In the past I have written about how we should have a sense of 'making progress' in our spiritual walk. In this effort, Epictetus prescribes careful self observation, saying that the Stoic philosopher "keeps watch over himself as over an enemy lying in ambush". Seneca likewise recommended self observation in the form of making a daily review of ourselves. Each night as we retire for the evening we should put these questions to ourselves: What bad habit have you cured today?, What fault have you resisted?, In what respect are you better? Seneca suggests that our sleep will be more tranquil, having 'sifted' through the whole day and admonished or praised ourselves appropriately. The practice of having to answer for that day's behavior will help us stay mindful and hold up in our continuous effort to make progress[1].
I've found this kind of review is best made in writing (or even typing/tapping). Putting this review into words makes them more real, and we can refer back to them easily if we need to. The famous Meditations of Stoic Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius were, in fact, a journal he wrote to himself; never intended for publication.
By practicing thus, I've noticed a few additional things that are helpful. For one, I make sure not only to review what I've improved, but where I've failed. Noting the good and the bad is important. I then sum up with what I plan to do tomorrow to improve.
Finally, there is one other benefit to this review in journal form that has been quite striking. Make a practice of reading again your previous night's entry the next morning, perhaps just after meditation. This is surprisingly powerful. I think it must be because our frame of mind changes so vastly over a night's sleep that we need to be reminded of that person who existed the night before and what their concerns were. If needed, the previous night's entry can be read yet again later in the day if we need to stay on course.
If you would like to try this ancient Stoic practice, here is a checklist you might entertain as you proceed:
1) Put thought into what form your journal will take. I originally had a small notebook, but later moved to the notebook app on my smartphone because the convenience of it made it easier to always have nearby, and since I always have my phone, I could easily review it each day. Think about what will work best for you in the long run.
2) Ask: What were my most significant failures today in my spiritual practice?
3) Ask: Did I perform all the regular practices I planned to?
4) Ask: Did the traits I am trying to cultivate hold up under the day's events? (think specifically through the events of the day and if you performed as you'd preferred)
5) Ask: What did I do right and where did I make progress? (it is important to look for things to praise as well)
6) Ask: What do I plan to do tomorrow that will further improve my habits and my spiritual practice? (these might be disciplines, better adherence to practices, read/study more, work harder, better mindfulness or things such as being more compassionate, considerate, or being kinder in demeanor, and more)
7) The next morning, re-read your previous night's entry. You will be surprised how well it helps you reset your focus and stay on the path. If you need to, read it again later in the day too.
Feel free to comment on how journaling has helped you, or even come back later after trying this to report your experiences!
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[1] Professor Keith Seddon, "The Stoics on why we should strive to be free of the passions". [LINK]
Daniel, thanks for the post; it’s very good. Four things came to mind while reading it:
ReplyDeleteThe term “spiritual” is a loaded word, especially for humanists. I once read an interview with Jon Kabat-Zinn in which he indicated he didn’t care for the term “spiritual practice” and replaced it with “becoming more fully human.” It’s an awkward phrase and won’t replace spiritual in every instance, but I like that fact that it’s a phrase that’s not pre-loaded with spirits and angels, etc.
One of the reasons there’s so much repetition in the Meditations of Marcus Aurelius is that the writing of the text was a spiritual practice for him. The practice of writing something down repeatedly imprints it on the mind which helps make it a part of one’s behavior. I don’t mean to trivialize the practice, but maybe that’s kind of like a teacher making you write “I will not throw spitballs” 100 times. You remember that when you’re tempted to throw another spitball.
The daily review you mentioned can also make a good meditation practice. There are many ways to meditate besides counting breaths and trying to still the mind.
Journaling is also a good way to organize and refine your worldview. It helps you face what you really believe about the Big Questions and helps you discover what you might want to explore more deeply. Rabbi Rami Shapiro did just that in a recent post on his blog Beyond Religion with Rabbi Rami http://rabbirami.blogspot.com/2011/10/every-once-in-while-it-is-good-to-sit.html.
Mike in Wisconsin
Hi Mike :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for the comments. I have considered carefully many of the issues you refer to with respect to using various terms over several years. I have since decided that when a term makes sense historically, etymologically, or in its connotation, I will use it, without fear of any "religious contamination". In fact, I've solidly chosen, without reservation or apology, to reject the over-cautious fear that something I say might accidentally be confused with supernaturalism by those who don't read what I explain. Thus, I'm not trapped with less-impacting words that makes it sound like I'm talking about a computer programming convention instead of a deeply meaningful life experience.
The fact is, there simply is no other word that has the right connotation or gets across the emphasis and meaning of 'spirituality' than that word. Historically, 'spirit' (spiritus) meant breath or wind; the 'essence' of something (as in 'school spirit' or the 'spirit of the law') and so real spirituality is about the 'essential in life'. Ghosts and goblins, thus, are not even real spirituality, much less bad spirituality.
I identify with the school of Humanists that founded the original manifesto in 1933, and which has since been consciously and deliberately abandoned by the major humanist organizations - that school which asserts that Humanism will help religion evolve into its best sense, and as such, become compatible with science and naturalism - rather than the endeavor since, which has focused itself on the unlikely abolition of religion in favor of tweed coats, anti-ism, lawsuits and lobbyists, and sterile meeting rooms. Such an endeavor to reunite the natural and the sacred requires the assertive reclaiming of certain words, spoken boldly and not whispered.
For more on my use of 'spirituality', please see:
http://humanistcontemplative.blogspot.com/2008/05/noble-conspectus.html
(particularly, scroll down to Chapter 2)
On the other matters you mention about journaling, I wholeheartedly agree. In fact, this blog is in many ways my personal journal of just that sort.
Thanks again and best wishes friend! :)
Sincerely,
Daniel