Forget About "New Age": Tap Into The Ancient Wisdom in Psalms and Proverbs
Many years ago, after reading many "new age", self-help, and personal development books by some of the most poular authors out there, I made what to me was an important discovery:
The foundation of all the teaching and advice in these writings can be found in scripture such as the Bible and the eastern Bhagavad-Gita.
So now, for wisdom, inspiration, instruction, and advice, I go straight to the source: scripture.
I was pleasantly reminded of this after reading a wonderful post by Cameron Schaefer on Schaefer's Blog entitled "7 Proverbs for Skilled Living".
Like me, Cameron engages in daily reading of scripture:
Nearly every morning for the past 5 years I have sat down and read a chapter from the book of Proverbs. Since there are 31 in all it sets up nicely for reading one a day. It continues to amaze me the depth of wisdom found in each chapter covering every area of life from relationships to money to career advice. - Cameron Schaefer
Since Cameron shared some wisdom from Proverbs, I would like to offer the following from Psalms:
"Be angry, but sin not; commune with your own hearts on your beds and be silent." - Psalm 4:4
How many times have you been angry and acted rashly, only to regret it later?
It is okay to be angry, but recognize it, acknowledge it, and make an attempt to remove yourself from the situation to a quiet, safe place.
Take a few deep breaths and listen to your heart. Try to discover the source of your anger.
Often this will prevent you from acting out on your anger, which usually only adds further complications.
The key to this verse for me is the importance of being silent.
Every day, I see people incessantly on their cellphones and it makes me wonder: do they ever take the time to shut the outside world off and give their senses a break?
Quieting yourself and listening to that small, still voice in your heart will have a profound impact on your consciousness and, to put it plainly, make you a better person.
The significance of silence can be found throughout scripture.
As Mother Teresa said:
"If we really want to pray, we must first learn to listen, for in the silence of the heart, God speaks." - Blessed Teresa of Calcutta
"The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?" - Psalm 27:1
Most of us experience fear: fear of failure, fear of success; fear of change.
What I like about this passage from Psalms is that it puts fear into perspective.
For when we look at ourselves and our fears, they seem so insignificant in the greater scheme of things.
Further, the interesting thing about fear is that we are not born with it, we create our fear.
The key is to take action in spite of fear.
Realizing that the world does not revolve around us, that we are not in control, that a Power much greater than ourselves is looking after us, will help us greatly to act and let whatever happens happen.
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August 8th, 2008 at 5:30 am
FANTASTIC!!! I LOVE this. I have a tough time with all of the New Age-it's so ME oriented. Thanks for today's inspiration.
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August 8th, 2008 at 9:42 am
@ Marianne - Thank you so much! I like to keep things simple, and I find that seeking inspiration from scripture really simplifies the process of developing my humanity.