How to be Spiritually Fit in Your Fifties

August 28, 2011

BY STEVE WINSTON

As we reach middle-age, we often spend a lot of time thinking about our physical fitness. But isn’t it just as important to be at a place in life – especially at this age – where we’re spiritually fit, as well? Don Lubov  has spent most of his life helping people improve their spiritual fitness. He comes to this work – which he describes as a labor of love – through a unique perspective. He’s a writer, with two books now on the market. One is “Memoirs of a Boomer,” a rollicking (and true) tale of a cross-country (and international) back-packing trail of intrigue and colorful characters, in the days of sex, drugs, and rock ‘n’ roll. The second book is “Life’s Purpose – From Stress to Enlightenment,” which teaches us how to become more spiritually fit … and, as a result, emotionally healthy.

He’s also a noted artist, in a variety of media. And he’s an active presence on the lecture circuit, bringing his concepts of spiritual fitness to many middle-agers who find themselves a bit lost, and searching, at a time when they should really be enjoying a fulfilling life. “This should really be a special time in our lives,” Don Lubov says. “Yet, so many of us are still asking ourselves questions that should have been answered a long time ago.” Lubov, in fact, has his own list of questions – a list that can help us each determine if we’re spiritually fit:

1. Am I suffering … stressed; restless, angry, lonely, depressed?

2. Do I resist change?

3. Do I have old, unresolved issues that I’m still carrying around (aka “baggage”)?

4. Is an obsession with my yesterdays robbing me of my todays?

5. Do I have a life filled with peace, love and joy? A life filled with passion?

6. Am I still looking for meaning and purpose? Enlightenment?

Lubov says a surprising number of folks in our generation can’t answer these questions in a positive way. And – just like a personal trainer who helps you get physically healthy – he has a routine to help people our age become spiritually healthier. He calls it his Six-Step Path to Enlightenment. Don’t let the word “enlightenment” scare you – there’s nothing mysterious about this! It’s simply a means of fulfilling yourself as a human being … in practical terms, putting a smile back on your face, and in your heart.

Don Lubov’s Six-Step Path begins with “Observation” …o f ourselves. And not just any observation. We’re talking about non-judgmental observation here. We’re talking about breaking the destructive habit of judging our own behavior. We don’t have to classify it as “justified” or “wrong” or any other qualifier. The more we focus on our own behavior – without judging it – the more we’ll see the anger, discontent, etc., subside.

This brings us to the second step in the Six-Step Path – “Forgiveness.” “We tend to judge others with the same criteria with which we judge ourselves – probably harshly,” says Lubov. “But as we begin to lighten up and be more forgiving of ourselves, we’ll be able to do the same with others. And people who’ve done it will tell you it’s the greatest feeling in the world. “In time,” he says, “this leads to step three of the Six-Step Path—”Acceptance.” Once we can observe without judgment, we’ll naturally become more accepting of the world and the people around us. And this is the beginning of true spiritual fitness.”

The fourth step in the Six-Step Path is “Love.” Unconditional love, specifically … for ourselves and for others. This is the only “true” love. And it’s the only true life-force. At this point, we come to realize, quite happily, Lubov adds, that we no longer feel the need to try and control the world all around us. We can just “let it be.”

“Living in this manner,” Don Lubov says, “we’ll awaken from our illusion of being somehow separate from the rest of the world. This is Step 5. We’ll realize – probably for the first time – that we’re really part of something greater than ourselves. “When this happens, we can find true joy and true contentment. We’ll want to celebrate every moment of life for the miracle it is. And when we reach this point, we’ve completed the six steps.”

When you’re spiritually fit, you’ll live in the here and now. You won’t be filled with regrets about the past, or fears about the future. You won’t be burdened by bitterness and anger, toward yourself or others. And you’ll see life for the joyous, fun-filled adventure it should be, rather than the angry, apprehensive burden it was. Sound difficult? Nah, Lubov says.

All you have to do is remember the six steps: The Six-Step Path:

Step 1. Observe yourself without judgment.

Step 2. Forgive yourself and others.

Step 3. Accept what you observe.

Step 4. Love yourself unconditionally.

Step 5. Awaken from your illusion.

Step 6. Celebrate life forever.

“This isn’t rocket-science,” Don Lubov says. “It’s actually very simple. We really can achieve lives of fulfillment and joy – it’s within our power. And when we learn to do this, we’ll reap the rewards for the rest of our lives.”

RESOURCES: www.donlubov.com

Steve Winston has written/contributed to 17 books, and his articles appear in major media all over the world.