New & Ancient Wisdom

By Todd DeVries…

In this age of 24-hour-news and social media, it is far too easy to be blown off course by the latest “revelation.” Gurus write books describing “relationship cures,” “steps to happiness,” and "shortcuts to success."  Are we happier or more successful?

My studies this past year around theories of counseling and mental well-being introduced me to entirely new ways of thinking about how to live a more fulfilled life.  But Dale Davidson, of the Ancient Wisdom Project, suggests that one should regard current teachings with skepticism. In a letter to the graduating class of 2015 at Georgetown University, he recommends that people should not “trust anyone under 500.” He offers graduates this advice: 

 “the next time you are looking for advice on the way forward, you might turn to a theologian, prophet, philosopher, or saint before any modern-day blogger (except for me, of course).” 

St. Ignatius Loyola, 1491-1556, passes the longevity test. He created the Jesuit order within the Catholic Church.  Read the following steps that he used as part of his spiritual exercises: 

• Step 1:  Presence. Open yourself to the presence of God, or a higher power. Pray to, or communicate with the reality that is outside of, and larger than our individual life concerns.

• Step 2:  Gratitude. Remember two or three things during the day which brought joy. Relive them in your mind. Thank God (or whatever presence with which you identify) for these gifts.  

• Step 3:  Review. Think about your day from early morning until now and pay attention to those incidents where you noticed God’s presence. These may be small things, like the warmth of the sun, or more meaningful, like the touch of a friend’s hand. If you are uncomfortable with a God metaphor, use nature, the universe, or some other transcendent idea.  

• Step 4: Sorrow. Did you wrong anyone today –offend someone – hurt another’s feelings? Take time to acknowledge these wrongs. Forgive yourself and ask forgiveness of your higher power. Consider making amends to those you have hurt.  

• Step 5: Grace. Take time to remember that we are all children of our creator. Return to a part of your day where you felt loved. Think about tomorrow and ask for God’s support and grace for the up-coming day. 

From long ago, this advice still resonates for us.  Take a few minutes today to consider each of these steps. How might you apply them to your life?

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