11. Spirituality
April 28th, 2008 by Bruce M
Both abundance and lack exist simultaneously in our lives, as parallel realities. It is always our conscious choice which secret garden we will tend…when we choose not to focus on what is missing from our lives but are grateful for the abundance that’s present–love, health, family, friends, work, the joys of nature and personal pursuits that bring us pleasure–the wasteland of illusion falls away and we experience Heaven on earth.–Sarah Ban Breathnach
defined as:…1: of, relating to, consisting of, or affecting the spirit : incorporeal…
2 a: of or relating to sacred matters b: ecclesiastical rather than lay or temporal…
3: concerned with religious values…4: related or joined in spirit…5 a: of or relating to supernatural beings or phenomena… b: of, relating to, or involving spiritualism : spiritualistic
The recovery process has taught me that it is all about a relationship with myself, others and a spiritual power. For this to happen I needed to have the initial contact, meeting, and re-introduction. After that was put in place it was my responsibility to do my part in developing that relationship, maintaining the contact through the act of communicating, and active listening. In the rooms of recovery people were talking about “improving their conscience contact” with those relationships. Spiritual growth is the process of inner awakening, and becoming conscious of my inner being. It means the rising of the consciousness beyond the ordinary existence, and awakening to some universal truths. It means going beyond my mind and ego and realizing who I really am. This process uncovers my inner spirit that has always been present, but hidden and covered up by my active use and selfish behavior. Spiritual growth has been the basis for a better and more harmonious life. By discovering who I really am, I take a different approach to life. I am learning to not let outer circumstances influence my inner being and state of mind. There are some methods I have used for growing and becoming a stronger, happier and more responsible person. A balanced life requires that I take care not only of the necessities of my body, feelings and mind, but also of my spirit. I feel this is my role for spiritual growth. I try to read as much of spiritual and uplifting books I can find. I process what I read, and find out how I can use the information in my life. I try to meditate for at least fifteen minutes every day. There are many forms of meditation you can use. It was important for me to find a practice of meditation that was comfortable for me. It is easy to find books, websites or teachers who can teach meditation. It took on a deeper form of active listening that I spoke about earlier. I have learned to make my mind quiet through concentration exercises and meditation. This helps me receive new, and clearer information. I acknowledge the fact that I am a spiritual being with a physical body, not a physical body trying to be more spiritual. When I really accepted this idea, it changed my attitude towards many things in my life. I began to look more often into myself and into my mind, and tried to find out what it was that makes me feel conscious and alive. I was feeling more in control of what entered my mind. I was opening the door for the positive, and closing it on the negative. I was developing a happiness habit, by always looking at the bright side of life and giving myself permission to be happy. Happiness comes from within. My will power was less of a threat to me and I was making better decisions in my life. My attitude was based on gratitude for what I was getting from this deep relationship. In doing this, I have also developed more tolerance, patience, tact and consideration for others. I believe spiritual growth is my birthright. It is the key to a life of happiness and peace of mind. It has manifested an enormous power of my inner spirit. It truly has been a spiritual awakening.
Love and Respect, Bruce M.
April 28th, 2008 at 12:06 pm
Websters on spirit: an animating or vital principle held to give life to physical organisms. On further study, websters’ reads; life itself. The intelligent, immaterial and immortal part of man.
Many people think that they have a spirit. Well, I can see that Websters clearly defines that which we are.
Life itself.
Much different than our house, our cars, our jobs, or money. If we went to war and lost a limb, would we be any less? If I lost my job, my house, my wife, would I be any less? How about if I became a drug addict and stole from my friends and family?
What if I felt really bad about myself, and began to hate? Would I be any less?
I could clearly destroy everything that was “good” about me, and yet, would I be any less?
And having done all of these transgressions, can I then change my mind and begin to salvage all that is good?
Can I begin to make restitution, and correct the wrong, and make it right? Can I have the power to find a need and provide the service that other find of value?
And does this make me better, more than?
I don’t think so, and many can argue with that. But I think that it’s the experience or the effects that thrill us. Some take it further than others like to go, a “lets see how far we can take this” aptitude.
But we all belong to a fraternity called life.
And some would like to learn from the experience of others mistakes.( I think they’re the smart ones!)
And others feel that they don’t need anyones help, they can mess it up all by themselves, and they’re right. And still, they’re not any less!
I think that therapy has gotten a bad rap, because a lot of it doesn’t work. Being a therapist, myself, doesn’t feel too good. I mean, how can I fix a person who’s life is all a bunk, if I can not add things or take things away? How can I change his mind, when he is quite happy with all a bunk? And can I really fix a person? Has anyone really fixed another?
Well, maybe I can ask him if he is ready to change his mind, about all this bunk, and start something new.
Maybe after a good long look at all the effects that were created by all the bunk, he would be ready to change his mind about it. I can guarantee one thing, he won’t until he is ready to. And yet, if we don’t help him clear that path, he won’t get out. There is one think I know about man. No body likes a quitter. And if it was too easy, well, it just wasn’t put there good enough. Maybe some therapy will work…
Chris Parker