Leader: Cindi
Experiment(s): Choose one of the last three from the Ideals chapter of the Experiments book or this one from the Step-by-Step book:
3. Worksheet for setting ideals:
A. Divide a blank sheet into three columns. Label the first column "Spiritual Ideals," the second column "Mental Ideals," and the third column "Physical Ideals.''
B. Write in the first column your highest spiritual ideal--the word or words that describe what you perceive to be the highest attainment--a standard of perfection which you want to use to measure your actions.
C. In the second column, under "Mental Ideals," write those mental attitudes which you feel accurately reflect the word you've written in the Spiritual column. For example, if you wrote "Love" in the Spiritual column, you might want to use words like "acceptance" or "kindness" or "forgiveness" in the Mental column.
D. Finally, in the last column marked "Physical Ideals," list those physical activities which would express the spiritual and mental ideals you've just listed. For example, if you've written "forgiveness" as a mental ideal, you might list an activity such as: "Say a friendly word to (person's name) who insulted me yesterday."
E. Use this as a worksheet during the week to further identify and refine your ideals. Once they are set, test them by measuring your activities. Notice the moments when you are successful in living your ideals as well as those that could be improved.
The
“Step by Step” book for the Ideal’s chapter suggests using two columns on a
page, writing several goals to accomplish in life in the first column. The
second column is for writing why I want to accomplish this goal. Then secondly,
below the “whys”, list several Ideals by which you will accomplish your life
goals.
The
next part gives directions on identifying an Ideal, then further defining it in
three dimensions, in three columns on the same page, Spiritual Ideal, Mental
Ideal, Physical Ideal. Refer to the actual Step-by-Step experiment on page 19
for clarification of a spiritual ideal, examples of mental attitudes for your
higher degree of growth toward your Spiritual Ideal, and thirdly, physical
actions to take for your spiritual Ideal.
Our
well prepared leader opened our Sacred Space with a poem on Ideals, a reading
of Cayce asking “What is my Ideal,” and our Lord’s Prayer before our group meditation. One member didn’t feel well and stayed for a shorter time, but all
members were able to attend.
One
seeker’s experiment was hindered somewhat by very limited interactions by
Covid-19 infection control, and not seeing anyone most days. Another serious
student shared a view of one of her angels with us Zoom viewers, quoted from
her “Angel book,” a profound truth describing the importance of having an Ideal
to lead and guide our lives: Fail
to plan; plan to fail.
She
followed this with a Service Angels Ideals, Spiritual, Mental, Physical, so
beautifully thought out and written. Then she read to us the ideals she had
choosen for herself this week. She’s already completed the 3-column worksheet described in the “Step By Step” book a week early.
Two
others reported their results doing the second experiment, of asking daily what
qualities make up the highest awareness I would like to have directing my life?
At the end of the week, in the silence condense all these listed qualities into
one phrase or word to come up with your personal ideal.
We
reviewed and discussed the Ideals chapter in the A Search For God, Book One,
after reading it entirely again in a few minutes. It’s the shortest chapter in
both the A Search for God books,
but it is also among the most important lessons for a life long guide and focus
for a well lived, purpose filled life.
Group
Ideal: Oneness
Application
of Ideal: Affirm daily my oneness with each group member
In
Loving Oneness,
Sylvia
Raye
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