This morning is to be my first as a volunteer at the Humane Society of Sedona. I am so looking forward to hanging out with the doggies (mostly), walking them and socializing with them.
I’ve always done service work to help people: 12 Step members, nursing home residents, children in inner city schools. Hence this is a big switch, especially since I’ve not had a dog in my household since I was a child many moons ago and so consider myself inexperienced.
So what prompted this? After all, I still plan to find a service position helping humans... Well, of late I have found my heart cracked so wide open to animals, especially pooches, and a yearning to be around them and help them.
I suppose this was preceded by my immersion back into increased spiritual work on my part once we left our world in Gilbert, AZ and got started in our new life in Sedona. Since then my heart has been opening and opening as I surround myself with the love and compassion of like-minded travelers waking up to a new earth and Spirit.
God is unconditional love, always seeking to give to His children. And dogs are unconditional love too. It was not lost on me when someone pointed out years ago that the word “dog” is “God” spelled backwards. God has many emissaries.
So I’m looking forward to this novel opportunity of spending more time with God, in the form of canines, exchanging love and service, giving and receiving.
Showing posts with label 12 Step. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 12 Step. Show all posts
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Am I Willing?
“Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him.” - Step 3 of the 12 Step Program of Recovery
Today I remind myself that this Step is not about doing anything - it is about deciding. Still, I pause to think if I really want to turn my will (thoughts) and life (actions) over to Spirit. For if I do, I must accept not just the so-called “good” stuff but the so-called “bad” as well.
If I trust God, then nothing is “good” or “bad” and all is for my upliftment. Am I willing to walk through all of it to reach a better place? A place of greater love, joy, peace? Yes, I am. I want to wake up and be all that I already am, all that Spirit created me to be that I’ve forgotten.
Today I will continue deciding to turn my will and my life over to the care of God - I’m sure it will be quite the adventure!
Today I remind myself that this Step is not about doing anything - it is about deciding. Still, I pause to think if I really want to turn my will (thoughts) and life (actions) over to Spirit. For if I do, I must accept not just the so-called “good” stuff but the so-called “bad” as well.
If I trust God, then nothing is “good” or “bad” and all is for my upliftment. Am I willing to walk through all of it to reach a better place? A place of greater love, joy, peace? Yes, I am. I want to wake up and be all that I already am, all that Spirit created me to be that I’ve forgotten.
Today I will continue deciding to turn my will and my life over to the care of God - I’m sure it will be quite the adventure!
Sunday, April 4, 2010
The Circle
At yesterday’s Gratitude Circle there was a lot of sharing about life, death, rebirth, ‘burning in the fire’, and family too. They’re really all related, ya know?
My 12 Step brethren and the Unity of Sedona folks are my true family. Unlike my family of origin, they have taught and continue to teach me about how to live life healthfully and joyfully. They were and are the ones who teach me about love and practice it.
When I am in the fire, having an episode of the dark night of the soul, as they share their experience and their love, I grow and move out of it. In times of death of a person or my own dying to become who I really am, they are there to shine their light and love as I go through my anger, grief, my healing process.
I come out of the circle filled with more love than when I entered, refreshed and reborn to go out into life and the world so as to continue my learning and to share what has so generously been given to me.
Today is Easter. Today and every day I am reborn into greater love, understanding, and awakening to what is truly real. There is no need to ever be alone. In the circle and especially today it is clear in many ways that you, me, and the Father are One.
We are living in grace.
My 12 Step brethren and the Unity of Sedona folks are my true family. Unlike my family of origin, they have taught and continue to teach me about how to live life healthfully and joyfully. They were and are the ones who teach me about love and practice it.
When I am in the fire, having an episode of the dark night of the soul, as they share their experience and their love, I grow and move out of it. In times of death of a person or my own dying to become who I really am, they are there to shine their light and love as I go through my anger, grief, my healing process.
I come out of the circle filled with more love than when I entered, refreshed and reborn to go out into life and the world so as to continue my learning and to share what has so generously been given to me.
Today is Easter. Today and every day I am reborn into greater love, understanding, and awakening to what is truly real. There is no need to ever be alone. In the circle and especially today it is clear in many ways that you, me, and the Father are One.
We are living in grace.
Friday, April 2, 2010
Comfort
God does not comfort us to make us comfortable but to make us comforters. - J. H. Jowett
Through my reaching bottom with my eating disorder and then recovering by developing a conscious relationship with the God of my understanding and practicing the 12 Step principles, I came to recognize my life had purpose.
Through my experiences of spiraling downward and then reclaiming myself and my life, I was and am, able to help others on their journey. Through sharing my experience, strength, and hope, I am a comforter.
Just as Spirit comforted me and let me know I was not alone, so too I comfort others and let them know they are never alone. As my soul continues to blossom and wake up, I carry the message that with God all things are possible and heaven is within us, here, right now.
Through my reaching bottom with my eating disorder and then recovering by developing a conscious relationship with the God of my understanding and practicing the 12 Step principles, I came to recognize my life had purpose.
Through my experiences of spiraling downward and then reclaiming myself and my life, I was and am, able to help others on their journey. Through sharing my experience, strength, and hope, I am a comforter.
Just as Spirit comforted me and let me know I was not alone, so too I comfort others and let them know they are never alone. As my soul continues to blossom and wake up, I carry the message that with God all things are possible and heaven is within us, here, right now.
Monday, February 8, 2010
Transformation
Although I was not acquainted with Brugh Joy while he graced this earth, since his passing in December 2009, I’ve been introduced to him and his work in heart centered transformational healing and spiritual enlightenment.
A practice he taught to embrace the changes in one’s life are known as the Three Injunctions:
- Make no comparisons
- Make no judgments
- Delete the need to understand
People often complain about change, but that is the only thing certain about life. And, change makes us know that we are alive, moving forward, and not stagnated. While it seems to be the case that humans need to reach bottom in order to wake up, and that it is often accompanied by suffering, practicing these injunctions help to positively move through changes that are most challenging.
And, speaking from experience, like so many others, I know the more extreme the situation, the greater my spiritual growth has been. For instance, reaching bottom with my eating disorder and finally seeking a solution was a life altering experience. My disorder was not only arrested, but my life was enhanced “beyond my wildest dreams.” It was the beginning of my waking up, and I “came to believe” in a power greater than myself, connecting with a God of my understanding.
In essence, I learned Dr. Joy’s injunctions in my 12 Step work years ago. Practicing them has served me well and continued awareness will hold me in good stead as I move my life forward in this ever-accelerating world of change.
A practice he taught to embrace the changes in one’s life are known as the Three Injunctions:
- Make no comparisons
- Make no judgments
- Delete the need to understand
People often complain about change, but that is the only thing certain about life. And, change makes us know that we are alive, moving forward, and not stagnated. While it seems to be the case that humans need to reach bottom in order to wake up, and that it is often accompanied by suffering, practicing these injunctions help to positively move through changes that are most challenging.
And, speaking from experience, like so many others, I know the more extreme the situation, the greater my spiritual growth has been. For instance, reaching bottom with my eating disorder and finally seeking a solution was a life altering experience. My disorder was not only arrested, but my life was enhanced “beyond my wildest dreams.” It was the beginning of my waking up, and I “came to believe” in a power greater than myself, connecting with a God of my understanding.
In essence, I learned Dr. Joy’s injunctions in my 12 Step work years ago. Practicing them has served me well and continued awareness will hold me in good stead as I move my life forward in this ever-accelerating world of change.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Walking a Spiritual Path
I’ve met a lot of couples lately, and it’s interesting for me to observe what their relationship is like.
Is it about having a warm body in bed at night, someone to share household responsibilities and finances with, to have someone take care of the other? Or is it a real partnership in which the team members help one another not only in managing every day responsibilities and activities, but to help them evolve their souls, to support them in their waking up? Can I feel the love and joy energy between them or does it feel like they’re just making do with things?
Without a spiritual compass it seems impossible – not to mention extremely painful and depressing – to be in an intimate committed relationship. What is apparent to me now more than ever is that my partner is my best teacher on my path to full awakening, wholeness, and healing. Yet, without each of us having a spiritual foundation for providing guidance, strength, and love, it can not be so.
It seems to me a waste that others do not glean learning from their close relationships. Some actually carry resentments and blame forward into the future even when the relationship has long been dissolved.
My spiritual foundation was built primarily on 12 Step principles and secondarily on A Course in Miracles (ACIM) after adhering to an atheist viewpoint for many years prior to that. In the 20 years since, I’ve incorporated other spiritual traditions’ ideas into my belief system. Of course I’ve found that there is no competition in spirituality and in fact much commonality of principles (boy, what a relief that is in this usual world of duality). Rog’s spiritual foundation was built early in his life on Jesus’ teachings from his religious upbringing and continued with ACIM. We’re pretty close in our beliefs and we both consciously endeavor to practice them in our daily lives.
When Rog and I get into a ‘challenging’ discussion, we each seek to listen without ego to the other, to be honest and respectful of self and other. We strive for clear communication with love. We make amends when we have erred and we forgive one another and/or ourselves when needed. We are open to being both student and teacher.
When we married almost five years ago, we each promised to the other “... to do my best to always see the Light in you. I promise to do my best to be your perfect shelter, where you can be reborn in safety and in peace." Keeping these promises has allowed us to wake up more and more, and to enjoy greater freedom.
In this crazy, changing world thanks to my Higher Power and my life partner, I am not just ‘getting by’, but I am evolving and waking up. I am so very grateful.
Is it about having a warm body in bed at night, someone to share household responsibilities and finances with, to have someone take care of the other? Or is it a real partnership in which the team members help one another not only in managing every day responsibilities and activities, but to help them evolve their souls, to support them in their waking up? Can I feel the love and joy energy between them or does it feel like they’re just making do with things?
Without a spiritual compass it seems impossible – not to mention extremely painful and depressing – to be in an intimate committed relationship. What is apparent to me now more than ever is that my partner is my best teacher on my path to full awakening, wholeness, and healing. Yet, without each of us having a spiritual foundation for providing guidance, strength, and love, it can not be so.
It seems to me a waste that others do not glean learning from their close relationships. Some actually carry resentments and blame forward into the future even when the relationship has long been dissolved.
My spiritual foundation was built primarily on 12 Step principles and secondarily on A Course in Miracles (ACIM) after adhering to an atheist viewpoint for many years prior to that. In the 20 years since, I’ve incorporated other spiritual traditions’ ideas into my belief system. Of course I’ve found that there is no competition in spirituality and in fact much commonality of principles (boy, what a relief that is in this usual world of duality). Rog’s spiritual foundation was built early in his life on Jesus’ teachings from his religious upbringing and continued with ACIM. We’re pretty close in our beliefs and we both consciously endeavor to practice them in our daily lives.
When Rog and I get into a ‘challenging’ discussion, we each seek to listen without ego to the other, to be honest and respectful of self and other. We strive for clear communication with love. We make amends when we have erred and we forgive one another and/or ourselves when needed. We are open to being both student and teacher.
When we married almost five years ago, we each promised to the other “... to do my best to always see the Light in you. I promise to do my best to be your perfect shelter, where you can be reborn in safety and in peace." Keeping these promises has allowed us to wake up more and more, and to enjoy greater freedom.
In this crazy, changing world thanks to my Higher Power and my life partner, I am not just ‘getting by’, but I am evolving and waking up. I am so very grateful.
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Alone - Not!
Daily Thoughts from Guideposts, December 16, 2009
A Time to Think
“This is the message of Christmas: We are never alone.” - Taylor Caldwell (1900-1985), English novelist.
To Act
“Whenever disappointment or anxiety come, repeat: "I am not alone."”
My tag line for my business as The Computer Therapist and more recently for The Computer Spirit has always been “You are not alone.” This statement has great meaning for me...
Before I walked into the 12 Step community almost 20 years ago, I often felt alone in this vast world. With no belief in God, trying to manage my life and my relationships with my limited (if any) power, there were times when I felt so alone that I imagined that I could drop dead in my studio apartment in NYC, and no one would noticed until I didn’t show up for work for several days. Quite a sorry situation.
But – when I met the loving, caring, honest, service-oriented folks in OA, and came to believe in a Power greater than myself, such a sad, desperate outlook shifted in a huge way. With a changed perspective on people and the world and Spirit with me 24/7, I came to believe that I am never alone.
At Christmas, I am never alone, for the Light that was born two thousand years ago still shines throughout the world and in each and every one of us. And, when I am disappointed or anxious, I can always make contact with Spirit.
Indeed I am never alone for Spirit is always with me - for that I will be forever grateful.
A Time to Think
“This is the message of Christmas: We are never alone.” - Taylor Caldwell (1900-1985), English novelist.
To Act
“Whenever disappointment or anxiety come, repeat: "I am not alone."”
My tag line for my business as The Computer Therapist and more recently for The Computer Spirit has always been “You are not alone.” This statement has great meaning for me...
Before I walked into the 12 Step community almost 20 years ago, I often felt alone in this vast world. With no belief in God, trying to manage my life and my relationships with my limited (if any) power, there were times when I felt so alone that I imagined that I could drop dead in my studio apartment in NYC, and no one would noticed until I didn’t show up for work for several days. Quite a sorry situation.
But – when I met the loving, caring, honest, service-oriented folks in OA, and came to believe in a Power greater than myself, such a sad, desperate outlook shifted in a huge way. With a changed perspective on people and the world and Spirit with me 24/7, I came to believe that I am never alone.
At Christmas, I am never alone, for the Light that was born two thousand years ago still shines throughout the world and in each and every one of us. And, when I am disappointed or anxious, I can always make contact with Spirit.
Indeed I am never alone for Spirit is always with me - for that I will be forever grateful.
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Touched
What a delight to start my day (after meditation) reading an interview of Martha Williamson, the Executive Producer and Head Writer of the long-running TV show “Touched By An Angel.”
I loved watching that show and am grateful that I “came to believe” (four years before) in time to do so. It amazed me that such a subject matter would be broadcasted on a major network, and the message repeatedly offered one that resonated with my own philosophy. It did not preach and it was about faith and spirituality, not religion.
Beliefnet.com asked Ms. Williamson “What was the most important message of the show?” Her reply was “: God exists, God loves you, God wants to be part of your life, and He is there to have a personal relationship with if you seek Him.”
The aforementioned is a mighty powerful message, just like the Great Mystery Itself. And, the idea of having a personal relationship with God is one that I hadn’t often hear people talking about. However, it is a cornerstone of 12 Step philosophy, and has proved to be the truth for me.
It is through a personal relationship that I am touched and that I am at peace. It is through this that my soul grows and is strengthened in love, joy, and faith.
It is because of this personal relationship with God that I never need to feel alone. For at any time, I can be touched directly by Spirit, or by one of Its many angels. How cool is that?!
I loved watching that show and am grateful that I “came to believe” (four years before) in time to do so. It amazed me that such a subject matter would be broadcasted on a major network, and the message repeatedly offered one that resonated with my own philosophy. It did not preach and it was about faith and spirituality, not religion.
Beliefnet.com asked Ms. Williamson “What was the most important message of the show?” Her reply was “: God exists, God loves you, God wants to be part of your life, and He is there to have a personal relationship with if you seek Him.”
The aforementioned is a mighty powerful message, just like the Great Mystery Itself. And, the idea of having a personal relationship with God is one that I hadn’t often hear people talking about. However, it is a cornerstone of 12 Step philosophy, and has proved to be the truth for me.
It is through a personal relationship that I am touched and that I am at peace. It is through this that my soul grows and is strengthened in love, joy, and faith.
It is because of this personal relationship with God that I never need to feel alone. For at any time, I can be touched directly by Spirit, or by one of Its many angels. How cool is that?!
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Focusing on God Within
“The fundamental purpose of prayer, including the prayer of petition, is not to get something from God, or to change God, but to change ourselves. We pray in order to give ourselves to God.” - Fr. Thomas Keating, The Heart of the World, Contemplative Outreach News, Winter 1997
Last night I attended a 11th Step Centering Prayer meeting and was reintroduced to the work of Thomas Keating. Fr. Keating was one of the developers of Centering Prayer, and a central figure in the initiation of the Centering Prayer movement.
Centering Prayer doesn’t depend on theological dogmas, which is great because otherwise I’d not be interested in it personally. It embraces the idea that God is both separate of us and imminent within us, and it is the latter that you focus on during your 20” prayer time.
A benefit of focusing on God within is that it enables God to bring our psychological problems to the surface and release them over time. One surrenders all thoughts and images to rest in a loving and abiding presence of God. A sacred word is used as an anchor of intent to return us to our consent of accepting the Divine Presence when we get stuck in our thoughts. Centering Prayer is about dialogue with God and trusting and resting in His love and presence. This idea alone brings me a sense of comfort and peace.
It seems that I practice something like Centering Prayer and something like Vipassana in my current times of silence, but not quite. This time has been less than satisfying in my yearning to feel more connected to Spirit. I’m excited about learning more about this way of cultivating a deeper relationship with God, and practicing it. And, since, not unexpectedly it appeals to numerous individuals in 12 Step recovery, I’m also excited about connecting with my 12 Step family in a deeper way.
Last night I attended a 11th Step Centering Prayer meeting and was reintroduced to the work of Thomas Keating. Fr. Keating was one of the developers of Centering Prayer, and a central figure in the initiation of the Centering Prayer movement.
Centering Prayer doesn’t depend on theological dogmas, which is great because otherwise I’d not be interested in it personally. It embraces the idea that God is both separate of us and imminent within us, and it is the latter that you focus on during your 20” prayer time.
A benefit of focusing on God within is that it enables God to bring our psychological problems to the surface and release them over time. One surrenders all thoughts and images to rest in a loving and abiding presence of God. A sacred word is used as an anchor of intent to return us to our consent of accepting the Divine Presence when we get stuck in our thoughts. Centering Prayer is about dialogue with God and trusting and resting in His love and presence. This idea alone brings me a sense of comfort and peace.
It seems that I practice something like Centering Prayer and something like Vipassana in my current times of silence, but not quite. This time has been less than satisfying in my yearning to feel more connected to Spirit. I’m excited about learning more about this way of cultivating a deeper relationship with God, and practicing it. And, since, not unexpectedly it appeals to numerous individuals in 12 Step recovery, I’m also excited about connecting with my 12 Step family in a deeper way.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Perspective
A line from yesterday’s In God’s Care stated “We need our connection to God to maintain our perspective on life.” How true that rings for me this morning!
Early in my days of 12 Step recovery as “I came to believe” and formulate an entirely new philosophy of life, I realized that everything in this life is just a “spit in the bucket” (of eternity). The little things and the big things work themselves out eventually and hence I can be peaceful regardless of circumstances.
Circumstances are ever-changing and, in this world, usually crazy and illusionary; I often just have to laugh at it all. But Spirit is permanent, never-changing, and what is truly real.
With God “all things are possible,” I am in God’s care at all times, and, in the grand scheme of things, all that matters is God.
As I strengthen my connection to Spirit with each positive thought held and each prayer prayed, I maintain my perspective on this roller coaster of life by keeping my eye staid on Thee.
Early in my days of 12 Step recovery as “I came to believe” and formulate an entirely new philosophy of life, I realized that everything in this life is just a “spit in the bucket” (of eternity). The little things and the big things work themselves out eventually and hence I can be peaceful regardless of circumstances.
Circumstances are ever-changing and, in this world, usually crazy and illusionary; I often just have to laugh at it all. But Spirit is permanent, never-changing, and what is truly real.
With God “all things are possible,” I am in God’s care at all times, and, in the grand scheme of things, all that matters is God.
As I strengthen my connection to Spirit with each positive thought held and each prayer prayed, I maintain my perspective on this roller coaster of life by keeping my eye staid on Thee.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Principles to Live By
There are a number of qualities I’ve cultivated in my years in 12 Step program which were introduced to me vis-Ã -vis my addiction. As times passes by, I am grateful to see how very often I apply them in my daily life. Things like patience, perseverance, humility, honesty, faith, etc.; these are principles that sum up each of the 12 Steps.
In providing computer-related services to clients, there are times when I get hung up in my work. It could be due to my own lack of knowledge and experience or a glitch in the software I am using. Most everyone knows how computers can be: you can’t live with them and you can’t live without them!
Over a quick lunch break today, Rog was kind enough to let me vent some of the issues I was wrestling with on my current project, for which I’ve been burning the midnight oil on and is due tomorrow. I told him that although they’re frustrating and costing me precious time, in a way I’m still pretty calm. Rog said, “You mean, like you’re not ready to throw the computer out the window yet,” a situation that he knows I’ve coached clients with.
Wow - yeah, that’s right, I’m not ready to throw the computer out the window yet. I’ve still got patience left in me. My perseverance is strong. I am humble and know I don’t have to be perfect. I can be honest and admit my weaknesses. I have numerous resources to go to for help. Perhaps mainly I’m in this space because these days I know I’m not alone.
I’ll say a specific prayer to Spirit before I go back to this project. And, I’ll have confidence that between God, my positive attitude, and the software vendor’s customer service, my work will unfold with ease and grace.
Thank you, Bill Wilson, Dr. Bob, and Spirit for the gift of a way of life that helps me in all matters, paving the way for me to be “happy, joyous, and free.”
In providing computer-related services to clients, there are times when I get hung up in my work. It could be due to my own lack of knowledge and experience or a glitch in the software I am using. Most everyone knows how computers can be: you can’t live with them and you can’t live without them!
Over a quick lunch break today, Rog was kind enough to let me vent some of the issues I was wrestling with on my current project, for which I’ve been burning the midnight oil on and is due tomorrow. I told him that although they’re frustrating and costing me precious time, in a way I’m still pretty calm. Rog said, “You mean, like you’re not ready to throw the computer out the window yet,” a situation that he knows I’ve coached clients with.
Wow - yeah, that’s right, I’m not ready to throw the computer out the window yet. I’ve still got patience left in me. My perseverance is strong. I am humble and know I don’t have to be perfect. I can be honest and admit my weaknesses. I have numerous resources to go to for help. Perhaps mainly I’m in this space because these days I know I’m not alone.
I’ll say a specific prayer to Spirit before I go back to this project. And, I’ll have confidence that between God, my positive attitude, and the software vendor’s customer service, my work will unfold with ease and grace.
Thank you, Bill Wilson, Dr. Bob, and Spirit for the gift of a way of life that helps me in all matters, paving the way for me to be “happy, joyous, and free.”
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Family
Some client/friends of ours referred a close friend of theirs to us to build his website. Bill and I hit it off immediately, then strengthened the comfortable connection by confirming that we were both friends of Bill Wilson. Our first phone conversation lasted 45 minutes.
When Rog and I met Bill in person, it was another meaningful conversation, building a business as well as social relationship. The three of us work great as a team and even though it may be Bill and his wife Catherine’s business, we feel like we are part of it and their family.
Family... Rog is family along with an aunt, uncle, and cousin back in the Big Apple. Add a few close friends who are not local, and my family is pretty small. When I add in my OA family it’s bigger, and with 12 Step folks in general, it’s huge. I am blessed.
Family... Well, you see, while Bill is American, Catherine is French. With her family members living in France, a few years ago the couple decided to leave America, and settle on a farm in the south of France. Their homestead is the natural gathering place for Catherine’s family.
Bill has been in the States a lot during the last three years, handling financial and business matters so that he can truly transition to life as a Frenchman. Bill had plans to fly back to France today for a family reunion on Catherine’s side and then return to the States within the week. But being away so much from his beloved wife and children has taken its toll, and with business matters pretty much settled, now it has been decided that Bill will remain with his family, his home in France. Little did he know that the family reunion he was going to would turn out to be his own! I’m so happy for them all.
Some people we meet feel like family and it’s probably because in some past lifetime they were! I feel Bill is like a sib, and we both agree that it’s probably because we were family members in the past. I will miss his physical presence here, but thanks to email we’ll easily stay connected. Besides, we have his website to work on!
If it hadn’t been for us moving into web work, our friends contracting with us to design their sites, and then their referring Bill to us, we’d never have met Bill. With little time left to connect unbeknownst to us all, Bill and I connected over such a thing as websites.
Spirit can and will do anything to get people connected, and in this case it was just in the nick of time. It was no coincidence, but a carefully orchestrated plan to get family members reconnected. I am so grateful. Thank You, Spirit!
Bon voyage, Bill, and vous allez avec Dieu!
When Rog and I met Bill in person, it was another meaningful conversation, building a business as well as social relationship. The three of us work great as a team and even though it may be Bill and his wife Catherine’s business, we feel like we are part of it and their family.
Family... Rog is family along with an aunt, uncle, and cousin back in the Big Apple. Add a few close friends who are not local, and my family is pretty small. When I add in my OA family it’s bigger, and with 12 Step folks in general, it’s huge. I am blessed.
Family... Well, you see, while Bill is American, Catherine is French. With her family members living in France, a few years ago the couple decided to leave America, and settle on a farm in the south of France. Their homestead is the natural gathering place for Catherine’s family.
Bill has been in the States a lot during the last three years, handling financial and business matters so that he can truly transition to life as a Frenchman. Bill had plans to fly back to France today for a family reunion on Catherine’s side and then return to the States within the week. But being away so much from his beloved wife and children has taken its toll, and with business matters pretty much settled, now it has been decided that Bill will remain with his family, his home in France. Little did he know that the family reunion he was going to would turn out to be his own! I’m so happy for them all.
Some people we meet feel like family and it’s probably because in some past lifetime they were! I feel Bill is like a sib, and we both agree that it’s probably because we were family members in the past. I will miss his physical presence here, but thanks to email we’ll easily stay connected. Besides, we have his website to work on!
If it hadn’t been for us moving into web work, our friends contracting with us to design their sites, and then their referring Bill to us, we’d never have met Bill. With little time left to connect unbeknownst to us all, Bill and I connected over such a thing as websites.
Spirit can and will do anything to get people connected, and in this case it was just in the nick of time. It was no coincidence, but a carefully orchestrated plan to get family members reconnected. I am so grateful. Thank You, Spirit!
Bon voyage, Bill, and vous allez avec Dieu!
Saturday, July 4, 2009
The Freedom of Forgiveness
Today being Independence Day in the USA brings to mind freedom and the rights we have been given through the Bill of Rights, the name by which the first ten amendments to the U. S. Constitution are known.
The Bill of Rights grants us freedom of religion, speech and the press, assembly, the right to bear arms, protection from unreasonable search and seizure, etc.
But there is a freedom that is at least as important as those stated in the Bill of Rights, and I grant it to myself when I practice forgiveness.
When I hold resentment against anyone, I am binding myself to that person by a cosmic link, a real though mental chain. Until I cut that tie, I am a prisoner in bondage, and living a peaceful, loving, and joyous life is out of my reach.
Emmet Fox, in The Sermon on the Mount: The Key to Success in Life, states “The technique of forgiveness is simple enough, and not very difficult to manage when you understand how. The only thing that is essential is willingness to forgive” (page 173).
These days, thanks to a lot of 12 Step and other spiritual work, I find myself only occasionally, if not rarely, in the bondage of resentment. And when I do, I am willing to let go -with the help of God- and practice forgiveness. I set myself free (and the other person too). That is a freedom that extends far beyond any that could be bestowed upon me by a governmental decree.
Thank You, Spirit, for the various forms of freedoms I am blessed with by living in this country and living within Your Presence.
The Bill of Rights grants us freedom of religion, speech and the press, assembly, the right to bear arms, protection from unreasonable search and seizure, etc.
But there is a freedom that is at least as important as those stated in the Bill of Rights, and I grant it to myself when I practice forgiveness.
When I hold resentment against anyone, I am binding myself to that person by a cosmic link, a real though mental chain. Until I cut that tie, I am a prisoner in bondage, and living a peaceful, loving, and joyous life is out of my reach.
Emmet Fox, in The Sermon on the Mount: The Key to Success in Life, states “The technique of forgiveness is simple enough, and not very difficult to manage when you understand how. The only thing that is essential is willingness to forgive” (page 173).
These days, thanks to a lot of 12 Step and other spiritual work, I find myself only occasionally, if not rarely, in the bondage of resentment. And when I do, I am willing to let go -with the help of God- and practice forgiveness. I set myself free (and the other person too). That is a freedom that extends far beyond any that could be bestowed upon me by a governmental decree.
Thank You, Spirit, for the various forms of freedoms I am blessed with by living in this country and living within Your Presence.
Monday, May 18, 2009
Time
Several weeks ago, a friend appeared on my doorstep, after us losing touch for a year or so. It was a wonderful delight and I realized how much I missed not having her in my life.
A week ago I started culling through six boxes of documents and files spanning back more than a decade, many of which were related to my life when I lived in Santa Fe. It was a lengthy stroll down Memory Lane. The next day I received an email informing me about the death of a 12 Step friend/client from that time in my life. I thought it synchronistic.
Yesterday, I received a Facebook invitation from someone I’d known in undergrad days, more than 35 years ago. His name had crossed my mind just a day before, but it had rarely done so in all these years. I thought it weird; perhaps it was synchronistic too. As we emailed back and forth, I was amazed that so many years could have passed – how could that be?
As I pack for our move, I’m being given the opportunity to clean up and get rid of stuff – and that includes more than just the physical. Going back in time to remember my philosophy, my lifestyle, my career, etc., I’m getting to see how much I’ve grown spiritually (I was an atheist until 19 years ago) as well as how the essence of Joyce has remained the same. And, I am getting to decide what I want to keep in my life – possessions, relationships, ideas...
There really is no such thing as time, and we live in multi-dimensions simultaneously. Still, I could spend many hours living in the ‘past’ and communicating about the old times, but I don’t want to get stuck there. The present is what matters. God isn’t in the past or in the future. God is here now.
A week ago I started culling through six boxes of documents and files spanning back more than a decade, many of which were related to my life when I lived in Santa Fe. It was a lengthy stroll down Memory Lane. The next day I received an email informing me about the death of a 12 Step friend/client from that time in my life. I thought it synchronistic.
Yesterday, I received a Facebook invitation from someone I’d known in undergrad days, more than 35 years ago. His name had crossed my mind just a day before, but it had rarely done so in all these years. I thought it weird; perhaps it was synchronistic too. As we emailed back and forth, I was amazed that so many years could have passed – how could that be?
As I pack for our move, I’m being given the opportunity to clean up and get rid of stuff – and that includes more than just the physical. Going back in time to remember my philosophy, my lifestyle, my career, etc., I’m getting to see how much I’ve grown spiritually (I was an atheist until 19 years ago) as well as how the essence of Joyce has remained the same. And, I am getting to decide what I want to keep in my life – possessions, relationships, ideas...
There really is no such thing as time, and we live in multi-dimensions simultaneously. Still, I could spend many hours living in the ‘past’ and communicating about the old times, but I don’t want to get stuck there. The present is what matters. God isn’t in the past or in the future. God is here now.
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Always Available
I entered the 12 Step program in March 1990 as a devout atheist. I soon discovered that people read daily meditation books related to their specific addiction, which helped them start their day off with some inspiration and contemplation. The words “God” or “Higher Power” could be found among the passages and it took some getting used to. Nonetheless, I really enjoyed the readings and found them helpful with my addiction of choice.
Within about six months, I was solidly believing in a Power greater than myself. Lo and behold, in February 1991 a publisher of recovery material came out with a new meditation book entitled In God’s Care (As We Understand God), Daily Meditations on Spirituality in Recovery. I embraced this little book because I wanted to be more focused on spirituality than on my addiction.
I gave my first copy, filled with lots of yellow highlights and black underscores, to a dear friend who was in AA, when he became seriously ill (I mentioned Jay in one of my first blogs). He made his transition some time later and I never got it back. I’m on my second copy now, 15+ years old.
My path has taken me beyond the 12 Steps, but I never tire of this book and still find joy and inspiration from reading of it. I can even read it online when the hard copy is not nearby. So, here’s part of today’s message:
“We see things not as they are, but as we are.” – H. M. Tomlinson
...Our more positive attitude today changes our understanding of earlier experiences... If we rely on God’s help, we’ll come to understand all our experiences as opportunities for growth and fulfillment. We can trust them, live through them, and be grateful for their contribution to our spiritual development.
The attitude we harbor is powerful...God is always available to help us accept the circumstances of our life.
In the midst of our latest adventures of bankruptcy, foreclosure, building our businesses, and looking for a place to hang our hats, both Rog and I are doing our spiritual work, staying connected to HP, and keeping a positive, joyful attitude. God is always available - to guide us, help us, uplift us.
Within about six months, I was solidly believing in a Power greater than myself. Lo and behold, in February 1991 a publisher of recovery material came out with a new meditation book entitled In God’s Care (As We Understand God), Daily Meditations on Spirituality in Recovery. I embraced this little book because I wanted to be more focused on spirituality than on my addiction.
I gave my first copy, filled with lots of yellow highlights and black underscores, to a dear friend who was in AA, when he became seriously ill (I mentioned Jay in one of my first blogs). He made his transition some time later and I never got it back. I’m on my second copy now, 15+ years old.
My path has taken me beyond the 12 Steps, but I never tire of this book and still find joy and inspiration from reading of it. I can even read it online when the hard copy is not nearby. So, here’s part of today’s message:
“We see things not as they are, but as we are.” – H. M. Tomlinson
...Our more positive attitude today changes our understanding of earlier experiences... If we rely on God’s help, we’ll come to understand all our experiences as opportunities for growth and fulfillment. We can trust them, live through them, and be grateful for their contribution to our spiritual development.
The attitude we harbor is powerful...God is always available to help us accept the circumstances of our life.
In the midst of our latest adventures of bankruptcy, foreclosure, building our businesses, and looking for a place to hang our hats, both Rog and I are doing our spiritual work, staying connected to HP, and keeping a positive, joyful attitude. God is always available - to guide us, help us, uplift us.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Reaching Bottom
In the 12 Step program one hears about “reaching bottom,” the idea that an individual has to get so far down, be in so much pain, before they will start on the road to recovery. Concerned members often pray that their fellows reach a bottom low enough to effect a change. However, although the founders and early members of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) had very low bottoms before they started their recovery, it was believed that those who followed wouldn’t have to reach such depths, that their bottoms could be ‘higher.’
The solution the 12 Step program offers focuses on a person finding a Power greater than themselves to help them with their problem (alcohol, food, sex, gambling, etc.) and this occurs through having a spiritual experience or spiritual awakening. The book Alcoholics Anonymous quotes Dr. Carl Jung as saying that such experiences “...appear to be in the nature of the huge emotional displacements and rearrangements. Ideas, emotions, and attitudes which were once the guiding forces of the lives of these men are cast to one side, and a completely new set of conceptions and motives begin to dominate them.” (page 27).
I believe that reaching bottom applies to not only people but to companies, organizations, and even nations. The United States of America, and numerous other countries for that matter, has been on a downward spiraling path to the bottom for a while in politics, finances, health care, environment – the list goes on and on. Values and behaviors have deteriorated to a disgraceful degree. It’s leading to a huge wake up call – and that is a blessing.
But what if we – as a nation, a planet - didn’t have to reach a low, low bottom to get the message and make a change? I’d been thinking that the bottom is going to be terrifically low and painful before people start waking up as to what’s really important in life (and it ain’t money and material things I assure you). But perhaps I’m wrong. Perhaps our bottom as a people, as a planet, is a high bottom and sufficient enough now for a transformation.
The words spoken yesterday throughout the U.S. Presidential Inaugural Ceremony - the oaths, address, and prayers -, and the response of the people makes me dare to hope that we have reached a sufficient bottom collectively.
I’m going to stop praying for the world and its people to reach their lowest bottom so that recovery can commence. Instead, I’m going to pray that the world be ready now to have that spiritual experience and awakening, that now people walk the walk of love, peace, and joy. That we are ready now to be what we truly are.
May God bless not just America, but all of us!
The solution the 12 Step program offers focuses on a person finding a Power greater than themselves to help them with their problem (alcohol, food, sex, gambling, etc.) and this occurs through having a spiritual experience or spiritual awakening. The book Alcoholics Anonymous quotes Dr. Carl Jung as saying that such experiences “...appear to be in the nature of the huge emotional displacements and rearrangements. Ideas, emotions, and attitudes which were once the guiding forces of the lives of these men are cast to one side, and a completely new set of conceptions and motives begin to dominate them.” (page 27).
I believe that reaching bottom applies to not only people but to companies, organizations, and even nations. The United States of America, and numerous other countries for that matter, has been on a downward spiraling path to the bottom for a while in politics, finances, health care, environment – the list goes on and on. Values and behaviors have deteriorated to a disgraceful degree. It’s leading to a huge wake up call – and that is a blessing.
But what if we – as a nation, a planet - didn’t have to reach a low, low bottom to get the message and make a change? I’d been thinking that the bottom is going to be terrifically low and painful before people start waking up as to what’s really important in life (and it ain’t money and material things I assure you). But perhaps I’m wrong. Perhaps our bottom as a people, as a planet, is a high bottom and sufficient enough now for a transformation.
The words spoken yesterday throughout the U.S. Presidential Inaugural Ceremony - the oaths, address, and prayers -, and the response of the people makes me dare to hope that we have reached a sufficient bottom collectively.
I’m going to stop praying for the world and its people to reach their lowest bottom so that recovery can commence. Instead, I’m going to pray that the world be ready now to have that spiritual experience and awakening, that now people walk the walk of love, peace, and joy. That we are ready now to be what we truly are.
May God bless not just America, but all of us!
Monday, December 29, 2008
Joy of the Deepest Kind
I get a thrill when a message in my various daily morning readings shows up in more than one, for I feel that there is synchronicity there and Spirit is clearly trying to communicate something that’s pretty important. This morning I got my thrill.
The topic of today’s Daily Word was Listen. The text included: In prayer, meditation, or with my own intuition, I pause and know what I am to do. For the good of myself, those near to me, and those I have yet to meet, I listen for and act on spiritual guidance.
Excerpted from today’s Science of Mind reading:
When we have reached the place of “nowhere to turn,” let us remind ourselves, as Jesus taught, it is the Father within who doeth the work. Our only responsibility is to go within to our own Christ Consciousness and accept divine guidance.
We begin to experience harmony in our lives and affairs to the degree that we allow spiritual guidance to influence our lives.
Affirmation
I lift my heart and mind to dwell on spiritual truths. I am transformed by the renewing of my mind.
Which leads me to today’s reading in Norman Vincent Peale’s Positive Living Day by Day: The individual who finds something useful to do beyond himself, who gives of himself, knows joy of the deepest kind.
For most of the past 20 years, a great deal of my ‘going beyond myself’ has been aimed at the 12 Step community. I came to believe in a Power greater than myself, recover from my addiction, and had my life and being transformed drastically. I found community that I so easily felt a part of. And, there I found meaning and purpose to my life as in no other place. I volunteered in a myriad of positions and, more importantly, directly helped people through peer counseling and holding a sacred place. This getting out of myself, going beyond myself, and finding something greater to contribute to the healing of the world brought me great joy. And, that joy is the deepest joy, feeling one with Spirit.
Since becoming inactive in the OA these last couple of years as my spiritual path took me beyond the 12 Steps, and not giving of much of myself in that way, I have lost and missed that higher meaning and purpose to my life. And, despite joys and many blessings in my life today, that “joy of the deepest kind” is asleep and I find my life and affairs not as harmonious as they could be.
Through increased prayer, meditation, my own intuition, and affirmation of my own Christ Consciousness, I am moving towards reawakening that joy as I look to serve in something bigger than me. I’m getting messages as to where to be of service and I am acting on that guidance. I am grateful.
As I give of myself, to that which is greater than myself, I heal myself and others. That is Oneness, that is God. Therein lays “joy of the deepest kind.”
The topic of today’s Daily Word was Listen. The text included: In prayer, meditation, or with my own intuition, I pause and know what I am to do. For the good of myself, those near to me, and those I have yet to meet, I listen for and act on spiritual guidance.
Excerpted from today’s Science of Mind reading:
When we have reached the place of “nowhere to turn,” let us remind ourselves, as Jesus taught, it is the Father within who doeth the work. Our only responsibility is to go within to our own Christ Consciousness and accept divine guidance.
We begin to experience harmony in our lives and affairs to the degree that we allow spiritual guidance to influence our lives.
Affirmation
I lift my heart and mind to dwell on spiritual truths. I am transformed by the renewing of my mind.
Which leads me to today’s reading in Norman Vincent Peale’s Positive Living Day by Day: The individual who finds something useful to do beyond himself, who gives of himself, knows joy of the deepest kind.
For most of the past 20 years, a great deal of my ‘going beyond myself’ has been aimed at the 12 Step community. I came to believe in a Power greater than myself, recover from my addiction, and had my life and being transformed drastically. I found community that I so easily felt a part of. And, there I found meaning and purpose to my life as in no other place. I volunteered in a myriad of positions and, more importantly, directly helped people through peer counseling and holding a sacred place. This getting out of myself, going beyond myself, and finding something greater to contribute to the healing of the world brought me great joy. And, that joy is the deepest joy, feeling one with Spirit.
Since becoming inactive in the OA these last couple of years as my spiritual path took me beyond the 12 Steps, and not giving of much of myself in that way, I have lost and missed that higher meaning and purpose to my life. And, despite joys and many blessings in my life today, that “joy of the deepest kind” is asleep and I find my life and affairs not as harmonious as they could be.
Through increased prayer, meditation, my own intuition, and affirmation of my own Christ Consciousness, I am moving towards reawakening that joy as I look to serve in something bigger than me. I’m getting messages as to where to be of service and I am acting on that guidance. I am grateful.
As I give of myself, to that which is greater than myself, I heal myself and others. That is Oneness, that is God. Therein lays “joy of the deepest kind.”
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
About Gratitude
When I was a devout atheist, I felt there was no one to be thankful to. That changed as soon as I came to believe in a power greater than myself. I’m grateful for that, for walking into the rooms of a 12 Step program, which led me to the most important thing in my life: God, as I understand God.
This week is one that I particularly pause to give thought to gratitude.
So it was no surprise (at least not to me, the facilitator :) ) that at last night’s meeting of the Gilbert Spirituality Meetup group, the topic was Gratitude. The shared stories were “inspirational” as one member put it. Yes, indeed.
When a father can get down on his knees after his son has died and the first words out of his mouth are “I am grateful...for the time You gave me with my child” that is inspiring. Recalling that this man, in his darkest hour, offered thanks to God and not venom, will get me back on track when I’m feeling less than grateful because of some minor occurrence that threw me into a tizzy.
Another member made a point of saying that even if you do have negative thoughts but have a semblance of gratitude, your energy vibrates at a higher frequency. That will get the spiral headed upward towards positivity.
I was reminded that every moment is a moment in which I can choose to be grateful. Every moment is unique, will not be repeated ever again, and hence is a sole/soul(!) opportunity to be seized and savored. The expression “Wake up and smell the roses” came to mind.
When I feel gratitude, my heart is full and I am oftimes moved to tears, tears of joy. When Rog expressed a connection between gratitude and joy, I realized he was right. He expounds upon this in his book Choosing Joy at Work.
Speaking of work, we can sometimes be self-conscious about expressing appreciation of others to those folks, especially in a business setting. What a stark indicator of our increased separation from our fellows with whom we are One. This group member was going to go ahead anyway and be her authentic, expressive, appreciative self. Yes!
When I surround myself with people who not only feel grateful, but express it – like at last night’s meeting - I feel uplifted. And, for that I am grateful.
This week is one that I particularly pause to give thought to gratitude.
So it was no surprise (at least not to me, the facilitator :) ) that at last night’s meeting of the Gilbert Spirituality Meetup group, the topic was Gratitude. The shared stories were “inspirational” as one member put it. Yes, indeed.
When a father can get down on his knees after his son has died and the first words out of his mouth are “I am grateful...for the time You gave me with my child” that is inspiring. Recalling that this man, in his darkest hour, offered thanks to God and not venom, will get me back on track when I’m feeling less than grateful because of some minor occurrence that threw me into a tizzy.
Another member made a point of saying that even if you do have negative thoughts but have a semblance of gratitude, your energy vibrates at a higher frequency. That will get the spiral headed upward towards positivity.
I was reminded that every moment is a moment in which I can choose to be grateful. Every moment is unique, will not be repeated ever again, and hence is a sole/soul(!) opportunity to be seized and savored. The expression “Wake up and smell the roses” came to mind.
When I feel gratitude, my heart is full and I am oftimes moved to tears, tears of joy. When Rog expressed a connection between gratitude and joy, I realized he was right. He expounds upon this in his book Choosing Joy at Work.
Speaking of work, we can sometimes be self-conscious about expressing appreciation of others to those folks, especially in a business setting. What a stark indicator of our increased separation from our fellows with whom we are One. This group member was going to go ahead anyway and be her authentic, expressive, appreciative self. Yes!
When I surround myself with people who not only feel grateful, but express it – like at last night’s meeting - I feel uplifted. And, for that I am grateful.
Saturday, November 15, 2008
My Story Continues...
[Continued from Yesterday’s Blog]
The day I departed for my first trip to Europe with six weeks of sobriety and 12 Step recovery under my belt, I had planned to work a good portion of the day and then leave directly for the airport from my office. I was delayed (ya know, just one more thing...), and rushed out of the World Financial Center in lower Manhattan hoping I would not miss my flight; I did not.
The plane was boarded, an older gentleman sat down next to me, and then he started making a fuss about the luggage under our seats. Nonetheless we settled in, the plane took flight, and before I knew it, my fellow traveler was placing a copy of the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous into the pouch in front of him! Excited and feeling an instant connection with him, I turned to him and told him I had a copy of the Big Book with me too. Thus a dreaded 7-hour flight to Rome sped by as we talked in the same language about the Program, our feelings, and our experiences.
This was synchronicity at work for numerous reasons and I chuckled that:
. In this plane with 300 or so passenger seats, a member of a 12 Step Fellowship was assigned to a seat next to me
. His unmistakable membership in this anonymous association was revealed to me (and early in the trip)
. Peter was an American (like me) from the northeastern United States (like me) in a planeload mostly full of Italian-speaking Romans
. Last, but certainly not least, Peter was a Christian missionary stationed in Rome!
The significance here for me was strong. I was not left alone, new in my sobriety and new in my traveling to Europe. I got to enjoy the company of a ‘man of the cloth’ whereas up until this time, I had looked askance at ‘such people.’ Also, this came at a time when I was actively searching for a higher power. I walked off that plane onto another continent with a new attitude, my perspective shifted.
Upon hearing this story, my dear friend Jay (a member of the AA Fellowship) said to me “Even you, Joyce, have to admit this had to be more than a coincidence...” Indeed, even I. I chuckled, knowing (and glad) that my evolving conception of a higher power had a sense of humor.
The day I departed for my first trip to Europe with six weeks of sobriety and 12 Step recovery under my belt, I had planned to work a good portion of the day and then leave directly for the airport from my office. I was delayed (ya know, just one more thing...), and rushed out of the World Financial Center in lower Manhattan hoping I would not miss my flight; I did not.
The plane was boarded, an older gentleman sat down next to me, and then he started making a fuss about the luggage under our seats. Nonetheless we settled in, the plane took flight, and before I knew it, my fellow traveler was placing a copy of the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous into the pouch in front of him! Excited and feeling an instant connection with him, I turned to him and told him I had a copy of the Big Book with me too. Thus a dreaded 7-hour flight to Rome sped by as we talked in the same language about the Program, our feelings, and our experiences.
This was synchronicity at work for numerous reasons and I chuckled that:
. In this plane with 300 or so passenger seats, a member of a 12 Step Fellowship was assigned to a seat next to me
. His unmistakable membership in this anonymous association was revealed to me (and early in the trip)
. Peter was an American (like me) from the northeastern United States (like me) in a planeload mostly full of Italian-speaking Romans
. Last, but certainly not least, Peter was a Christian missionary stationed in Rome!
The significance here for me was strong. I was not left alone, new in my sobriety and new in my traveling to Europe. I got to enjoy the company of a ‘man of the cloth’ whereas up until this time, I had looked askance at ‘such people.’ Also, this came at a time when I was actively searching for a higher power. I walked off that plane onto another continent with a new attitude, my perspective shifted.
Upon hearing this story, my dear friend Jay (a member of the AA Fellowship) said to me “Even you, Joyce, have to admit this had to be more than a coincidence...” Indeed, even I. I chuckled, knowing (and glad) that my evolving conception of a higher power had a sense of humor.
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