My enthusiastic soul energises me

​Todays Daily Word has the affirmation ‘My enthusiastic soul energises me’. 

Charles Fillmore would have called it ‘zeal’ and, according to history he ‘sizzled with zeal’ for what he had to do each day. Enthusiasm is one of the Twelve Powers and it represents our ability to be passionate, to inspire, to motivate or to excite. When it is underdeveloped we feel lethargic; if it comes from ego then it can lead to impulsiveness, ruthlessness and over ambition, But, when it comes from our Christ consciousness it can lead us to be energised, glowing, spirited and vibrant in our spiritual lives. As one of the Twelve Powers, it is always available to us in unlimited amounts but, it is up to each of us what we do with it!

Recently, I have had some challenges within a group that I belong to where there was conflict over whether we should allow others and, if so, how many to join the group. Each of my three colleagues and I had our own views and we put passion and energy into our arguments. Whilst, we were not ‘having a go’ at each other it, inevitably, produced conflict. So, after trying it ‘my way’ for a while I stepped back and let go. It was hard because my mind kept racing over the arguments and rehearsing what I should do next. But, through my daily prayer practice I slowly managed to let go. When the group subsequently met up we had decided to find a way of cooperation and compassion and agreement was quickly found.
 
I guess all those reading have never been in that situation of putting our energies into things that do not serve them (!). Seriously though, it is so easy to misdirect enthusiasm, to get lost in the drama and to lose sight of the basic Truth that the Christ within is always available to guide us on our journey. I regularly re-learn this lesson and look forward to the day when I will instinctively let go and let God and feed my enthusiasm into things that do serve me. I pray that each of you are able to do the same.
 
Paul Mapletoft,
Licensed Unity Minister