New Title and Introduction
[Disclaimer: What follows is a work in progress. Feedback and discussion are encouraged.]
One of the overt tasks of the Army Chaplaincy is this thing called "Spiritual Fitness." There's some obscure Army Pamphlet out there that describes what that is but, practically speaking, what it boils down to is the occassional Prayer Breakfast or Special Worship Service. It's a term that was probably coined by some chaplain long ago, hoping to cash in on the physical fitness "boon." "Spiritual Fitness" is nothing more than a catch phrase for the most part.
Still, one of the things that I have spent a lot of time doing here in Iraq is physical fitness. Since I have been here, I have run over 350 miles and I have swum 65,400 meters, which is just over 40 miles. In my efforts, I have been reading a lot about techniques in training to improve my abilities at these sports. I've read about such things as periodization, specificity in training, work/ recovery cycles, balancing multiple disciplines (as in triathlon training), the effects of physical stress on the physiological system, and so much more. These are all techniques and knowledge that can help one to greatly improve their physical fitness and performance at particular sports as well as increase general fitness. I find it all quite fascinating.
One morning, while I was in the middle of a 5k race, I had a thought occur to me: A race is a physical test for which one is able to prepare. Can one prepare for spiritual tests as well? Is there a way to train one's "faith" so that it is more resilient when the tests come about?
And, I wonder if there is a cross-over. Over the next few weeks or months or so, I am going to post some of my thoughts and feelings about this just to put them out there and see if what I am thinking makes sense and isn't too heretical. (I can already hear my conservative Lutheran brethren rolling their eyes at the thought. While I haven't been able to check yet, I'm pretty sure that Luther is silent on the matter.)
So, just to get things started, here's the premise that I am working under: Can physical training techniques and practices be used as a template for spiritual "training?" Can the generalities and principles of physical fitness program be adapted for a spiritual one? My initial answer is "yes" with the understanding that it's not universal. I think there are some things from the physical fitness realm that can be used in the area of spiritual fitness.
One of the overt tasks of the Army Chaplaincy is this thing called "Spiritual Fitness." There's some obscure Army Pamphlet out there that describes what that is but, practically speaking, what it boils down to is the occassional Prayer Breakfast or Special Worship Service. It's a term that was probably coined by some chaplain long ago, hoping to cash in on the physical fitness "boon." "Spiritual Fitness" is nothing more than a catch phrase for the most part.
Still, one of the things that I have spent a lot of time doing here in Iraq is physical fitness. Since I have been here, I have run over 350 miles and I have swum 65,400 meters, which is just over 40 miles. In my efforts, I have been reading a lot about techniques in training to improve my abilities at these sports. I've read about such things as periodization, specificity in training, work/ recovery cycles, balancing multiple disciplines (as in triathlon training), the effects of physical stress on the physiological system, and so much more. These are all techniques and knowledge that can help one to greatly improve their physical fitness and performance at particular sports as well as increase general fitness. I find it all quite fascinating.
One morning, while I was in the middle of a 5k race, I had a thought occur to me: A race is a physical test for which one is able to prepare. Can one prepare for spiritual tests as well? Is there a way to train one's "faith" so that it is more resilient when the tests come about?
And, I wonder if there is a cross-over. Over the next few weeks or months or so, I am going to post some of my thoughts and feelings about this just to put them out there and see if what I am thinking makes sense and isn't too heretical. (I can already hear my conservative Lutheran brethren rolling their eyes at the thought. While I haven't been able to check yet, I'm pretty sure that Luther is silent on the matter.)
So, just to get things started, here's the premise that I am working under: Can physical training techniques and practices be used as a template for spiritual "training?" Can the generalities and principles of physical fitness program be adapted for a spiritual one? My initial answer is "yes" with the understanding that it's not universal. I think there are some things from the physical fitness realm that can be used in the area of spiritual fitness.
3 Comments:
Hi there Tom :)
I think that there are already many forms of physical fitness that help along the way to spiritual fitness as well.
Meditation is the first that comes to mind. While it is a relaxing rather than the physical 'building-up' of the body it is definately beneficial and quite healthful. I have been trying to use meditation as a means of 'centering' myself and determining what I need on several different fronts of my life from physical to spiritual to romantic etc. Meditation gives me what I need to clear my mind to focus on the more important things in my life.
Another that comes to mind is yoga, while not quite 'meditation' and while it can be quite strenuous if not done properly, it is also a very relaxing and centering activity that allows one to exercise their thoughts as well as their bodies.
There are also those activities that are 'good for the soul'. Although I have not done it for a very long time, taking the time out to go to a nursing home and visit the patients there, listening to their stories and talking with them about anything, including spirituality is a wonderfully fulfilling activity. Not 'physical fitness' in the traditional sense of the word, but certanly an activity that promotes a feeling of well being and good will toward others in the world.
Just a few thoughts from me. :)
And have a *HUGE HUG* while I am thinking about it. P.S. Hugs are an AMAZING physical activity and I know they do wonders for my soul and well-being also.
Amy Beth
Tom,
I haven't checked your blog for a bit, but I am REALLY excited about your upcoming series of ponderings. As you know, my Master's paper is about taking the roles of coaches and infusing them with the roles of teachers to make the roles of teachers stronger/better able to answer society's call for accountability.
Anyway, I say that only as a prelude to saying that I ABSOLUTELY think there are many, perhaps hundreds, of ways that physical fitness can serve as a model for spiritual fitness. I actually think that Scripture is a fan of that as well... it is always talking about goals and running and battles and prizes and winning and whatnot. Of course, as you mentioned, there are some limitations to the model... there always are limitations (I just finished the limitations section of my paper...). Anywho, I'm excited about this new trek God has you on and I've officially appointed myself as a tag-along on your trek!! :-) Can't wait!!!
P.S. By the way, I smell a Youth Week topic... Spiritual Fitness... (insert catchy theme)... just a thought!!! 2009? :-)
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