“Spiritual balance is the principle that allows the mind to be still. You cannot expect the world to settle down, everything to work out, in order for you to be happy. You have to get control of your mind.”—Frederick Lenz
I have adopted Carmine’s Law in my exercise science teaching. (Carmine Arpaia is the former Fitness Director at Peconic Landing in NY.) The Law states that Strength + Posture = Balance—a concern for the aging population (from a Physical standpoint).
There is a Spiritual application of Carmine’s Law, as well. This is likewise a concern for a population that is increasingly divided… and unbalanced.
Spiritual Balance is the capacity to see all sides of a situation. Frederick Lenz writes that “Spiritual Balance is the obvious answer to the obsession that sometimes accompanies religious practice, occult practice, philosophical understandings – the assertion that one is right – that something that you’re doing is better than something somebody else is doing, the way you’re doing it is better than the way someone else is doing it.” I trust that we can all admit to lacking Spiritual Balance. It is a personal and a global issue. “Spiritual balance is how you deal with opposition, outside of yourself and within” (Frederick Lenz).
“Physical strength (hard work), mental strength (perseverance) and spiritual strength (love & acceptance) are the keys to continuous growth.”—Rickson Gracie
Spiritual Strength may be referred to as one’s strength of moral character—of one’s capacity to love and accept one’s neighbor. This is a foundation of Christ’s teachings (and of most religions) that is often neglected and ignored. Thomas S. Monson wrote that “Spiritual strength frequently comes through selfless service.” I refer to this as “other-centeredness.”
The Bishop of Liverpool, J.C. Ryle, wrote that “the true secret of spiritual strength is self-distrust and deep humility.” These, too, are keys to continuous Spiritual growth.
What, then, is “Spiritual Posture”?
Physical Posture refers to the body’s position in space. From a biomechanical point of view, balance refers to the stability of a body (of the body’s center of mass) within its base of support. Think of trying to stand on one foot versus two feet and the effect of positioning one’s feet relative to the forces acting on the body (e.g., spreading the feet forward and back in preparation for a push from the front).
Spiritual Posture is one’s position in the Universe. It is no surprise that a common position for prayer is kneeling. Biomechanically, this is a stable position (lowered center of gravity and solid base of support). Spiritually, it is considered a submissive position.
Posturing is defined as “behavior that is intended to impress or mislead” (Oxford Dictionary). It is “behavior or speech that is intended to attract attention or interest, or to make people believe something that is not true” (Cambridge Dictionary). This should not be confused with one’s Spiritual Posture. Merriam-Webster defines posture as the “state or condition at a given time especially with respect to capability in particular circumstances… a conscious mental or outward behavioral attitude.” Spiritual Posture reflects an attitude of gratitude (grattitude).
Spiritual Posture determines how we will take life’s hits. It affects how we respond to circumstances, to the opinions and actions of others, to facts that challenge well-established belief,…, and how we love and accept (i.e., love unconditionally). It is how we present ourselves Spiritually to the world—self-centered or other-centered.
As much as I work on the Physical determinants of balance (strength and posture) through physical training, I must also work on my Spiritual balance through self-reflection and the practice of other-centeredness. I grow in Spiritual well-centeredness as I seek to allow myself to be vulnerable, to humble myself, and to practice unconditional love.
Be your best today; be better tomorrow.
Carpe momento!