Wanna Grow? Gotta Prune.
Hello Beloved One,
Using the energy of a New Year can be an effective time to look at life in a new way.
As a blessed Being living a spiritual life, you know the power of intentional growth. A gracious unfoldment of your unique journey is most likely fueled with continual learning and active engagement in meaningful practices and lifestyle changes.
Each month, I’d like to support you in “Gracefully Living” by emailing ideas, bits of Wisdom and practices that may inspire and assist you in your greater growth, spiritual practice and precious journey.
Prune and Grow
Growing is just who we are.
A timeless guide of understanding the Principles of growth is beautifully laid out in the story of the Vine and Branches in the sacred Scriptures of the Bible.
“I am the true Vine, and My Father is the Vinedresser. Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit, He takes away; and every branch that continues to bear fruit, He prunes, so it will bear even more fruit.” John 15:1-2
Often “pruning” isn’t easy. However according to Principle in the book of John, it is essential for growth and the manifestation of a greater good.
It’s much easier to prune stuff (inside and out) that isn’t bearing any fruit.
Yet, the scripture reveals the Principle… every branch that continues to bear fruit, He prunes, so it will bear even more fruit.
Yikes! Every part of me that does bear fruit is pruned?
WHY???
So, I can grow even more!!!
A powerful Truth; “Pruning” can be initiated by choosing what is important now, and consciously and intentionally letting go of what no longer serves.
Or
Be pruned! (When the pruning seems to come from the outside, it often doesn’t feel good!)
Either way it always happens!
For this is a changeless principle in the Creative Process of Life.
Initiate Pruning
An easy way to initiate “pruning” is to fill out an “Activities Analysis” to look at one’s life in general or any specific area of expression. The Activity Analysis worksheet, created by Revs. Marcia Sutton and Lloyd Strom of Graceful Ways.org, can be viewed and printed here.
Let’s use your spiritual practice as an example.
Identify the top 3 items:
What’s working about your spiritual practice (or one you have had in the past)?
What’s not working (possible pruning opportunity)?
What do you want instead?
The clarity revealed through engaging in this simple process will support you in resetting your intentions about your practice, map out a spiritual practice that is relevant to you and your growth now, let go of what isn’t, AND most important, design a practice you are willing to act on today.
If you never have had a spiritual practice and would like one, fill out the Activity Analysis with these questions:
What do you hope you would like about a spiritual practice?
What wouldn’t you like about having a spiritual practice?
What do you want from a spiritual practice?
If I can assist you or someone you know in a “pruning process” that supports greater growth, and the bearing of more fruit, please feel free to send me an email using the link below. I would love to connect. ❤️
Love,
Catherine
P.S. Share with me an area in your life you are ready to “prune,” or any topics of interest you want to be supported in now.
P.S. Do you want assistance through Spiritual Mentoring or prayer? Are you curious about growing with the guidance of a mentor?
Reach out and connect. ❤️