves facing.

So take the time to identify some core principles that can guide you in hard times, and actively practice using them until they become second nature. It'll forever change the way you feel about "bad days".

(Image: Ray Johnson, "Calm Center", 1951)

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