Theory
In simple terms it refers to our connection and relationship with God. Whenever
any human being experiences something bigger than himself, the traditional way
of looking at that is, “this is God…” The whole idea of God is just that – anything
bigger than us.
Prayer, meditation, scripture study, pondering and stillness are some of the
spiritual practices that help us connect with the divine. In order to grow
spiritually, it is important to begin some form of spiritual practice. Spiritual
practices improve health, increase personal growth, strengthen relationships, and
are the way to true self-actualization. When we engage in spiritual practice, there
is more clarity, sense of steadiness, inner peace and joy.
Story
There was once a young man, a gifted athlete training to be an Olympic diver. He
had grown up in an atheist home, untouched by faith. The only voice of belief in
his life was that of his close friend, a devout Christian, who often spoke to him
about God. The young diver listened politely but never gave it much weight. To
him, religion was just words.
One night, restless and unable to sleep, he went to the indoor swimming pool of
his college to practice. The facility was dark, but the moonlight streamed in
through the large skylights, filling the place with a pale glow.
He climbed up to the highest diving board, ready to rehearse his moves. Standing
at the edge, he turned his back to the pool, stretched his arms wide, and prepared
to dive.
In that moment, he froze. On the wall opposite, his body cast a shadow — a
perfect cross. For reasons he couldn’t explain, his heart skipped a beat. He stared
at that shadow, feeling as though it was silently speaking to him, carrying all the
words his friend had tried to tell him over the years.
Just then, the sound of footsteps echoed. The maintenance worker had entered
and switched on the lights. The diver turned his head — and his breath caught.
The pool had been drained for repairs. The water was gone. If he had jumped, he
would have met his death.
Shaken, he looked once more at the shadow of the cross that had stopped him.
Tears welled in his eyes. In that instant, he knew — this was no coincidence. What
his friend had spoken, what he had ignored, was real. That night, on the diving
board, he chose not just life, but faith.
For the first time, he understood: sometimes the divine saves us not with thunder
or miracles, but with a quiet sign — enough to turn us back from the edge.
Activity
1. What are your spiritual practices?
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2. Do you feel that your spiritual practice contributes to your emotional and
physical well-being?
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Quote
“Our ideas of God tell us more about ourselves than about Him.”– Thomas Merton.
Take Away
1. Prayer, meditation, scripture study, pondering and stillness are some of the
spiritual practices that help us connect with the divine.
2. When we engage in spiritual practice, there is more clarity, sense of steadiness,
inner peace and joy.