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| Page: Twelve Laws of Spirit |
The following laws operate in the human
sphere irrespective of what religion one may adhere to – in fact they come from and overlap the wisdom of several
of the spiritual traditions. They are omnipresent laws of the Spirit, also reflected in the natural world. If
followed, they will bring harmony and happiness into life.
1. The Law of
Balance
Honouring this law by practising self-control, avoiding
all extremes, taking the middle way, and leaning the other way whenever out of balance will bring internal peace
and serenity into life. (For biblical references, see Prov. 30:8-9; Acts 24:25; Gal. 5:22-23; 2 1 Thess. 5:6; Pet.
1:5-7.)
2. The Law of
Choices
The freedom of choice is both a blessing and a burden. It means that there is nothing
we have to do, but in choosing among alternatives, we are co-creators of our destiny and can live life fully. While
we cannot always control circumstances, we can control our response to them. Through this, we are not victims, but
become empowered and responsible for our lives. All choices have consequences and our actions will determine the
quality of our lives. (For biblical references, see Deut. 11:26-28; 30:11-20; Gal.
6:7-9).
3. The Law of
Process
Life is a journey and every accomplishment begins with a vision, goal, and the first
step. Every stage in the process needs to be gone through – little by little, one step at a time. The key is to
enjoy the journey, rather than overly focus on the goal and miss the views along the way. The vision, however,
needs to be kept in the heart for it will sustain us when obstacles arise on the journey. There is seldom failure
in the process – except when one gives up and stops trying. (For biblical references, see Ex 23:28-30; Deut. 7:22;
Prov. 13:11; Matt. 7:24-27; Heb. 11:10; 12:1-8; 13:12-14.)
4. The Law of the
Present
Time is a paradox in that the past and future only exist in one’s mind and hence are
illusions. Only the present is real – it is the only dimension one can live in. Therefore to spend energy on past
regrets or future worries is unhelpful. Rather, live and enjoy the present moment to the full, journeying through
life on a moment-by-moment basis. (For biblical references, see Prov. 27:1; Matt. 6:31-34; Luke 12:19-20; Phil.
3:13-14.)
5. The Law of
Compassion
At the heart of this law is the fact that every person
does the best they can within the limits of their beliefs and capabilities. God has set in motion the law of cause
and effect which gives us a means to learn from our mistakes and grow to maturity. Even though despicable people
exist and need to be separated from society to stop their destructive behaviour, it is better for our own good to
treat them with compassion, forgiveness and love, rather than hate. In this way, we are not filling our world with
negative energy. Realizing that we are all fighting a hard battle, all joined together in the mystery of life, and
all going to depart from this world one day, can help us be compassionate and forgiving toward ourselves as well as
toward others. (For biblical references, see Matt 7:1-4; Luke 6:27-42; 23:34; John 12:47-48; Rom 12:14; 14:4; 1 Cor
4:3-5.)
6. The Law of
Faith
This law involves sensing the wonder and mystery of the universe and trusting the
inherent love and intelligence that pervades everything. It is recognition that Spirit works in and through each
person and every circumstance, and that whatever happens serves a higher good despite appearances to the contrary.
This transforms one’s perception and experience of the world and enables seeing every challenge as instruction and
opportunity for growth. Faith begins by listening to the intuitive wisdom of the heart through which God speaks.
Higher intelligence comes through our mind and brain as through a receiver if we are attuned to it. An intuitive
decision, which seemingly turned bad was not necessarily a wrong decision. Despite uncertainty, confusion and
terrible things happening in the world, living by faith enables one to see the Spirit operating in all things
according to a perfect higher will. Faith involves the willingness to stretch, to make mistakes and to trust the
process of life. (For biblical references, see Ps 139:7-17; Rom 1:17; 8:18-39; Gal 3:11; Heb 10:38;
12:1-13.)
7. The Law of
Expectation
Energy follows thought – which reflects our deep beliefs and imagination. Experience
is created by our assumptions and expectations. Before anything manifests in the world, it first appears as a
thought or image in someone’s mind. Therefore every positive thought is a prayer and will be answered. Beliefs must
be examined, self-defeating doubts replaced with vivid images, and new beliefs created based on clear intention.
Even if there is no visible evidence to support a belief, the expectation will attract the evidence. What we see
depends where we choose to look which depends on what we expect to see. Our beliefs influence our choices and even
our energy field to which others will respond. Wrong beliefs can be changed by first recognizing them and
acknowledging them for what they are, then counteracting them with a positive belief. Airing doubts will root them
out from the deeper mind so that they can dissolve in the light of awareness. What we focus on expands – therefore
focus on solutions, not problems. Create a vision of who you would become and you will become it. (For biblical
references, see Matt. 8:5-13; 9:27-30; Mk 6:3-6; John 11:39-44.)
8. The Law of
Integrity
Integrity means living and acting in alignment with spiritual law and with our
highest vision despite impulses to the contrary. It is aligning with the God-ordained laws of love. If envy, greed
and manipulation influence our actions, the consequences are inevitable. When breaking spiritual law, the act
itself is the punishment as subtle forces are set in motion whose consequences we cannot escape. Integrity means to
be true to oneself – knowing and being ourselves so that our actions are authentic and consistent with our highest
intentions. Motives and intents make a vast difference in givers and recipients because what is dealt with is the
currency of the self. Integrity is about accepting ourselves as we are, doing our best, and learning from our
mistakes. It means acknowledging our weaknesses and drawing on our inner strengths so we become a light to others.
It is living according to our highest light and expecting more light to be given. (For biblical references, see
Lev. 5:17; Matt. 5:14-16; Lk 12:42-48; Gal. 5:16-25; 6:7-9.)
9. The Law of
Action
Knowledge without action is of no use – only actions bring potential to life.
Understanding comes from doing and wisdom out of practice. Turning ideas into actions requires energy and sacrifice
because to act is to risk. Even in uncertainty, it is better to do the best one knows rather than to have excuses
and do nothing. One overcomes the inertia to acting by accepting our humanity and physical presence in the world;
realizing that we are responsible for our life and will grow stronger through our efforts; and by acting regardless
of the discomfort action may entail. Despite fears and doubts, we need to act with courage and in line with our
highest ideals. However, sometimes there is time for non-action and stillness, despite impulses to act. The wisdom
of the heart, when listened to, will reveal what to do in various situations. (For biblical references, see Psalm
46:10; Eccl. 3:1; Matt. 25:14-30; Rom. 2:13-15; Jas 2:20-26.)
10. The Law of
Cycles
Nature moves and dances in rhythms, patterns, and cycles – everything happens in its
own time. Change is natural but feels like a blessing or curse depending on our desires. As the seasons change, we
must do as well. The momentum of change leads us to greater awareness, wisdom and peace. There are seasons for
everything – they should be enjoyed with their accompanying work and responsibilities. Aligning with the cycles of
time and transformation, we can ride changes as ships ride the waves. All things have most favourable and least
favourable time – door open and close, energies rise and fall. Even enlightenment has its own timing. (For biblical
references, see Gen 21:2; Eccl. 3:1-8; Matt. 26:18; Mk 1:15; John 7:6, 30; 12:23; 17:1; Rom. 5:6; Gal. 4:4; 2 Pet
3:18.)
11. The Law of
Surrender
Surrender means accepting all that life entails – events, as well as our bodies,
thoughts, and feelings – with open arms. Life guided by Spirit is our training. Seeing negative circumstances in
that perspective transforms them. It involves submitting to and living in accord with a higher will expressed as
the wisdom of the heart – and learning to want what we get (since life doesn’t always give us what we want). It
epitomises Jesus’ attitude “not my will but your will be done.” If we listen to our hearts, we’ll perceive divine
guidance that will be for the good of all concerned. Surrender is not passive acceptance, but rather using every
challenge as a means of spiritual growth and expanded awareness.
Relaxation is the body’s way of surrendering to the moment, letting go of fixed ideas
of what “should” happen, and being able to respond to each moment without judgment or expectation. Blending in with
life’s forces, rather than struggling against them and wasting energy on what one cannot control, will help one
apply this law. The more we let go of attachments and clinging to our own ways, the greater freedom we’ll feel.
Surrender is an act of humility, an acknowledgement that our minds cannot fathom the mystery of life, but that
despite problems, all in the universe is unfolding as it needs to. (For biblical references, see Matt. 16:24-25;
26:39; Lk 22:42; John 4:34; 5:30; 6:38; Rom. 10:3; Jas 4:7; Heb. 12:9.)
12. The Law of
Unity
As each rain drop is a part of the sea, we are all part of the Ocean of Awareness,
the Body of God. We’re all one Family. Yet this truth can only be perceived from a higher state of awareness. Even
though at the level of daily reality we have separate bodies, minds, and emotions, and appear to exist separately,
a shift in perception reveals that we are all the same Consciousness, manifesting in different bodies. Each person
is a soul or higher self living in a body, which is a manifestation of the divine Awareness, Love, and Wisdom
called God. It is also manifest through all that exists. Therefore there is oneness with all of creation. This
perception is only given by grace. If we align with the truth deep within our heart, we’ll see all people as
aspects of our larger self – we are everyone and everywhere and at one with the universe. This realization will
change how we relate to others – dilemmas and conflicts will be resolved and wounds healed. (For biblical
references, see Zech. 14:9; John 14:20-23; 17:11-20; Rom. 15:5-6; 1 Cor. 15:28; Eph. 4:3-6; Phil.
2:2.)
Reference: Dan Millman, The Laws of Spirit – A Tale of
Transformation (California: H. J. Kramer / New World Library,
1995).
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