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Spiritual Muscle Memory

August 26, 2014 By Jean Wise

healthyspirtualityl.org

The Network of Bible StoryTellers Festival continues to teach me even now at home. I was amazed at how they learned to tell the stories – striving for 75% or more accuracy in the words they use and 95% accurate in the content of the story.

One method they taught us to learn the stories was to add gestures; the same one each time to illustrate a point. For example, moving arms each time to point that Jesus moved from one place to another or to look up when looking at a mountain.

Adding movement to the story creates muscle memory. Muscle memory is simply the process by which we consolidate a specific motor task into memory through repetition. Whatever the habit or movement worked on becomes so natural, it doesn’t need much conscious effort.

The whole concept of muscle memory fascinates me and encourages me that maybe I can internalize long, more complex stories of the Bible. Though practice and repetition, my body helps me remember the words and action. How marvelous is that?

I haven’t ridden a bike for a number of years yet I know I could ride one – my muscles remember how to keep balance.

I haven’t played my piano for quite a while (actually gave the piano to my son) yet last month when I sat down at one at church I could still play a few pieces from memory. My fingers knew where to go without too many mistakes.

 Athletes train their muscles to remember particular movements so that when in competition, they can perform at very high levels without even giving a thought to mechanics.  Baseball players spend time in the batting cage perfecting their swing.

Writers write.

Musicians practice scales.

I move the curser on my computer with the slightest of movement of my finger on the mouse without looking or thinking.

“The ordinary acts we practice every day at home are of more importance to the soul than their simplicity might suggest.”

— Thomas Moore (1779 – 1852)

How are we strengthening our spiritual muscle memory? What repetitive actions build up the kingdom of God? What am I practicing each day that reflects God’s nature? Doesn’t this concept add a deeper meaning and importance to regular prayer, worship and service?

The more we give, pray, worship and serve, the stronger we will become in those areas. Sometimes I think what is the point? But framing routine practice with the concept of muscle memory, I am encouraged to keep up my spiritual training.

“We learn by practicing

whether it means to learn to dance by practicing dancing

or to learn to live by practicing living.

The principles are the same.

One becomes in some area an athlete of God.”

Martha Graham

Using my spiritual muscles memory to train to be an athlete for God. What do you think of that?

 

 

 

 

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Comments

  1. Nancy Ruegg says

    August 27, 2014 at 12:13 pm

    What do I think of that? I think God inspired you to articulate a concept we can all benefit from! As we practice prayer, worship, service, and the presence of God, the more meaningful each practice will become. Thank you, Jean, for an insightful post!

    • blankJean Wise says

      August 29, 2014 at 5:04 pm

      Thanks Nancy, Yes I do believe this muscle memory stuff makes sense when it comes to our spiritual practices too. so glad you stopped by Nancy and have a great weekend.

  2. blankCeil says

    August 27, 2014 at 10:41 am

    Hi Jeanie! I am writing that quote down from Thomas Moore. I love it! (coming to my Facebook page soon?)
    You make a good point about muscle memory. Just as I type this my fingers have a good idea where all the keys are. I’m sure you remember and tell the stories of the bible very well 🙂
    Happy Wednesday,
    Ceil

    • blankJean Wise says

      August 29, 2014 at 5:03 pm

      glad you liked the quote, Ceil and please do share it. I love the photo and quotes you put up on Facebook. The idea of muscle memory added value to some of the things we do by rote and wonder if we are ever making progress. I think we are but it is hard to see at times. Still learning about the bible storytelling but it is an exciting adventure. have a wonderful weekend.

  3. blankmarthaorlando says

    August 26, 2014 at 3:50 pm

    Wonderful concept! We need to keep our spiritual muscles toned every day for Him! Blessings!

    • blankJean Wise says

      August 26, 2014 at 7:37 pm

      Keeping in shape, right Martha? But I do like the idea of why regular spiritual stretching and learning does help.

Healthy Spirituality – a sacred space to nurture your faith, grow closer to God, and belong to a community, walking together on life’s journey. This blog is written by author, speaker and retreat leader Jean Wise

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