A Practitioner's Perspective
by Heather Epps, RScP
A few days ago, I spontaneously decided to explore a trail that led away from the RV campsite we were currently enjoying and so deep into the woods that I could no longer see any other campers. It was an easy walk for the first thirty minutes, but then I came across a rather large mud patch. Wearing only my tennis shoes, I convinced myself that I could balance on the tiny patches of dried mud to transverse this wet, soggy part of the trail.
I bravely took the first step, and I just kept chanting to myself, "Stay upright, keep your balance, and take one step at a time.” This method worked well until about halfway through the mud patch, when I slipped off a dry mound and my foot quickly disappeared into the muck. I went ahead and slogged the rest the way through and then headed back to the RV one squishy step at a time.
Undeterred, the next day I decided to go down the same trail. Feeling more prepared, I wore my sturdy waterproof hiking boots and brought my hiking pole to help me with balance. When I got to the same muddy patch, I slowed my pace and took my time, but being more prepared, I just sloshed on through the mud and continued my way down the trail.
This experience reminded me that life often goes this way. So many times, we will face familiar situations that reveal whether we have learned our lessons – or not! Have we learned how to navigate with better tools and equipment to yield better outcomes? Sometimes we need sturdier hiking boots, and sometimes there are spiritual tools that make a repeated opportunity go better.
In all that I encounter in life, the most powerful tool I have is my thinking, and my perception of any situation. Dropping into worry or fear is not as helpful as following the spiritual principles taught in our philosophy. I am more empowered when I can transition from self-doubt into thoughts of gratitude, faith and love. I am stronger when I don’t interpret things as being personal, and I can move forward with compassion and consider other points of view, as I remember that all things are Spiritual and contain inherent goodness.
Shortly after my mud puddle walking, I had another opportunity to practice. As we were crossing through Texas, we had a tire blowout. By the time we stopped, the tire was completely gone, and the axle was wrapped in cords pulled from the RV itself. Initially we were struck with fear and uncertainty but soon realized that we could be grateful that we weren’t injured, and that structurally, the RV seemed to be fine. Clearing away our fearful thinking allowed us to constructively deal with the situation, get the help we needed, and move on with grace and ease.
There is a phrase that we use sometimes – “practitioner consciousness.” It simply refers to the mindset available to anyone who practices living from a spiritual perspective. Take the time necessary to develop that mindset by reading the books, taking the classes, spending time in meditation, and practice using the principles in daily life circumstances. As you go, you will likely see that your thinking begins to change and your life begins to change too. You will also feel a bit steadier and more prepared for whatever challenge may arise.
Whether mud puddles or flat tires, you can learn to embrace the idea that “it is what it is” and stop needing to label everything that happens as good or bad. Join me in trying to remember that God meets us in every moment, ready to reveal the goodness or the lesson that is present each time. And . . . get those hiking boots ready!