In the past 2-3 years John and I have been doing core-alignment and Pilates at Carpe Diem. Before we started this way of working out we had some chronic issues with backs, knees, neck, etc. Now, this far into using this method of exercise, both of us are amazed by our improvement. As we've learned and progressed, both of us have made numerous spiritual associations. I think it's interesting how God has made us physically, soulfully and spiritually with some obvious parallels.
We don't use our bodies correctly. Our bodies were made to function best when we use supportive muscles and structures so we don't overly tax and stress the larger muscles. Comically we usually take the easy way. It seems we are prone to do that in all parts of life. The scripture that comes to mind is "There is a way that seems right to a man, but the end thereof is death." Our bodies need training and so do our souls. The word of God is very practical. Just list the fruits of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Unless we are taught and trained, these character traits are not naturally occurring in our lives.
Dusty taught about alignment last year. In core-alignment it is demanded if any of the moves are to be done, it should not cause pain. My whole life, for example, I have relied on my back too much and it has caused me a lot of time out. What I've learned to do in core align is to support my back with the muscles of my abdomen, my ribs and my pelvis. Standing with the body supported in this way allows for greater mobility and less pain. In this week’s Sonship, we are reading about discernment. Without the ability to discern, our lives are often found wandering down wrong pathways. In Hebrews 5 the author is talking about maturity and immaturity. Verse 12 states "For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you have need again for someone to teach you the elementary principles of the oracles of God……..not accustomed to the word of righteousness…But solid food is for the mature, who because of practice have their senses trained to discern good and evil."
If we need to be trained to use our bodies correctly, how much more training is needed for our souls and our spirits? Allow yourself to be shown by the Spirit those areas in your life where you are misusing or overusing certain things and where you need to be strengthened and retrained. Those adjustments we make are perhaps daily at times or weekly or less but we will always need to be trained by the Spirit and the word.
Hebrews 5:11-14 "There is much more we would like to say about this, but it is difficult to explain, especially since you are spiritually dull and don’t seem to listen. You have been believers so long now that you ought to be teaching others. Instead, you need someone to teach you again the basic things about God’s word. You are like babies who need milk and cannot eat solid food. For someone who lives on milk is still an infant and doesn’t know how to do what is right. Solid food is for those who are mature, who through training have the skill to recognize the difference between right and wrong."