Distraction. It's a word we often associate with negativity, with losing focus, and with wasting time. But what if we looked at distraction differently? What if we saw it as a tool, a force that could be harnessed for both good and bad?
In this post, we'll explore the concept of the "Summum Bonum," the highest good, and how it can be a powerful tool for overcoming habits and finding lasting fulfillment. By understanding the theological significance of this concept and applying it to our daily lives, we can harness the transformative power of faith to break free from unhealthy patterns and embrace a more meaningful existence.
A year ago, I decided it was time to make a change. I wasn't interested in going on a strict diet or counting calories. Instead, I wanted to focus on making small, sustainable changes to my lifestyle.
I started by eliminating a few simple indulgences. Each morning, I swapped out my cinnamon dolce syrup for a splash of almond milk in my coffee. At night, I skipped the spoonful of ice cream I'd grown accustomed to. These seemingly minor adjustments quickly made a significant difference. Within days, I noticed a reduction in the inflammation in my joints.
Over the next three months, I lost over 30 pounds. My simple habit replacement technique had worked wonders. A year later, I'm in the best shape I've been in since college. At 62, I start each day with 62 sit-ups and push-ups. I'm not hungry until lunchtime and find that two healthy meals a day are sufficient to keep me satisfied. The best part is, I never think about or worry about counting calories. It's a testament to the power of small, sustainable changes.
In my journey to improve my health, I found that small, sustainable changes aligned with my overall well-being. This aligns with the concept of the Summum Bonum, the highest good. By making choices that prioritized my physical and mental health, I was striving towards a more fulfilling and virtuous life.
Here's how my experience connects to the Summum Bonum as a spiritual journey:
A spiritual path: My journey to improve my health became a spiritual path, a way of connecting with the Summum Bonum. Through prayer, meditation, and scripture study, I sought guidance and strength.
Surrender and trust: The phrase "not my will but yours be done" became a mantra for me. By surrendering my desires to the Summum Bonum, I was able to find peace and trust in the process.
Gratitude and praise: Expressing gratitude and praise to the Summum Bonum helped me shift my focus away from negative thoughts and emotions. It fostered a sense of connection and purpose.
Ultimately, my journey to improve my health was a spiritual journey, a way of connecting with the Summum Bonum and finding meaning and purpose in my life. By embracing the concept of the Summum Bonum, I was able to overcome challenges and achieve lasting change.
The Summum Bonum, or the highest good, is a concept that has been explored in various philosophical and theological traditions. It refers to the ultimate goal or purpose of human life. In many religious and spiritual contexts, the Summum Bonum is understood to be God or a divine power.
However, the concept of the Summum Bonum can also be applied to everyday life. It can be seen as a guiding principle that helps us make choices that align with our deepest values and aspirations.
One of the key ways in which the Summum Bonum can help us break habits is by providing a clear focus. When we are distracted by temptations or negative thought patterns, it can be difficult to stay on track. But by focusing on the Summum Bonum, we can find a sense of purpose and direction that can help us overcome these challenges.
Focusing on the Summum Bonum can also have psychological benefits. When we are focused on something positive and meaningful, we are less likely to be consumed by negative thoughts and emotions. This can help us develop greater self-control and resilience.
Specific examples:
Guided meditation: Focus on breathing deeply and visualizing yourself overcoming your habit.
Affirmation prayers: Repeat positive affirmations to reinforce your commitment to change.
Gratitude journaling: Express gratitude for your progress and the support of the Summum Bonum.
Mindfulness: Practice mindfulness to become more aware of your thoughts, feelings, and triggers. This can help you identify patterns and make conscious choices.
Suggested passages:
Philippians 4:13: "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."
Romans 8:28: "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."
Matthew 6:33: "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you."
The power of community: Connecting with others who share your faith can provide support, encouragement, and accountability.
Sharing experiences: Talking about your struggles and successes with others can help you feel less alone and gain new perspectives.
Theologian - C.S. Lewis:
"Relying on God has to begin all over again every day as if nothing had yet been done." This quote emphasizes the daily commitment to faith and its practical implications in overcoming life's challenges, similar to the essence of the first quote you provided.
Psychologist - Dr. Henry Cloud:
"We change our behavior when the pain of staying the same becomes greater than the pain of changing. Consequences give us the pain that motivates us to change." This quote highlights the psychological perspective on change and integrates well with the idea of using both spiritual and psychological tools to break habits.
Philosopher - Aristotle:
"We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit." Aristotle's perspective on habits forms a foundational view in both philosophy and modern self-help, emphasizing the importance of consistent action in shaping one's life.
Psychologist - Carl Jung:
"Until you make the unconscious conscious, it will direct your life and you will call it fate." Carl Jung's exploration of the unconscious provides a deep psychological framework for understanding and changing deeply rooted behaviors.
Buddhist Monk - Thich Nhat Hanh:
"The mind can go in a thousand directions, but on this beautiful path, I walk in peace. With each step, the wind blows. With each step, a flower blooms." Thich Nhat Hanh offers a Buddhist perspective on mindfulness and living in the moment, which can be very effective in managing and overcoming habits.
Neuroscientist - Sam Harris:
"If you are trying to meditate, but you are not looking at what suffering actually is in each moment, you can meditate for years without understanding the dynamics of your own mind." Sam Harris, who integrates science with meditation, provides insight into how understanding one's own mind can lead to significant changes in habit and behavior.
The Summum Bonum can be a powerful force for positive change in our lives. By focusing on spiritual practices, connecting with a supportive community, and seeking guidance from experts, we can overcome habits and live more fulfilling lives.
I encourage you to share your experiences in the comments. What spiritual practices have helped you break habits? How has the concept of the Summum Bonum impacted your life?
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Mike Tobias
