thesoulpurposedotorg

On the mystical paths, there are a variety of disciplines (see Mystical Christianity). Eastern Christian mysticism speaks specifically about the ascetic life. This is the life of the monastery where part of the monastic orders are to “do without” so to speak.

A teacher of such spiritual matters clarified for me what this means for those of us who are not monastics. It seems that the discipline of the “householder” is not that of asceticism but that of generosity. I have found this concept very helpful.

I come from a generous family with parents who demonstrated generosity to each of us, to our friends, to our neighbors…actually, even now, if they know of a need they can fulfill, they will do so. They have been good examples to me. But the “discipline of generosity” has less to do about things than about an attitude. For example, in my marriage, I practice this discipline by looking for ways to care for my husband rather than ways to get my own needs met. In my reactions to others, rather than “reacting” I say a silent prayer: “Lord Bless” and then listen. Listening to another, truly listening deeply to what they are saying and not to what I am thinking about what they are saying, is perhaps the most profound gift of generosity.

It’s called the “Discipline of Generosity” because like any other discipline is doesn’t come naturally. It takes practice and choosing, failing and trying again.