Spiritual awareness is not just about explaining the nature of reality and our place in it – its main value is in knowing how to live. First the spiritual life must be wanted, thought about, dreamed of and believed in. Then it must be lived. Once we realise that everything we need lies within us, we set to work to remove the mental blockages and let Creative Intelligence flow through us. Then our Higher Selves assume a progressively greater role in our lives and we can create the kinds of experiences we want.

As we raise our awareness, we understand that thought and action are two sides of the same coin. Merely thinking something is a cause set in motion. Thought precedes action, and action stimulates and reinforces thought. Over time we notice thought and action merging into each other. We learn from our actions through reflection. Even unwise actions can lead to reflection. We adjust our thinking, change our actions and get it right next time. Right thinking and right action always produces right results. They have to – it’s the Law.

269 I-T-I-A And Intention

The formula for meaningful and lasting change, the I-T-I-A Formula^©, has five elements. Four of these – self-awareness, intention, thinking and imagination – exist only in the mind. The fifth – action – is physical.

Personal change begins with intention. An intention is a strong desire held in the mind and acted upon. Ask yourself:

• How badly do you want to live at a higher level of consciousness?
• Are you prepared to commit yourself?
• Are you willing to drop old habits and have faith in the Laws of Cause and Effect and Attraction?
• Are you willing to let go of anything that denies a richer life to you, such as blame, self-pity and fear?
• There will be periods when you appear to be making little progress – do you have the staying power?
• There will be setbacks – are you willing to do whatever it takes?

 

If you have answered ‘yes’ to all these questions, go for it! What you seek from the heart, you shall find.

270 I-T-I-A And Action

Spiritual awareness is not an escape from the world; it does not exempt us from working and earning a living. It does, however, make it easier to do what we must because we approach it from a different perspective. We turn every moment into an opportunity for happiness and peace.

Firstly, we go about our activities with mindfulness and a positive attitude, aware of the truth in the Buddhist proverb, ‘Before enlightenment, chop wood, carry water. After enlightenment, chop wood, carry water.’

Secondly, we become proactive. We don’t sit around waiting for something to happen – we lay down the spiritual causes that make it happen. CI will only do for us what we do for ourselves. When we do the right things with the right consciousness, all the power of the universe comes to our aid. As Prophet Mohammed said, ‘Take a step toward God and God will take a thousand steps toward you.’

271 The As If Principle

The As If Principle states that when we act ‘as if’ we are already becoming what we wish to, that’s what we become. There are two aspects:

Live with the consciousness that CI is there for you, and life is set up for your benefit. Everything is in order and in spiritual terms always works out for the best.

272 Serving Others

We simply can’t fulfil ourselves without being of service to others. ‘One thing I know is that those who will be really happy are those who have sought and found how to serve,’ wrote Dr Albert Schweitzer, the great humanitarian and Nobel Peace Prize winner. As Maurice Tester wrote in his book Healthy, Wealthy and Wise:

We’re here to give, and life presents us with continuous opportunities to give more. Take every opportunity to make the world a better place for everyone you meet – and others outside your immediate circle.