We have just done the 3 colours spiritual style test, and our group is doing the 28 days of discipline.
I think the Motto: "resting in the presence of God" is not quite correct, rather I feel it should be "be still and know that I am God". Its only in stillness that we can "hear" God and its our feelings that tell us we are close.
This is my response to the suggestion made in the "28 Days..." exploration of the Mystical style to re-read the section in "3 Colors..." on the mystical style and post reflections.
I began working through the Three Colors of Spirituality book about a week ago, and reached the place of taking the spiritual style inventory a couple of days ago. I learned to my surprise that my native style is Rational, leaning toward Sensory (making my opposite style Ascetic--it is also surprising, therefore, that my second highest score on the inventory was Ascetic (!)).
When I took The 3 Colors of Your Spirituality Test, I could not believe that my native style was the Enthusiastic style. I have wished to be uninhibited enough to worship this way, but have not been able to really open up (pray out loud, speak in tongues, etc.)
I am focusing on my native style (mystic) for the 28 days of discipline. I am comfortable with feeling God within me. I have always naturally looked for the best in others, and, as a teacher, have actively pursued this attitude. I like the idea of focusing on the potential in people, rather than on what they are not. Page 135 in 3CYS mentions "discerning the image of God" in people. I love this statement and will now try to extend my view of others to see God within each one.
I am happy to have read the book. So much of it made sense. (I DO have some questions, though, that I'll save for another post.) I've taken the test and I'm fairly unsure where it leads or how I ought to proceed.
As my wife and I started this journey, we both immediately began to relate non christian family members to different styles. This has opened our eyes to look at different ways to show Christ according to how the person relates to spiritual issues.
For example, it is obvious to us that one relative is rational, and another is mystical.
I find it intriguing that the mystical style which is the opposite of my doctrinal strength has always been fascinating to me. I have a greater appreciation for liturgy than my doctrinal brethren and also have been interested in symbols and being responsive to the Spirit's promptings despite what my "common sense mightt dictate. I don't always respond but I'm at least aware off the promptings and need to follow through on them more faithfully.
If you've not done so already, get involved in a Mutual Mentoring relationship with someone who has the mystical spiritual style.
The Mutual Mentoring guide is contained in Part 2 of the workbook How to Embrace The 3 Colors of Your Spirituality in Your World, or can be downloaded freely from the web site (click the link below and then go to "Mutual Mentoring").
Today, act upon an inner prompting to which you otherwise might not pay attention or disregard as just your imagination. It might be to call someone on the phone, to stop and speak with someone, pray for someone, speak up about an issue that concerns you even if you're not sure why, or to look up a reference in the Bible.
Reflect upon and memorise the following passage...
"When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me. Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known." 1 Corinthians 13:11-12
If you have any negative feelings toward the mystical style or toward people who have that style, right now, spend a few moments in prayer asking God's forgiveness and for him to renew your mind. Ask God to help you separate the perils from the strengths of that style so that you might one day fully embrace the strengths.
Or...
Today, spend 10 minutes or more in silence and solitude. Find a place as free as possible from any form of distraction. Consider going away from your every-day environment to somewhere peaceful or even sitting inside a closed wardrobe if necessary. If you have only very limited time, set a (non-ticking) alarm clock so that you are not thinking about the time while in this period of solitude.
Memorise the Motto, Focus, and key Scripture for the mystical style
Motto: resting in the presence of God
Focus: mystery & devotion
Key Scripture: We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. (Romans 8:26)
Share them with a friend.
-- Visit the web site: http://www.3colorsofyourspirituality.org
Right now, spend a few moments in prayer asking God, in your own words, for a greater appreciation of mystery & devotion in your relationship with him. Say honestly how you feel about the mystical style.
Be sure to leave yourself a moment when you've finished to see if God brings anything to your mind about the topic.
Note down anything you sense during this time.
Sometime in the next day or so, arrange to go for a few hours alone to a place that you find peaceful and is free from distractions. If you need to be freed up to do so, be sure to tell a friend what you are wanting to do and ask if they can help to free you from any responsibilities for that short time.
Take with you any prompts that help you to feel near to God as well as a note book.
Today, act upon an inner prompting to which you otherwise might not pay attention or disregard as just your imagination. It might be to call someone on the phone, to stop and speak with someone, pray for someone, speak up about an issue that concerns you even if you're not sure why, or to look up a reference in the Bible.
Reflect upon and memorise the following passage...
"When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me. Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known." 1 Corinthians 13:11-12
If you have any negative feelings toward the mystical style or toward people who have that style, right now, spend a few moments in prayer asking God's forgiveness and for him to renew your mind. Ask God to help you separate the perils from the strengths of that style so that you might one day fully embrace the strengths.
Or...
Today, spend 10 minutes or more in silence and solitude. Find a place as free as possible from any form of distraction. Consider going away from your every-day environment to somewhere peaceful or even sitting inside a closed wardrobe if necessary. If you have only very limited time, set a (non-ticking) alarm clock so that you are not thinking about the time while in this period of solitude.
Für Christen mit einem mystischen Stil ist es am natürlichsten, ihrer Spiritualität über eine Konzentration auf den inneren Menschen Ausdruck zu verleihen („Christus in uns“). Stärke des Stils ist die Wertschätzung der geheimnisvollen Dimension des Glaubens; die Gefährdung liegt in einer Überbewertung der inneren Erleuchtung (Spiritualismus)...Auszug von Die 3 Farben Deiner Spiritualität - Christian A. Schwarz
Memorise the Motto, Focus, and key Scripture for the mystical style
Motto: resting in the presence of God
Focus: mystery & devotion
Key Scripture: We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. (Romans 8:26)
-- Visit the web site: http://www.3colorsofyourspirituality.org
Right now, spend a few moments in prayer asking God, in your own words, for a greater appreciation of mystery & devotion in your relationship with him. Say honestly how you feel about the mystical style.
Be sure to leave yourself a moment when you've finished to see if God brings anything to your mind about the topic.
Note down anything you sense during this time.
Re-read the chapter in The 3 Colors of Your Spirituality about the mystical style.
Note down any thoughts or questions that have come to mind about the topic and post one of them on the web site for others to consider and perhaps respond to or comment on.
- Just visit the link below
- Create a free account on the site or just log in if you already have an account
Today, act upon an inner prompting to which you otherwise might not pay attention or disregard as just your imagination. It might be to call someone on the phone, to stop and speak with someone, pray for someone, speak up about an issue that concerns you even if you're not sure why, or to look up a reference in the Bible.
Reflect upon and memorise the following passage...
"When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me. Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known." 1 Corinthians 13:11-12
If you have any negative feelings toward the mystical style or toward people who have that style, right now, spend a few moments in prayer asking God's forgiveness and for him to renew your mind. Ask God to help you separate the perils from the strengths of that style so that you might one day fully embrace the strengths.
Or...
Today, spend 10 minutes or more in silence and solitude. Find a place as free as possible from any form of distraction. Consider going away from your every-day environment to somewhere peaceful or even sitting inside a closed wardrobe if necessary. If you have only very limited time, set a (non-ticking) alarm clock so that you are not thinking about the time while in this period of solitude.
Memorise the Motto, Focus, and key Scripture for the mystical style
Motto: resting in the presence of God
Focus: mystery & devotion
Key Scripture: We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. (Romans 8:26)
-- Visit the web site: http://www.3colorsofyourspirituality.org
Right now, spend a few moments in prayer asking God, in your own words, for a greater appreciation of mystery & devotion in your relationship with him. Say honestly how you feel about the mystical style.
Be sure to leave yourself a moment when you've finished to see if God brings anything to your mind about the topic.
Note down anything you sense during this time.