Communicating Spiritual Fitness The following slides give a model for communicating the three elements of Spiritual Fitness to the Marine Corps with three Land Navigation Principles learned in boot camp. The goal is to communicate Spiritual Fitness to the Marine Corps in a manner that is simple and easy for every Marine to grasp.

Three Elements of Land Navigation The Faith of Fellow Marines The Values in a Chart The Direction of a Compass

The Faith of Fellow Marines Land navigation can be accomplished alone, but the task is strengthened when two or more Marines work together. Over time Marines gain faith in each other and know they can rely on each other to accomplish the task. A relationship of Faith and trust is built. “Semper Fidelis” to each other builds “Esprit de Corps”

The Values in a Chart The chart contains values that make land navigation more accurate to determine location, destination, and geographic positions nearby. These Values include: Rulers and grid coordinates to measure position and ground distance Declination scale to orient to magnetic, grid, and true North.

The Direction of a Compass The Compass contains an essential part of navigation: the needle that always points to magnetic north. Marines can rely on the needle to orient themselves magnetic north in order to stay on their planned track and destination.

Three Elements of Spiritual Fitness Personal Faith Foundational Values Moral Living: A Personal moral compass to follow.

Personal Faith Just as a Marine develops a relationship of faith and trust in fellow Marines, they can also develop a relationship of faith and trust in God, a higher power, or something greater than self. Faith may be characterized as recognition of, belief in, trust in, or relationship with someone greater than one’s self. Every Marine can be identified somewhere along a continuum of faith that ranges from unbelief to someone who devoutly practices a named religion. (see next slide)

Spectrum of Religious Expression Consistent and established specific religious practice Does not identify with particular religious practice but has strong sense of faith in God Undefined sense of Higher Being but strong sense of spirituality Undefined sense of spirituality Identifies with, but does not regularly practice as part of a established religious practice No sense of Higher Being but strong sense of spirituality Defined sense of a Higher Being Version 3 MAR 30, 2016

A List of Foundational Values to live by Just as the values given on a chart help to orient a Marine on his Journey, personal and Institutional values orient a Marine on the journey of life. Values are the principles that a person believes are important in life and work. Values come from Religion, Philosophy, and human ideals which give a person direction and purpose.

Moral Living A Personal Moral Compass to Follow Just as the needle on a compass will always indicate True North to provide guidance to navigate, even when things are unclear… Spiritual Fitness assumes the necessity of a moral compass that helps an individual Marine to stay on a course toward moral behavior when life choices seem unclear.

Relating elements of Land Navigation to the elements of Spiritual Fitness Develop Faith in Marines Use Chart Values Use a Magnetic Compass Develop Faith in God Use life values Use a Moral Compass

Three Elements of Spiritual Fitness Develop Your Personal Faith in God. Chart Your Life according to Personal Values. Follow Your Personal Moral Compass.

Flipping the Coin