Application of Spiritual Wisdom Part 6
September 7, 2025
Application of Spiritual Wisdom Part 6
When something upsets us, the first step toward spiritual wisdom is to step back from its emotional grip. Life inevitably brings circumstances that overwhelm us. Emotions rise like a tidal storm, tossing around our faith and flooding our minds with the problem. Emotions become the context for our mood, our body, and our spirit. In such moments, it can feel impossible to turn toward our spiritual practice, for the storm within us is too strong.
And those who seek the spiritual path are not immune to these storms. We all face dangers to our loved ones. We all face uncertainties about health, finances, and safety. We all experience accidents, disruptions, and painful breaks in relationships.
The difference comes in how we first approach the problem. Instead of being carried away by a rush of fear, shame, or anger, we pause. We breathe. We loosen our grip on the emotion that would otherwise consume us. And in that detachment, spiritual wisdom is our lifeboat.
The Golden Key, taught by Emmet Fox, reminds us of this: rather than entertaining fearful thoughts, we shift our attention to the Divine. We remember that every circumstance, no matter how heavy, is subject to divine power and order. Fear contracts, but wisdom expands. Anger closes, but love opens. Shame imprisons, but forgiveness frees.
How we change our emotional context is important. The various ego types require different ways to enter the lifeboat of spiritual wisdom.
Ego Type Ones need to let go of taking responsibility for making sure everything goes correctly and enter the space of wonder and joy. Type Twos need to claim their right to have needs and to fulfill them. Type Threes must stop focusing on their own independent accomplishments and look to the community for support for their true values. Type Fours need affirmation of their creative selves and their divine source. Type Fives need to come out of their self-made cave and be in the world as the strong beings they are. Type Sixes need to stop expecting the worst and be with those who say to them in all ways, “You are OK.” Type Sevens must embrace that all they need is already flowing to them. Type Eights must let go of their need to rule others with their form of justice and embrace the truth that everyone has power and weakness. Type Nines must shed their need to merge and claim they are loved and lovable for who they are.
When we change the emotional context, wisdom can land. Sometimes that shift requires help: the presence of someone who understands us, the gift of a supportive community, or even a change in our physical surroundings. Sometimes it comes when we step outside our routine, flood our spirit with beauty, or surrender the outcome to God. In those moments, body, mind, and soul find their alignment again. And then, wisdom flows.
Spiritual practice: Is there a situation that longs for a new emotional context? Choose one of the practices above: support, beauty, surrender, or inspiration, and let it soften the ground for wisdom to enter.
Self-inquiry: When you forget to detach, what do you notice yourself clinging to and why?
Dear God, When my vision is clouded by fear, anger, or sorrow, lift the veils that hide Your wisdom. Open my heart to love, to peace, and to You. Amen.
