Habit 7: Sharpening the saw

Jingdong led the Session 1 of our discussion (his slides can be found here) and our practice of Habit 7: Sharpening the saw. Covey teaches that there are four dimensions to Sharpening the Saw:

1. Mental: reading, visualizing, planning, writing
2. Physical: exercise, nutrition, stress management
3. Social/emotional: service, empathy, synergy, intrinsic security
4. Spiritual: value clarification & commitment, study & meditation
   

Some viewpoints raised at the meeting:

1. It's hard to sustain an exercise program

• Some do this a bit better than others; some of us go to an athletic club, some have before but fallen out of the habit, some walk; some of us would go to the gym saying that "I would take it easy this time. Just to relax and go to to the hang out or do the sauna". and once there, would talk ourselves into doing more and end up doing exercises. One has to trick one's mind once in awhile.

2. Not easy to find time to improve skills. How about from time to time look at your calendar and see how much time was devoted to learning?

3. What is the spiritual dimension?

• Some follow a religious tradition; some do not or are agnostic.
• But there seem to be a common core that says we may be more mysterious, more meaningful, more majestic than simply our physical makeup of cells and matter. Regardless of what we call that, there is a sense we are deeper and more noble. Spiritual renewal connects us to that sense. Technique such as meditation, taking a walk in the nature, noticing and sensing we are one with nature and with other beings renews that connection. Humans at moments of stillness would recognize acts of kindness, generosity, forgiveness, and compassion as something higher than our own worldly concerns of individual survival. We have a conscience. Being aware that we have a conscience may just be a spiritual experience. Spiritual renewal lets one be connected to that sense oneness. More practice would enable one to be less judgmental, live with less regret, with more focus on the present moment.
• Practice small acts of kindness, open the door for someone, smile at someone, wait in line with more patience, appreciate everyone including those who appear to be rude and difficult, take time to rest your mind. let go, forgive someone ... doing these things may just be the exercise to be connected to our spirit.

Take a look at my 9/1/08 entry for what I thought might be an act of spiritual renewal.