What Does Spiritual Emphasis Mean

“What has had the greatest spiritual impact on you during your time at Southern Wesleyan University?” is a question I am frequently asked. When I'm pondering how I'll respond, my thoughts turn to chapel, traveling with the University Singers, and the continual spiritual accountability this institution imposes. However, Spiritual Emphasis Week has to be the most fantastic spiritual experience I've had on this campus.

I understand how scary it might be to attend a Christian institution where chapel attendance is obligatory. However, it is without a doubt one of my favorite aspects of SWU. Don't get me wrong: there are times when I'd prefer to skip chapel in order to finish that homework or get an extra hour of sleep; yet, I've witnessed God's hand at work in chapel, particularly during Spiritual Emphasis. It's something that the entire student body anticipates simply because of God's overwhelming might. Gathering together throughout our hectic periods to worship the God who made it all possible has a unique meaning.

It's something that the entire student body anticipates simply because of God's overwhelming might.

Every semester, Spiritual Emphasis is a week with extra chapel services. As we regain our breath from the rigorous schedule of school, extracurriculars, and assignments, these chapel sessions feel like a rebirth for the student body. It is a secure haven for kids to lay down their burdens that the world has thrown at them. I know that God loves to smack me in the face with the truth from the speaker in my life. Every Spiritual Emphasis appears to arrive at a moment when my faith is being tested. Looking back on it now, it's clear that Satan works his hardest right around that time each semester to fog my head and prevent me from hearing what God wants me to hear. God, on the other hand, has a way of making his message obvious, and I always feel understood, revitalized, and enthused about what SWU's student body can accomplish when I leave those chapels.

Through Spiritual Emphasis, God has revealed so much about Himself to me. When it appears that I don't have anyone, God shows up. When Satan tries to hold me down by instilling shame and guilt from my past, God exposes my flaws and guides me toward recovery. When I feel unqualified for the calling God has put on my life, I remind myself that I am His child, and that He utilizes even the most broken of people to advance His Kingdom. Also, when I'm faced with extremely difficult choices, God reveals His truth to me and guides me down the best road for me.

Spiritual Emphasis has had the most profound impact on me during my time here because of lessons like this. God works in mysterious ways that are almost impossible to fathom. Spiritual Emphasis was, without a doubt, some of the most memorable weeks of my life. After a decent chapel service, I'm always absolutely wrecked. God has aided me in answering a call to ministry, repairing broken friendships, and envisioning a plan for my life beyond graduation, particularly this past semester. Life will not be easy if we are prepared to follow God's plan and give up our own, but it will be so much more worthwhile.

I'll never forget or take for granted those times when you can gather with your dearest friends and simply fall at God's feet in worship. Trust me, you'll have many of them moments during your time at SWU. Simply be receptive to them. Be receptive to God's plan. Finally, be prepared for what He will do! It'll take your breath away!

*Every Monday and Wednesday at 10 a.m. EST, SWU Chapel services are webcast live on YouTube. Make sure you don't miss a service by subscribing! Here are the services from Spiritual Emphasis Week that have been recorded.

What is spiritual emphasis week?

Spiritual Emphasis Week has been a tradition at our school for many years. This is a week dedicated to our students' spiritual development. Students are exposed to a variety of lecturers and activities each year that are centered on a Biblical topic.

What are the 3 elements of spirituality?

In their eternal wisdom, all shamans, healers, sages, and wisdom keepers of all centuries, continents, and peoples claim that human spirituality is made up of three aspects: connections, values, and life purpose. These three components are so strongly linked that it may be difficult to tell them apart. Take a minute to ponder on each facet of human spirituality to determine the state of your spiritual well-being if this is possible. This will be a three-part monthly series, starting with relationships.

Internal (your domestic policy)—how you deal with yourself, how you nurture the relationship with yourself and your higher self—and external (your foreign policy)—how you relate, support, and interact with those people (and all living entities) in your environment—are the two categories of relationships.

What criteria would you use to assess your internal relationship, and what steps could you take to improve it?

How would you assess your external relationships, shifting from the perspective of domestic policy to international policy?

What does it mean to be spiritually discerning?

Because every decision must be made in line with God's will, Christian spiritual discernment can be distinguished from other types of discernment. Christian discernment is defined as a decision-making process in which an individual discovers something that can lead to future action. God leads the individual through the process of Christian spiritual discernment to help them make the greatest decision possible. In Christian spiritual discernment, the greatest approach to arrive at the best option is to look for internal and outward indicators of God's action and then apply them to the situation at hand. Christian discernment also places a strong emphasis on Jesus and making decisions that are consistent with Jesus' teachings in the New Testament. Christian discernment differs from secular discernment in that it focuses on God and Jesus while making decisions. Ignatius of Loyola is widely regarded as a master of spirit discernment. Ignatian discernment is named after Ignatius of Loyola (1491-1556), who developed his own distinct method of Catholic discernment. Ignatian discernment focuses on perceiving God in all aspects of life and uses a series of Spiritual Exercises to help people make better life decisions. The Spiritual Exercises are intended to assist those who are confronted with a significant life decision. Identifying the issue, spending time to pray about the choice, making a wholehearted decision, discussing the choice with a mentor, and lastly trusting the decision made are the seven steps of discernment to be followed.

What are the 5 spiritual elements?

Earth, water, fire, air, and space are the five basic elements that make up everything in nature. The yogi can grasp the laws of nature and apply yoga to achieve increased health, power, knowledge, wisdom, and happiness by understanding the five elements. This is based on a thorough understanding of how the cosmos works.

Because the elements shape the world we live in and the structure of our body-mind, understanding the five elements is a prerequisite for more advanced yoga practice. Whether we realize it or not, all yoga practices work on the five elements. Yoga therapy and Ayurveda, or ancient Indian medicine, both rely on an understanding of the elements (tattwas). We learn how to achieve and sustain health by deliberately working with the elements, as well as how to consciously enjoy a long and meaningful life based on higher consciousness.

How do you develop spiritual insight?

When trying to put all eight aspects of wellness together, the spiritual aspect of wellness can be the most individualized piece of the puzzle. People, on the whole, like to live lives that have meaning and purpose. When these objectives are attained, it brings peace into one's life and the lives of those around them.

So, what are some things you may do to increase your spiritual well-being? It's best to experiment with several ways to see what works best for you. Spiritual wellbeing can be reached in a variety of ways, both physically and intellectually, because it involves one's values, beliefs, and purpose.

1. Examine your spiritual foundation. You are merely asking yourself questions about who you are and what you mean when you explore your spiritual essence. Consider the following question: “Who am I?” What is the point of my existence? What am I most passionate about? These questions will lead you down a path where you will think more deeply about yourself and recognize aspects of yourself that will assist you in achieving fulfillment.

2. Search for hidden meanings. Looking for deeper meanings and examining patterns in your life will help you realize that you have power over your future. Knowing this can help you live a happier and healthier life.

3. Get it off your chest. It will be easier to retain a concentrated mind if you express what is on your mind. You may feel befuddled and unable to make sense of your feelings after a long day or an important event. You may be able to think more clearly and move forward if you write down your thoughts.

4. Give yoga a shot. Yoga is a physical discipline that can help you achieve spiritual wellness by eliminating mental and physical stress. Yoga is taught at all levels and can help relieve anxiety, sadness, weariness, and sleeplessness as well as reducing stress, strengthen the immune system, and lower blood pressure.

5. Take a trip. Yes, it is correct! Taking time for yourself to travel to a familiar location or to a new location can do wonders for your mental health. You will have a greater connection with yourself when your mind is able to block out distractions and assist you in reflecting and resting. This allows you to eliminate stressors and retrain your mind to focus on total wellness. Exercising, visiting with a counselor or advisor, meditation, or taking a temporary vow of silence are all activities that can be done while on a trip.

6. Keep an optimistic attitude. You will find yourself thinking differently and shifting your mind to a happy, healthy place once you begin to view things in your life in a good light. You'll discover that you're more comfortable when you eliminate negativity and re-frame how you think about specific things and situations.

7. Set aside some time to meditate. While managing your time and everyday tasks can be difficult, it is critical to make time for yourself. Take five to ten minutes each day to meditate, whether it's first thing in the morning, during your lunch break, or right before bedtime. By incorporating meditation and relaxation into your daily routine, you will be able to clear your mind and strengthen your connection to your spiritual well-being.

Source: http://student-affairs.illinoisstate.edu/health-promotion-and-wellness/7-ways-improve-spiritual-wellness/

How do you practice spiritual discernment?

The difficulty is that we sometimes wait until there's a major issue at stake before engaging in discernment – and then we're completely unfamiliar with the process when everything seems to be on the line. It's not a pleasant environment to be in.

Thankfully, God can work with us in any location, at any time, and in any manner. But, by making discernment a strong habit in our life, we can better equip ourselves to address the major questions.

Imagine attempting to interpret a gourmet soufflé recipe when we've never learnt to fry an egg. It'll be a lot more challenging this time!

Learning to discern entails developing the practice of using discernment in our daily lives, in both big and small matters.

Practice talking to God about the simple things in your life. Practice listening – He might not speak to you the same way he speaks to others. If you've never listened before, don't expect to be able to hear right away.

Get to know yourself — your inclinations, your tendencies, and your regular approaches to circumstances. You can modify properly if you know yourself.

Practice observing — observing your own reactions to opportunities, challenges, and other people's reactions. How can you learn if you don't pay attention?

Keep a journal, meet with a friend or mentor on a regular basis, and find a way to observe the trail you're leaving behind. We learn more about ourselves over time than we can see in the present.

Making discernment a habit relieves stress when presented with a major decision, such as who to marry, where to live, or what to do. Instead of being a novice, you'll be well-versed in the art of discernment.

However, there is one caveat: don't expect to become an expert in discernment overnight. It takes several years! And, for the sake of the great questions, don't even make it your objective to be adept at discernment.

Even if we believe we have made all of our major life decisions, discernment is a lifelong process that never ends. Learning to appreciate the process is key to making it a habit.