Embodying God in Daily Life
Updated: May 10
God is the universe itself. It is that life force energy that exists in every living thing. It is the life energy that gives us the power or thought, the power of free will and the ability to learn, change our condition, and solve our problems. To seek God in the rational sense, the ultimate good, is to embody the universal virtues that lead to the highest moral character. Here are some tips on how it can be achieved:
Meditate
"Meditation is a mental exercise that trains attention and awareness. Its purpose is often to curb reactivity to one's negative thoughts and feelings, which, though they may be disturbing and upsetting and hijack attention from moment to moment, are invariably fleeting." Meditation | Psychology Today
Focus on a single thought or idea. Keep it simple. The Temple Code of the Humanistic Temple of Alkebulan identifies 20 virtues of thoughts, and behaviors that encourages goodness. Sit in a comfortable position, close your eyes, and breathe calmly. When You are relaxed, and your breathing has slowed down to a comfortable place, focus on just one of the 20 virtues.
Honesty - I will be honest in all communications and actions.
Integrity - I will strive to be fair and just in all dealings.
Loyalty - I will give or show firm and constant support or allegiance to the institution.
Fairness - I will be impartial in behavior without favoritism or discrimination, and advocate for just treatment of others.
Respectful - I will respect myself and others.
Humility - I will remain humble and modest.
Charity - I will be generous and helpful especially toward the needy or suffering.
Chastity - I will refrain from unlawful sexual intercourse, or behavior.
Graciousness - I will be courteous and kind.
Grateful - I will be thankful and show appreciation for kindness.
Temperance - I will live my life with self-control and moderation.
Patience - I will practice patience and be patient with others.
Diligence - I will be steady, earnest, and give energetic effort in my work and duties.
Wisdom - I will think and act using knowledge, experience, understanding, common sense and insight.
Prudence - I will govern myself with discipline and the use of reason.
Courage - I will exercise mental or moral strength to venture, persevere, and withstand danger, fear, or difficulty during pain or times of adversity.
Honor - I will conduct myself in a manner deserving of respect or high regard.
Discipline - I will correct and regulate myself for the sake of self-improvement, exercise self-control.
Perseverance - I will be persistent in doing something despite difficulty or delay in achieving success.
Compassion - I will have sympathy and concern for the sufferings or misfortunes of all living beings.
Think about what the virtue means to you. Think about how it can be applied to your life. Think about how it can be applied to the world. Think about how it affects yourself and others. Think about what actions you can take to make it a part of you. Meditation can be as short as you like or need, or as long as you like or need.
Be Purposeful
Everyone should have some goals or should be thinking about what they want to do with their lives. It doesn't have to be the stereotypical occupational goals, but it should be something you feel will give your life purpose and happiness. Be conscious of your thoughts and actions. It does take practice. Plan out your day so that you can accomplish whatever goals you need to accomplish. It doesn't matter if they are small or large tasks. Completing major or minor goals will give you a sense of accomplishment. Success comes in little steps.
Get in the habit of self-assessing your daily thoughts and interactions. Think before you speak and interact. Schedule some time out of your day to purposely display or put into action a virtuous act.
Social Building
Having family, friends, or other loved ones is a definite blessing. Build and nourish healthy relationships. As humans, we need healthy social interaction. We emphasize the word healthy. Life is energy that wax and wane, and we feed off of energy around us. Surround yourself with positive people and avoid negative people if all possible. Everyone can benefit from the positivity that another brings, and you should always try to help others. However, there will be times where you may have exhausted all remedies, find yourself in situations you are not equipped to handle. Find someone who can help in those situations and recharge yourself.
In family settings, do things together that can open communications or build better bonds. Do recreational activities or other relaxing activities that will reduce stress. Discuss things that are important to you and family members. Make plans, discuss goals, and life perspectives.
Be Health Conscious
A healthy mind and body enhance your ability to be virtuous. It can relieve suffering in the home dealing with health issues, financial stress from healthcare costs, and improving mood and energy. In an article in Ottawa Living Magazine, the writer points out that living healthy fights disease, builds confidence, improves brain health and mood, reduces stress, optimizes performance, improves gut health (immune system), and help maintain healthy weight
Your mental, physical and spiritual health is important to us. The Humanistic Temple of Alkebulan will partner with various members and contributors who are experts in the field of health, exercise, and nutrition. Members are encouraged to ask questions, participate and share their experiences and healthy lifestyles with everyone.
Please share this valuable information with family and friends. For more information on our institution, check out our website at www.humanistictemple.org. For those who wish to become members, please click here.