INTRODUCTION TO SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT

by Lawrence Wilson, MD

© January 2010, Center for Development

 

The highest calling of a human being, I believe, is not a wonderful career or even a happy family.  Nor is it to have lots of money or a luxurious home.  Instead, we all have a particular type of human potential that is what I call mental or spiritual development.

 

BASIC PRINCIPLES REGARDING SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT

 

Here are some general principles regarding this type of development:

1. One can attune or develop the body to make it an instrument of amazing sensitivity. 

2. Many gifts are given or develop as a result of this tuning in process.  

3. Among the most important, however, is simply a longer, healthier, happier life.

4. It is also possible to develop what are called the subtle human bodies, or energetic bodies.  This is a relatively unknown fact about human beings.  Every person has a physical body, but we all also have a number of electronic or energy bodies as well.  This has been known for thousand s of years by some ancient mystics in the orient, for example.  There is nothing unusual or non-religious in this understanding, as it does not diminish the importance of physical life whatsoever, and indeed this gives it deeper meaning, as we will see.

These subtle bodies go by various names.  Common ones are the astral, mental, etheric and causal bodies.  The names are less important than the concept.  Since this is a large subject, a separate article entitled The Chakras and the Aura describe the bodies in more detail.

 

WHAT THIS TYPE OF SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT IS NOT

 

Before becoming more specific, I want to explain what this type of spiritual development is not about.  Here is a short list:

 

1. This type of development only partially involves learning of knowledge.  In fact, those who are seemingly less intellectual or less learned often make better candidates for this type of development.  This is because too much intellectual focus can actually get in the way.

2. It is not about learning psychology, such as understanding oneÕs family of origin with its dysfunctions or why one is compulsive, or other psychological insights. 

3. It is not about learning or practicing any kind of trade, business or profession such as being a healer or a priest. 

4. It will not occur just from studying yoga, tai chi or other martial arts.  Nor is it about special breathing or most other types of Òspiritual practicesÓ.  In the past, these methods were used widely, and they still work to some extent.  However, in my experience, they do not work well at all today, in general.  This becomes obvious to anyone who really investigates the subject closely.             Instead, I will suggest an approach that is tailored for modern (and quite ill) mankind living in a very polluted, radioactive, fast-paced world.

5. It is not spiritualism, in which one tunes into dead people or spirits to gain access to information.

6. It is not about the development of psychic powers or mediumship.  Many people believe that development is about developing oneÕs ÒpowersÓ.  Phenomena that may considered supernatural or unusual may occur.  But these are never the goal and are pure incidental.  If they ever become the objectives, then one has lost sight of real development.

7.  It can usually only be done at home, on your own.  That is, it does not require traveling somewhere, attending special classes or worship services, or joining a particular religious or spiritual group or organization.  One may do these things, but this will not develop a person in the way that I am referring to, and organizations often get in the way, eventually, of this type of development simply because one must go at the pace of the group in most cases.

8. It does not involve any type of physical or mental deprivation, fasting, extended retreats or long, special prayers.

 

WHAT ARE THE STAGES THAT A PERSON USUALLY PASSES THROUGH DURING THIS TYPE OF DEVELOPMENT?

 

                  I will give seven steps or stages from intense suffering to advanced development that one often must go through when beginning and pursuing the process described in this article:

 

1. Intense suffering.  Most people who choose to develop themselves in this manner begin or have experienced some type of quite intense suffering.  This may have been an illness, child abuse, divorce, death in the family or some other type.  They decide that they do not want to suffer any more.  This is the key idea in the first step.  They want to rise beyond what may be called Ôsurvival modeÕ and live differently.

 

2. Milder suffering.  The decision that one makes in step one above leads to a better life, but still one that is filled with milder suffering that most people experience.  One must continue to decide that one is done with suffering and wanting more fun, more happiness, more love and so on from oneÕs earthly life.

 

3. Ego pleasures.  Usually this leads a person to experience more excitement and fun in a physical manner.  If oneÕs health and finances permit, one may travel, have a family, start a business, have a career and so on.  However, one must ask for and desire to move on from this to something even greater.

 

4. Letting go of the physical world to some degree.  This step, which corresponds to the fourth or heart chakra or energy center of the body, is the most difficult for most people.  It is the decision that, in fact, the physical world does not offer what one is seeking.  Instead, one must turn inwards, one must heal at deep levels, and one must relate to others as a soul who is here to bless and assist other souls.  This is a profound shift that most people simply cannot make too easily.  Sometimes a hardship or suffering helps them do it, although some are inspired to do it by stories from the bible or other books, for example.  A few people just find themselves naturally taking this step.  For more on this, read Letting Go.

 

5. Nutritional balancing science, a sure, slow and safe method for basic mental and spiritual development.  Some people will find their way to this website.  In it is described one method to develop the mind and heal the body that is safe, quite simple and inexpensive, and that can be done at home.  It does not require special training, special teachers, or other special techniques.  This is definitely an expansion of consciousness in a vary particular manner that helps prolong life and leads to much improved health and well-being in many ways.  It is described in a number of articles on this website such as Introduction To Nutritional Balancing.

 

6. Advanced or faster development.  This is an extension of number five above.  It just means that if one wishes, one can do the program more diligently and thus move much faster.  In particular, doing the Roy Masters meditation technique with the modifications I have made to it seems to accelerate the process.

 

7. Unity consciousness and a deeper understanding of all the above.  This is the ultimate goal or Ôbig pictureÕ understanding of exactly what one is involved with.  This is described in an article entitled The Big Picture.

 

WHO IS DEVELOPING IN THIS WAY?

 

There are at least three groups of people:

 

1. Those with the abilities from birth. These include the ones known as Jesus, Buddha, Enoch, Abraham, Moses and many others described in the holy books of all religions.  This is relatively rare, however.

 

2. Those who develop during their lifetime as a result of stress.  This is becoming more common today.  The reason is that poor diets, stressful lives and other factors are combining with certain energies that are coming to planet earth at this time to hasten this natural development in millions of people around the world.  At this time, it is occurring much more, relatively speaking, in America, followed closely by Europe, and then Asia and a few other nations such as the English-speaking nations of Australia and New Zealand.  However, stress-based development is spreading rapidly throughout the planet.  Even massive earthquakes and other traumatic events cannot stop it and often promote it.

 

3. Those who develop during their lifetime as a result of following a specific regimen designed to enhance and facilitate the process.  This is the group of people that this article is aimed at.  The rest of the article concerns how to promote or enhance this development.

 

WHAT DOES SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT REQUIRE?

 

There appears to be a set of factors, all of which are somewhat important, that can facilitate balanced and safe mental and spiritual development.  Combining them correctly is also very helpful and critical, as sometimes a problem in one area can negate any benefits one is gaining in other areas. 

These factors will be familiar to readers of this website.  For each, please read the article on this website that gives specific details, as these can be critical.  For example, rest is important.  However, going to bed early is also particularly important.  Drinking enough water is important, but so is the type of water that one consumes, and so on.  The major factors so far include:

 

1. Rest in large amounts.  See The Benefits of Rest and Sleep.

2. A specific, and very healthful diet consisting of mainly cooked vegetables in large quantities two or three times daily.  Animal quality protein such as meats and eggs every day are also usually needed or at least very helpful.  Especially excellent foods are lamb, sardines, organic blue corn chips with sea salt, kelp, carrot juice (but only 10-12 ounces daily) or wheat grass juice up to 2 ounces daily, cruciferous vegetables such as cauliflower, broccoli, Brussels sprouts and cabbage, green vegetables such as spinach, and only raw unpasteurized dairy products.
                  Also, one must avoid most sugar, fruit, juices, wheat, pig products and most beef.  However, lamb and wild game are excellent.  Also, one must avoid all food chemicals as much as possible. 
See Food And Spiritual Development, as well as many other articles dealing with specific foods, eating habits, extreme diets such as vegetarian diets, and other food-related articles on this website.

3. For adults, at least three quarts daily of either steam distilled or usually spring water, and avoidance of all other types of water, particularly reverse osmosis water and often alkaline water as well.  Carbon-filtered tap water is next best..  For much more on this topic, read Drinking Water on this website.

4. A few basic food supplements.  Among these are kelp, fish oil or other sources of omega-3 fatty acids, in particular, about 5000 iu of vitamin D3, a digestive aid preferably of animal origin, a calcium/magnesium supplement, a zinc supplement, and perhaps others depending upon oneÕs state of health.  Note that most other supplements end up being harmful in our experience, although this probably sounds very unusual.  These include many, though certainly not all herbs, most vitamin regimens, and hundreds of other nutritional and other products sold today.

5. Sexual restraint.  See Sexuality And Development .

6. Attitude adjustment, when needed.  See The Biological Basis of Positive Thinking and many other articles about attitudes and emotions on the website.

7. Emotional control.  See the article entitled Letting Go and others on this website.

8. Purification or detoxification of the body and mind.  For more information, read Sauna Therapy and the article entitled Toxic Metals and others.  The near infrared sauna and coffee enemas have many subtle benefits and appear to be far more helpful than any other detoxification procedures for the purpose of this type of development.

9. Avoidance of toxins.  These include toxic metals, toxic chemicals, toxins in foods and beverages, most medical and over-the-counter drugs, recreational drugs and alcohol, toxic or negative or cynical attitudes and emotions, and other types of toxins.

10. A particular meditation.  The only recommended meditation is the one taught by Mr. Roy Masters at the Foundation of Human Understanding.  It works even better with the modifications I have made to it.  Other prayers, meditations and affirmations do not have the same effect.  Read much more about meditation in the article entitled Meditation.

 

Note:  Before moving on, I want to reiterate that in our experience, development will occur naturally and automatically if most or all of the above components or elements are done properly.  However, if one alters any of them, or skips some, or adds others, the development process either slows or stops completely.  This is most important.

 

THIS DEVELOPMENT DESIGNED FOR HOME USE

 

In the past, people had to join special groups or live in monasteries and convents to develop themselves.  This is not needed anymore, and, in fact, can impede development, as the interaction with society, if handled correctly, can actually facilitate this development.  This is a new phenomenon and one that is wonderful, as many more people can be reached thanks to the internet and other mass systems of communication and learning.

 

HOW TO BEGIN YOUR SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT

 

                  Anyone reading this article is already beginning the process of mental and spiritual development by learning about it.  The next step is to implement or work on all of the factors above.  Do not omit any of them, although it is fine to focus on one or another for a few months, until it becomes part of your daily routine or lifestyle.  Overall, it is not a difficult regimen or a particularly costly one.

                  The next step would be to go on a nutritional balancing program using the hair analysis as a basis for figuring out exactly what to eat and which food supplements and detoxification procedures are most needed, and in what quantity.  Most people require a very structured program, at least for a while, to bring the body and often the mind, as well, into a better state of balance and to renourish the body with minerals, in particular, but also with many other nutrients.

It is not enough, in my experience, to just eat well, or to just take a pile of supplements.  The gradual balancing and replenishing of nutrients in a specific order and time frame is needed, or the process will often stall.  Low levels of vital minerals such as zinc, phosphorus, selenium and many others stops development in many people.  The following are some hints for more effective development.

 

HINTS

 

You are not who you think you are.  You are not the body you inhabit and animate, for example.  You are much more.  You are not someoneÕs child, mate, parent, employee or employer.  You are more than this.  You are not your mind or even what many call your soul.  You are more than this as well.  Be open to unlimited possibilities if you really want this kind of development. 

 

Humanity is not familiar with development, so donÕt try to force it on people.  Since most are not living in monasteries, accept what is around you and donÕt waste your time with anger, fear and upset.  Realize that development is new for this planet, so most people will not be interested, at least at first. 

They will ridicule you if you try to make them go along, or even if you explain it to most people.  So do your own work, and commune with those who are on the same path.  The other way – trying to get others to appreciate your way, or to go along, even a little – is extremely frustrating and a total waste of energy. 

Teach by example, in other words, not by trying to coax or cajole or force anyone else to go along.  This is extremely important at this time on earth.

 

Development takes a lot of time, so start now.  Old ways of eating and living must change, so start to make these changes as soon as possible.  By far, the hardest part of the adventure is starting.  It is like blasting a rocket off to go to the moon and beyond.  The hardest part, by far, is getting away from the gravity or inertia of your old lifestyle, old friends, perhaps, and old attitudes that are far more negative than you think.  Recall this fact often.

 

Change will occur with development, and is not always pleasant, but need not be feared.  At times, relationships, habits, jobs and every other aspect of life-as-usual will need to change or development will cease.  However, when the time for these changes is right, they can take place with grace and love. These changes should never come with anger or resentment or from a place of fear, if at all possible.

 

Development is about discipline.  The word discipline is derived from the same root as the word disciple.  It has to do with following a path.  It is not about forcing yourself to eat a certain way or to sleep more, although these are needed.  It is about becoming a disciple of your true self or real self. 

The development of discipline, courage and emotional control have always been a feature of all systems of development, from the beginning of time.  The reason is that discipline develops the mind and the will.  These are subjects that are important for balanced and safe development.  They are dealt with in separate articles on this website such as The Will.

 

Do not be concerned about when development will come to fruition.  The process is very individual, but will proceed apace if you follow the guidelines in this article.

Much depends on how faithful you are with your diet, resting, sexual continence and all the other attitudes and behaviors that are necessary to place your body, mind and spirit in the right places, spiritually speaking, to receive more of the energy of the universe that helps create and fill out the subtle bodies.

 

Help is available to anyone who wishes to develop himself or herself.  Everyone can receive quite specific guidance to help with development.  This is your birthright, and there are people and unseen beings whose only function is to help with development.  In fact, they seek out people who are open to development and to guidance, and are more than ready to assist.  Never feel that you are all alone, as this is total nonsense.  Just because you are living alone, or working alone, or seem to be in the company of people who do not share your beliefs, it is never true that you are alone in this quest and this adventure.

 

Development is an adventure – the ultimate adventure.  Development should not be viewed as some chore or requirement for health, or any such thing.  It is the adventure of a lifetime.  It will eventually surpass every other type of adventure you can imagine in terms of the joy it causes, the abilities it can bring, the health it can produce, and the insights and wisdom that comes with it.

Thinking of development as some sort of punishment in order to get well, or as simple a mechanical routine that someone has suggested, is absolutely incorrect and will not work, as you will become bored, or tired of it.  It is the highest calling and highest possibility of a human being, and nothing less, ever.

 

Will and intent matter in development.  These factors mean that if you feel stuck, or if you do not know what to do or how to proceed, just your intent to develop yourself is extremely powerful.  Intent and willpower alone can carry you along and in mysterious ways can connect you to those people and activities that you require on your journey. 

The reason for this is that your will and intent actually send out an energy that is picked up by others, and they will respond to it.  One of my mentors, R. Buckminster Fuller, used to say that ÒGod responds to your initiativeÓ.  The New Testament of the bible states this as ÒAsk and you shall receive, seek and you shall find, knock and the door shall be openedÓ.

 

Life and love wait upon your welcome of them.  In time you will come to see that the Creator of all life is like the sun that shines on everyone, all of the time, regardless of behavior, wealth, family background, race, religion, sex, or anything else.  Most people, however, prefer to turn their back and live as though the sun is not shining on them for some reason, rather than bask in it and blossom like a flower.  Many, in fact, run away from the light as they are not ready to receive the warmth and the love that is theirs to have forever.  This is what is meant by the statement that love and life wait upon your welcome.

Development is a wonderful adventure.  Start now, and watch the continual unfolding.   Do the work, including the physical exercise described above.  I am available to help if you are not sure if you are doing it correctly.  Remember, you are not the body you animate, but the force of animation itself, the spirit dancing in the flesh, the extension of the creatorÕs love in physical form.  And never doubt that all things are working for your good when you commit yourself to spiritual development.

 

Do not fear.  Many people fear that if they change, they will lose friends, family members and other so-called benefits of this world.  This does happen at times, but the only reason is that you will leave behind those who really donÕt like the real you.  This is difficult, I realize, but well worth any seeming loss that takes place.

It takes a certain amount of trust to know that as things change they are always replaced with something better if one is developing oneÕs higher or inner self.  So do not fear change that will occur with development.   In fact, all of your best qualities will be preserved at all times and the truth of all else will be revealed.

 

 

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