Spiritual creativity is faciliated by practices that involve the capacity to say "no" :)

Yellowstone's amazing geysers serve as one of the Park's major attractions. Some - like Old Faithful - shoot water on average 140 feet into the air, and erupt every 60 to 110 minutes. However, these thermal features would not be able to function without a standpipe and cone hole that are narrow and constricted. Without these components, the water present in the reservoir below would be incapable of building up enough pressure to create the eruption.

Similarly, on our own spiritual path, we need some kind of boundary or restriction - some realm in which we limit ourselves and say "no" - if we are ever to build up enough "steam" to fuel an eruption of divine grace and creativity in our lives. Limiting time spent on the internet or watching TV or listening to news or radio is one such discipline. So is keeping to a small number the daily commitments we engage in. A meditation practice that employs spacious awareness in preventing us from indulging in the drama of our usual thoughts and emotions is yet another form. As spiritual practitioners from every tradition and walk of life realize, this kind of limitation aids in effectively preventing our creative energy from dissipating in frivolous activity and mindless cogitation.

"Fasting" such as this is sometimes difficult in a society that encourages us to say "yes" to every passive entertainment, news item, flashy image or technological device available to us, but it is absolutely necessary if we are ever to advance in creativity - and self-esteem - on the spiritual journey.

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I am available for spiritual direction / mentoring sessions via cell phone or Skype.  The fee for each hour-long session is $65.  If you are interested, please contact me at canyonechoes@gmail.com .

 
Photos: Various geysers, Yellowstone National Park, WY, September 5-6, 2015