tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77269252024-03-07T14:11:06.451-05:00These RoomsAlcoholism & Addiction 12-Step Recovery Blog - Sharing Messages of Spirituality, Experience, Strength & HopeUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger1161125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7726925.post-60936039641316219532011-05-17T18:23:00.005-04:002011-05-17T18:33:00.715-04:00Optimism Heals<div>Spring is when you feel like whistling even with a shoe full of slush.<br />--Doug Larson<br /><br />"An optimistic outlook gives us energy to handle the harder things that we have to deal with. Research shows that people who have a positive attitude have a stronger immune system, are healthier, live longer, and are even more likely to recover from serious illness.<br /><br />"To believe in hopeful outcomes is largely a matter of choice. Many of us have experienced big disappointments and defeats in life. But having come this far, we can look back and see that somehow we had the capacity to deal with it. The Second Step guides us to believe in hopeful possibilities. We can't say that things will always turn out just the way we hope, but that we can cope with whatever happens.<br /><br />"Today I choose to believe that a power greater than myself can help me deal with life, and I have reason to be optimistic."<br /><br />---from <strong>Today's thought</strong> from Hazelden from the book <a href="http://www.hazelden.org/OA_HTML/ibeCCtpItmDspRte.jsp?item=4902&sitex=10020:22372:US">Wisdom to Know</a>.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7726925.post-52196850352621077652009-03-31T09:38:00.000-04:002009-03-31T09:38:46.815-04:00Travel with God's Eyes"Travelling - seeing new sights, hearing new music, and meeting new people - is exciting and exhilarating. But when we have no home to return to where someone will ask us, "How was your trip?" we might be less eager to go. Travelling is joyful when we travel with the eyes and ears of those who love us, who want to see our slides and hear our stories.<br /><br />"This is what life is about. It is being sent on a trip by a loving God, who is waiting at home for our return and is eager to watch the slides we took and hear about the friends we made. When we travel with the eyes and ears of the God who sent us, we will see wonderful sights, hear wonderful sounds, meet wonderful people ... and be happy to return home."<br /><br />---<a href="http://www.henrinouwen.org/">Henri Nouwen</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7726925.post-45992856233034588272009-03-31T09:31:00.002-04:002009-03-31T09:34:36.377-04:00To Watch Loneliness Vanish<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-Q7dYNp1bDdxn6hVk-iwB7JvAPBpWtT8n_rVATatXO5qhW7PB4jVtbrpTP41VxEh-qHEFfNS_DT2jVP4LvSi53bAP6tfQMyfQOLqatn6WB1OcRNSy_ULbbBRrJWOaD9cN4vZv/s1600-h/gateway.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 236px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-Q7dYNp1bDdxn6hVk-iwB7JvAPBpWtT8n_rVATatXO5qhW7PB4jVtbrpTP41VxEh-qHEFfNS_DT2jVP4LvSi53bAP6tfQMyfQOLqatn6WB1OcRNSy_ULbbBRrJWOaD9cN4vZv/s320/gateway.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319344687767286066" /></a>"Almost without exception, alcoholics are tortured by loneliness. Even before our drinking got bad and people began to cut us off, nearly all of us suffered the feeling that we didn't quite belong. ? Either we were shy, and dared not draw near others, or we were noisy good fellows constantly craving attention and companionship, but rarely getting it. There was always that mysterious barrier we could neither surmount nor understand.<br /><br />"That's one reason we loved alcohol too well. But even Bacchus betrayed us; we were finally struck down and left in terrified isolation."<br /><br /><<< >>><br /><br />"Life takes on new meaning in A.A. To watch people recover, to see them help others, to watch loneliness vanish, to see a fellowship grow up about you, to have a host of friends--this is an experience not to be missed."<br /><br />1. TWELVE AND TWELVE, P. 57<br />ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, P. 89Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7726925.post-40547952120037932502009-02-26T20:31:00.001-05:002009-02-26T20:34:39.789-05:00No Ordinary Success StoryA.A. is no success story in the ordinary sense of the word. It is a story of suffering transmuted, under grace, into spiritual progress.<br />AS BILL SEES IT, p. 35<br /><br />Upon entering A.A. I listened to others talk about the reality of their drinking: loneliness, terror and pain. As I listened further, I soon heard a description of a very different kind--the reality of sobriety. It is a reality of freedom and happiness, of purpose and direction, and of serenity and peace with God, ourselves and others. <br /><br />By attending meetings, I am reintroduced to that reality, over and over. I see it<br />in the eyes and hear it in the voices of those around me. By working the program I find the direction and strength with which to make it mine. The joy of A.A. is that this new reality is available to me.<br /><br />from Daily Reflections copyright AAWS, Inc.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7726925.post-47270677704104681512009-02-26T20:23:00.001-05:002009-02-26T20:26:27.131-05:00Focus on a Higher Power<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW4LpktW9nOAtOkBIXaHJif6g8WNF453LGuxUGu6imvo5XMaqeXvMNknHFwFrmvJZnyqzJfZDqmEfHdm5ZtDU39phYan31zP7OymA2Ky-gYxz7yhrQsgPUb-JetEkMe5FGQTp-/s1600-h/Nature-Silhouettes-1-7.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW4LpktW9nOAtOkBIXaHJif6g8WNF453LGuxUGu6imvo5XMaqeXvMNknHFwFrmvJZnyqzJfZDqmEfHdm5ZtDU39phYan31zP7OymA2Ky-gYxz7yhrQsgPUb-JetEkMe5FGQTp-/s320/Nature-Silhouettes-1-7.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5307282227906049714" /></a>"'The Great Spirit is the one that's looking after us.' <br />--Jimmy Jackson, Ojibway <br /><br />"The only place our minds can find peace is when our focus is on the Creator. Daily we need to ask the Creator to direct our thinking. When we look at our brothers and sisters, we need to see the Creator in them. When we look at the trees, plants and the animals, we need to realize the Creator is within us. Our attention needs to be on the Creator. When we work, we do it for the Creator. When we are troubled, we need to pray to the Creator. When we are happy and joyful, we need to realize we are feeling the presence of the Creator. Thinking God thoughts will produce peace. <br /><br />"Oh Great Mystery, let me focus on You today."<br /><br />From <a href="http://www.whitebison.org/">whitebison.org daily message</a>.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7726925.post-38120847773768670302009-01-30T10:16:00.003-05:002009-01-30T10:25:31.185-05:00Drinking Cuts, Recovery Heals<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvNfUqiY9uQyvY4IF-2oEdNlH8pZyo7v7UwdLQwgQN1d8I2E-Nm69zYCi8QOmwrciGqAq-qvhbzFt4t3dAbs8TIB16HLeUHqo8XrgZTIdCRlS2cDv1gOrp8p1a-2QWQGMd_Eft/s1600-h/loving+heart.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 250px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvNfUqiY9uQyvY4IF-2oEdNlH8pZyo7v7UwdLQwgQN1d8I2E-Nm69zYCi8QOmwrciGqAq-qvhbzFt4t3dAbs8TIB16HLeUHqo8XrgZTIdCRlS2cDv1gOrp8p1a-2QWQGMd_Eft/s320/loving+heart.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5297107942526787874" /></a>"A drinking life isn't a happy life. Drinking cuts you off from other people and from God. One of the worst things about drinking is the loneliness. And one of the best things about A.A. is the fellowship. Drinking cuts you off from other people, at least from the people who really matter to you, your wife and children, your family and real friends. No matter how much you love them, you build up a wall between you and them by your drinking. You're cut off from any real companionship with them. As a result, you're terribly lonely. Have I got rid of my loneliness?<br /><br />"Meditation For The Day<br /><br />"I will sometimes go into a quiet place of retreat with God. In that place, I will find restoration and healing and power. I will plan quiet times now and then, times when I will commune with God and arise rested and refreshed to carry on the work which God has given me to do. I know that God will never give me a load greater than I can bear. It is in serenity and peace that all true success lies.<br /><br />"Prayer For The Day<br /><br />"I pray that I may strengthen my inner life, so that I may find serenity. I pray that my soul may be restored in quietness and peace."<br /><br />24 Hours a Day meditation is copyright AAWS, Inc.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7726925.post-83025155423071083272009-01-28T11:15:00.003-05:002009-01-28T11:19:06.050-05:00We Pause ... And Ask<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisJa9_jgtm2aAYhWsg31aJoOba3BGxaeaPCgFkNKCYI_O0JZfRR90k87HckpLvZzlkxe-KKmU1INT3pEZcXEmWKXDlHbhey_XOR8cNyf58N1kGxuZmU3iDuOHU-lTMOOaSLPgo/s1600-h/streamside.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 252px; height: 318px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisJa9_jgtm2aAYhWsg31aJoOba3BGxaeaPCgFkNKCYI_O0JZfRR90k87HckpLvZzlkxe-KKmU1INT3pEZcXEmWKXDlHbhey_XOR8cNyf58N1kGxuZmU3iDuOHU-lTMOOaSLPgo/s320/streamside.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296379834379338930" /></a>As we go through the day we pause, when agitated or doubtful and ask for the right thought or action.<br />ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 87<br /><br />Today I humbly ask my Higher Power for the grace to find the space between my impulse and my action; to let flow a cooling breeze when I would respond with heat; to interrupt fierceness with gentle peace; to accept the moment which allows judgment to become discernment; to defer to silence when my tongue would rush to attack or defend.<br /><br />I promise to watch for every opportunity to turn toward my Higher Power for guidance. I know where this power is: it resides within me, as clear as a mountain brook, hidden in the hills -- it is the unsuspected Inner Resource.I thank my Higher Power for this world of light and truth I see when I allow it to direct my vision. I trust it today and hope it trusts me to make all effort to find the right thought or action today.<br /><br />Copyright 1990 ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS WORLD SERVICES, INC. Daily ReflectionUnknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7726925.post-57850098972467735022009-01-28T11:13:00.001-05:002009-01-28T11:14:43.377-05:00The 12 Steps We Arrived With1. We admitted we were powerless over nothing - that we could manage our lives perfectly and those of anyone who would allow us.<br /><br />2. We came to believe that there was no power greater than ourselves and the rest of the world was insane.<br /><br />3. We made a decision to have our loved ones turn their wills and their lives over to our care even though they couldn't understand us at all.<br /><br />4. We made a searching and fearless moral inventory of everyone we knew.<br /><br />5. We admitted to the whole world the exact nature of everyone else's wrongs.<br /><br />6. We were entirely ready to make others give us the respect we deserved.<br /><br />7. We demanded others do our will because we were always enlightened.<br /><br />8. We made a list of all persons who had harmed us and became willing to go to any lengths to get even with them all.<br /><br />9. We got direct revenge on such people wherever possible, except when to do so would cost us our lives or at the very least a jail sentence.<br /><br />10. Continued to take inventory of others and when they were wrong promptly and repeatedly told them about it.<br /><br />11. Sought through complaining and medication to improve our relations with others, as we would not understand them at all, asking only that they do things our way.<br /><br />12. Having had a complete physical, emotional and spiritual breakdown as a result of these steps, we tried to blame others and to get sympathy and pity in all our affairs.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7726925.post-67225333211100483562009-01-14T10:04:00.002-05:002009-01-14T10:13:45.547-05:00Step Worksheets<p> </p><p>First Step Worksheets, lead you through the First Step.<br /><a href="http://www.royy.com/step1.pdf">Adobe PDF format</a></p><p><a href="http://www.royy.com/step1.rtf">Rich Text format</a><br /></p><p>Fourth Step Worksheets, lead you through the Fourth Step.<br /><a href="http://www.royy.com/step4.pdf">Adobe PDF format</a></p><p><a href="http://www.royy.com/step4.rtf">Rich Text format</a> </p><br /><br />from <a href="http://www.royy.com/">royy.com</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7726925.post-51177680080548650392009-01-14T09:40:00.003-05:002009-01-14T09:46:09.206-05:00Accepting Anger<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyyd2OpIiXXt41Q1dIh9rLbannOCwKS9_hR1duTXviOx3fUQHrVeYCaZUpGIeDgTm1tefxtgRLEjzZG3Ac3nsU6-HbcHiNznRpGcRhbzjBZePDEQJmkgTUw8WVS3Pli8F9Y4hp/s1600-h/anger+painting.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 235px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyyd2OpIiXXt41Q1dIh9rLbannOCwKS9_hR1duTXviOx3fUQHrVeYCaZUpGIeDgTm1tefxtgRLEjzZG3Ac3nsU6-HbcHiNznRpGcRhbzjBZePDEQJmkgTUw8WVS3Pli8F9Y4hp/s320/anger+painting.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5291160191478356370" /></a>Anger is one of the many profound effects life has on us. It's one of our emotions. And we're going to feel it when it comes our way -- or else repress it.<br />--Codependent No More<br /><br />If I were working a good program, I wouldn't get angry.... If I were a good Christian, I wouldn't feel angry.... If I were really using my affirmations about how happy I am, I wouldn't be angry.... Those are old messages that seduce us into not feeling again. Anger is part of life. We need not dwell in it or seek it out, but we can't afford to ignore it.<br /><br />In recovery, we learn we can shamelessly feel all our feelings, including anger, and still take responsibility for what we do when we feel angry. We don't have to let anger control us, but it surely will if we prevent ourselves from feeling it.<br /><br />Being grateful, being positive, being healthy, does not mean we never feel angry. Being grateful, positive, and healthy means we feel angry when we need to.<br /><br />Today, I will let myself be angry, if I need to. I can feel and release my emotions, including anger, constructively. I will be grateful for my anger and the things it is trying to show me. I can feel and accept all my emotions without shame, and I can take responsibility for my actions.<br /><br />You are reading from the book The Language of Letting Go by Melody Beattie ©1990, Hazelden Foundation.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7726925.post-42083206002092919432009-01-12T10:55:00.001-05:002009-01-12T10:57:15.967-05:00The Spiritual Work of GratitudeTo be grateful for the good things that happen in our lives is easy, but to be grateful for all of our lives-the good as well as the bad, the moments of joy as well as the moments of sorrow, the successes as well as the failures, the rewards as well as the rejections-that requires hard spiritual work. Still, we are only truly grateful people when we can say thank you to all that has brought us to the present moment. As long as we keep dividing our lives between events and people we would like to remember and those we would rather forget, we cannot claim the fullness of our beings as a gift of God to be grateful for.<br /><br />Let's not be afraid to look at everything that has brought us to where we are now and trust that we will soon see in it the guiding hand of a loving God.<br /><br />--<a href="http://www.henrinouwen.org/">Henri Nouwen</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7726925.post-60655381888485448292009-01-08T14:47:00.003-05:002009-01-08T14:54:22.933-05:00At a Turning Point<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6brYP0RYjGZcV-UC4bjHuie-ndZFuQjSrN5MlGBlUdchB5q0Y9AMQyNc58Eoc1oih_axv5aSVwudH_0FQkTdmtbHKzgwqqh0vIP89mdxglALEc28mj1pJUQbDAILcXS-NCV8e/s1600-h/untitled.bmp"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6brYP0RYjGZcV-UC4bjHuie-ndZFuQjSrN5MlGBlUdchB5q0Y9AMQyNc58Eoc1oih_axv5aSVwudH_0FQkTdmtbHKzgwqqh0vIP89mdxglALEc28mj1pJUQbDAILcXS-NCV8e/s320/untitled.bmp" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5289013446348831442" /></a>Half measures availed us nothing. We stood at the turning point. We asked for God's protection and care with complete abandon. <br />-ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 59 <br /><br />Every day I stand at turning points. My thoughts and actions can propel me toward growth or turn me down the road to old habits and to booze. Sometimes turning points are beginnings, as when I decide to start praising, instead of condemning someone. Or when I begin to ask for help instead of going it alone.<br /> <br />At other times turning points are endings, such as when I see clearly the need to stop festering resentments or crippling self-seeking. Many shortcomings tempt me daily; therefore, I also have daily opportunities to become aware of them. In one form or another, many of my character defects appear daily: self-condemnation, anger, running away, being prideful, wanting to get even, or acting out of grandiosity. <br /><br />Attempting half measures to eliminate these defects merely paralyzes my efforts to change. It is only when I ask God for help, with complete abandon, that I become willing -- and able -- to change. <br /><br />from Daily Reflection copyright AAWS Inc.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7726925.post-90605943473849755512008-12-03T17:17:00.003-05:002009-02-26T20:27:10.053-05:00Check in with God<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_V49C2IPSe8qvf9571EF98mk9chnf5NlSbYgCdmCWW7SE1PHpUi1F61AKa4Su_hxBdHxEl8o24rlwsaiB9j5xBSRMof57C_pM6QAXaKsukUhInAxKv6B0nAcQYM41Ez5q0B_P/s1600-h/art.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 182px; height: 243px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_V49C2IPSe8qvf9571EF98mk9chnf5NlSbYgCdmCWW7SE1PHpUi1F61AKa4Su_hxBdHxEl8o24rlwsaiB9j5xBSRMof57C_pM6QAXaKsukUhInAxKv6B0nAcQYM41Ez5q0B_P/s320/art.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5275691785747415554" /></a>"'The smarter a man is the more he needs God to protect him from thinking he knows everything.'<br />--George Webb, PIMA <br /><br />'A spiritual person needs to be careful. The more confident we are, the more likely our egos will get us into trouble. It's relatively easy to become self-righteous. We start to think we are teachers and others are students. We start to judge others. We start, very subtlely at first, to play God. After a while we really get good at it. This is very dangerous. We need to remind ourselves, we are here to do God's will. We need to pray every morning. Each day we need to check in with God to see what He would have us do. At night we need to spend time with God and review our day. By doing these things, we will stay on track. <br /><br />'My Creator, guide my path and show me how to correct my life." <br /><br />Elder's Meditation of the Day from <a href="http://www.whitebison.org/">White Bison</a>.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7726925.post-17127332369929129622008-12-03T16:57:00.004-05:002008-12-03T17:01:33.486-05:00Open to Possibilities<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjge0lNAnpABiozPJboVITWJJEeF85nj6r7sBncn6EO66kWAKexLpn05IBPgASExpTjux44skcToUIHzeY7cZYu46AMPJzUpPRnRUym3IXvTWcqQ0WGU8pLCcoSv0Qr3Iait8X/s1600-h/Open~to~Possibilities.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 245px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjge0lNAnpABiozPJboVITWJJEeF85nj6r7sBncn6EO66kWAKexLpn05IBPgASExpTjux44skcToUIHzeY7cZYu46AMPJzUpPRnRUym3IXvTWcqQ0WGU8pLCcoSv0Qr3Iait8X/s320/Open~to~Possibilities.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5275687275027736290" /></a>"'Perhaps for the first time, we see a vision of our new life.' Basic Text p. 34<br /><br />'In our addiction, our vision of ourselves was very limited. Each day, we went through the same routine: getting, using, and finding ways and means to get more. And that's all we could reasonably expect for the duration of our lives. Our potential was limited.<br /><br />'Today, our prospects are changed. Recovery has given us a new vision of ourselves and our lives. We are no longer trapped in the endlessly gray routine of addiction. We are free to stretch ourselves in new ways, trying out new ideas and new activities. In doing so, we come to see ourselves in a new way. Our potential is limited only by the strength of the Higher Power that cares for us-and that strength has no limits.<br /><br />'In recovery, life and everything in it appears open to us. Guided by our spiritual principles, driven by the power given us by the God of our understanding, our horizons are limitless.<br /><br />'Just for today: I will open my eyes to the possibilities before me. My potential is as limitless and as powerful as the God of my understanding.Today, I will act on that potential."<br /><br />Just For Today Daily Meditation is the property of Narcotics Anonymous ©1991 by World Service Office Inc.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7726925.post-55370271526654480292008-11-22T09:19:00.003-05:002009-02-26T20:27:45.179-05:00Let Me Be Intimate<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFiW-OsiEfW-riks2xWWPP9WP06ZURf7jR4DWNQRoiA0_8LRKyKNyIh6NU2bRMra8DqA7cPvSP1XWrbB7q3wOUioGXrokfbCSLQQrSSGnzM0eaelNiESnzNSNhfqQ6drNHJEOC/s1600-h/holding-hands.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFiW-OsiEfW-riks2xWWPP9WP06ZURf7jR4DWNQRoiA0_8LRKyKNyIh6NU2bRMra8DqA7cPvSP1XWrbB7q3wOUioGXrokfbCSLQQrSSGnzM0eaelNiESnzNSNhfqQ6drNHJEOC/s320/holding-hands.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5271487108249436002" /></a>"'It's the most precious thing...to know absolutely where you belong. There's a whole emotional wrapping-around-of-you here. You see the same rock, tree, road, clouds, sun -- you develop a nice kind of intimacy with the world around you. To be intimate is to grow, to learn...[it] is absolutely fulfilling. Intimacy, that's my magic word for why I live here.' <br />--Tessie Maranjo, SANTA CLARA PUEBLO <br /><br />"Every human being, to be mentally healthy, must have the feeling of belonging. When we have a sense of belonging we can be intimate. We can feel. We can connect. If we cannot develop this feeling of belonging, then we will feel lost of disconnected. To be disconnected from life is like walking around during the day not knowing the Sun exists. To have the feelings of intimacy is warm, glowy, joyful, loving and connected. The feeling this Elder is talking about is available to everyone. <br /><br />"Great Spirit, let me be intimate."<br /><br />From <a href="http://www.whitebison.org/">White Bison</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7726925.post-82924407409349560902008-11-14T11:11:00.003-05:002008-11-14T11:19:21.110-05:00So Much Depends on My Attitude<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfVi-fLsLHp2zB_PVhg2MsdQArX3AregoNM6C0DDIqJMqdhcMF7-r-Rqgf9XyjEmfKF5Lh1Y0afmKlv78kJsHC9iz-rKmqXgKGK6-y4Vol4vYHmCxrHPoI2ijz_Hv8i73rSnvI/s1600-h/atttitudes.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 238px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfVi-fLsLHp2zB_PVhg2MsdQArX3AregoNM6C0DDIqJMqdhcMF7-r-Rqgf9XyjEmfKF5Lh1Y0afmKlv78kJsHC9iz-rKmqXgKGK6-y4Vol4vYHmCxrHPoI2ijz_Hv8i73rSnvI/s320/atttitudes.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5268548491507199762" /></a>"Our...happiness...[is] not necessarily determined by what happens to us in our lives, but how we perceive what happens to us.<br /><br />Life happens. It happens all day, every day, and there really isn't much we can do to stop it from doing so. With all of our interactions with other people, it's inevitable that someone, some time, is going to do something that hurts us in some way. Some things are going to happen that make it seem like the world is conspiring against us. But the important thing about that, of course, is how we perceive the occurrences, how we see what happens to us.<br /><br />"If we take the world and its happenings with a grain of salt, we can keep in mind that things really aren't that bad, that everything is a matter of degree. In that perspective lies a realistic view of the world that can allow us to take the things that happen with a high degree of equanimity, with a pragmatism that tells us that yes, things may be going poorly, but life is a series of cycles, and things always come around for the better unless we don't allow them to do so. Many of us do, in fact, keep the better things from happening simply because we get so caught up in the bad things that we tend to perpetuate them in our lives, often unconsciously.<br /><br />"You don't always have control over the occurrences of your life, but you most certainly do have control over your perspective, over how you see things. What are you going to do with that perspective--train it to see the positive side of everything, or allow it to drag you with it when it focuses only on the negative?...<br /><br />"For further thought:<br /><br />'Remember, a small trouble is like a pebble. Hold it too close to your eye and it puts everything out of focus. Hold it at proper viewing distance and it can be examined and classified. Throw it at your feet and see it in its true setting--just one more tiny bump on the pathway.'<br /><br />--Barbara Johnson"<br /><br />From <a href="http://www.livinglifefully.com/">Living Life Fully</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7726925.post-33838906149738123562008-11-13T14:42:00.002-05:002008-11-13T14:46:52.674-05:00Circle of Self-Examination, Prayer & Meditation<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvXR390ZZpRRffEVgTyGezdrB5eOUD0N_Q0-rKc7r5w8oKlWo3k_t07DzjuFJA2G3FpLefiQwM4xDAZwxtKVh1uAuXOj89XksIrx7q08H_qAHMViP7DpWEo2OPsNF7uX3Nk5-3/s1600-h/mandalaflowerofheaven450.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvXR390ZZpRRffEVgTyGezdrB5eOUD0N_Q0-rKc7r5w8oKlWo3k_t07DzjuFJA2G3FpLefiQwM4xDAZwxtKVh1uAuXOj89XksIrx7q08H_qAHMViP7DpWEo2OPsNF7uX3Nk5-3/s320/mandalaflowerofheaven450.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5268230861658260466" /></a>"There is a direct linkage among self-examination, meditation, and prayer. Taken separately, these practices can bring much relief and benefit.<br />TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 98<br /><br />"If I do my self-examination first, then surely, I'll have enough humility to pray and meditate -- because I'll see and feel my need for them. Some wish to begin and end with prayer, leaving the self-examination and meditation to take place in between, whereas others start with meditation, listening for advice from God about their still hidden or unacknowledged defects. Still others engage in written and verbal work on their defects, ending with a prayer of praise and thanksgiving. These three -- self-examination, meditation and prayer -- form a circle, without a beginning or an end. No matter where, or how, I start, I eventually arrive at my destination: a better life."<br /><br />from Daily Reflections<br />Copyright 1990 ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS WORLD SERVICES, INC.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7726925.post-48273983929818841542008-11-13T14:31:00.005-05:002009-01-14T09:47:11.865-05:00Surrender Leads to Acceptance<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwXlOqK1UfpczMWbJSoeTjOu8Skj1fhZiEEa0j65CYt0506UPktNZnrTZ4l5zSCMitZGrdd7e5eTjK9gGXNRHkcZ01ozPPErarXtjz4tEP7-J0W6Dbc6MIAcn6oZkpt4hISB97/s1600-h/Surrender_Dorothy.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwXlOqK1UfpczMWbJSoeTjOu8Skj1fhZiEEa0j65CYt0506UPktNZnrTZ4l5zSCMitZGrdd7e5eTjK9gGXNRHkcZ01ozPPErarXtjz4tEP7-J0W6Dbc6MIAcn6oZkpt4hISB97/s320/Surrender_Dorothy.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5268229194110305330" /></a>"'We surrender quietly and let the God of our understanding take care of us.'<br />--Basic Text p. 26<br /><br />"Surrender and acceptance are like infatuation and love. Infatuation begins when we encounter someone special. Infatuation requires nothing but the acknowledgement of the object of our infatuation. For infatuation to become love, however, requires a great deal of effort. That initial connection must be slowly, patiently nurtured into a lasting, durable bond.<br /><br />"It's the same with surrender and acceptance. We surrender when we acknowledge our powerlessness. Slowly, we come to believe that a Power greater than ourselves can give us the care we need. Surrender turns to acceptance when we let this Power into our lives. We examine ourselves and let our God see us as we are. Having allowed the God of our understanding access to the depths of ourselves, we accept more of God's care. We ask this Power to relieve us of our shortcomings and help us amend the wrongs we've done. Then, we embark on a new way of life, improving our conscious contact and accepting our Higher Power's continuing care, guidance, and strength.<br /><br />"Surrender, like infatuation, can be the beginning of a lifelong relationship. To turn surrender into acceptance, however, we must let the God of our understanding take care of us each day.<br /><br />"Just for today: My recovery is more than infatuation. I have surrendered."<br /><br />Just For Today Daily Meditation<br />Narcotics Anonymous ©1991 by World Service Office Inc.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7726925.post-40948991670504257342008-11-10T10:01:00.002-05:002008-11-10T10:06:03.894-05:00Maintain Contact with the Memory of the Pain<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW4Ivu3HRjaVMkhImyEJj_OS39WjKM8KG0jOl4_EUvetSmgfuxwXIsEc9wRnCKD5o2e6CiKnjvZ-h9IJ-Mn1iqYKLExFuIy9A8maLF3_UGaoi_t9U4tDN72rBf30rP4BFOu4Fw/s1600-h/young-man-showing-pain-of-abusing-alcohol.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 257px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW4Ivu3HRjaVMkhImyEJj_OS39WjKM8KG0jOl4_EUvetSmgfuxwXIsEc9wRnCKD5o2e6CiKnjvZ-h9IJ-Mn1iqYKLExFuIy9A8maLF3_UGaoi_t9U4tDN72rBf30rP4BFOu4Fw/s320/young-man-showing-pain-of-abusing-alcohol.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267045155281351458" /></a><br />"The fact is that most alcoholics, for reasons yet obscure, have lost the power of choice in drink. Our so-called will power becomes practically nonexistent. We are unable, at certain times, to bring into our consciousness with sufficient force the memory of the suffering and humiliation of even a week or a month ago. We are without defense against the first drink." <br /><br />~Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, There Is A Solution, pg. 24~Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7726925.post-22984025323084204882008-11-10T09:52:00.003-05:002008-11-10T09:54:11.655-05:00Pupils in the Great School of Life"I don't think happiness or unhappiness is the point. How do we meet the problems we face? How do we best learn from them and transmit what we have learned to others, if they would receive the knowledge?<br /><br />"On my view, we of this world are pupils in a great school of life. It is intended that we try to grow, and that we try to help our fellow travelers to grow in the kind of love that makes no demands. In short, we try to move toward the image and likeness of God as we understand Him.<br /><br />"When pain comes, we are expected to learn from it willingly, and help others to learn. When happiness comes, we accept it as a gift, and thank God for it."<br /><br />Letter, 1950<br />from "As Bill Sees It"<br />Is Happiness The Goal?, p. 306Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7726925.post-65349782398441375272008-08-25T09:16:00.003-04:002009-02-26T20:28:13.493-05:00Ready to Serve<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWD7lPbtl8J0tCGdieMFHSomo3S_aeQ78Q1sYxAiaRHpmUimkG9O39Pvv155EeMSL2N5IekOdWOfj7AUJQJlOQ66Wh5H_joDxdHmoSPMn0uvkgv9jScwBtENNdAAEZ6OSsI2Sl/s1600-h/native.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWD7lPbtl8J0tCGdieMFHSomo3S_aeQ78Q1sYxAiaRHpmUimkG9O39Pvv155EeMSL2N5IekOdWOfj7AUJQJlOQ66Wh5H_joDxdHmoSPMn0uvkgv9jScwBtENNdAAEZ6OSsI2Sl/s320/native.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5238444398512395522" /></a>"God is making use of you - you should be grateful He's found a use for you." <br />--Mathew King, LAKOTA <br /><br />The Creator can only create through human beings. Each human being has a purpose given to us by the Creator. We are on this earth to fulfill this purpose. Our only work is to make ourselves ready, to become a channel, to perform for the Creator. We prepare ourselves by prayer. We prepare ourselves by becoming unselfish. We prepare ourselves by seeking and choosing to walk on a spiritual path. Each morning we look to the east and we say an honor prayer to the Creator. We offer our gifts: tobacco and corn. We ask him to help us do His will for today. In this simple way, we still fulfill our purpose. It should be an honor to serve the Creator. <br /><br />Great Spirit, today I am ready to serve You.<br /><br />Elder's Meditation of the Day - August 25 from <a href="http://www.whitebison.org/">White Bison</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7726925.post-5084156914621091232008-08-18T09:46:00.003-04:002009-01-14T09:48:01.468-05:00I Will Think Healing Thoughts<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtc_UvSIPGWr_acC4CUku3eTDWtszo8ciKmXShc5rbpkSIa6KOPZKz-z8YItpBXKwQIbuT5e2K4L-KZIFpLrvy2cesmLfUUbu7CkPFnh5863-J1PkcxV_CKGurou70aAlLMaJO/s1600-h/lautreclt3.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtc_UvSIPGWr_acC4CUku3eTDWtszo8ciKmXShc5rbpkSIa6KOPZKz-z8YItpBXKwQIbuT5e2K4L-KZIFpLrvy2cesmLfUUbu7CkPFnh5863-J1PkcxV_CKGurou70aAlLMaJO/s320/lautreclt3.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5235854664439865154" /></a>When you feel anger or resentment, ask God to help you feel it, learn from it, and then release it. Ask God to bless those who you feel anger toward. Ask God to bless you too.<br /><br />When you feel fear, ask God to take it from you. When you feel misery, force gratitude. When you feel deprived, know that there is enough.<br /><br />When you feel ashamed, reassure yourself that who you are is okay. You are good enough.<br /><br />When you doubt your timing or your present position in life, assure yourself that all is well; you are right where you're meant to be. Reassure yourself that others are too.<br /><br />When you ponder the future, tell yourself that it will be good. When you look back at the past, relinquish regrets.<br /><br />When you notice problems, affirm there will be a timely solution and a gift from the problem.<br /><br />When you resist feelings or thoughts, practice acceptance. When you feel discomfort, know it will pass. When you identify a want or a need, tell yourself it will be met.<br /><br />When you worry about those you love, ask God to protect and care for them. When you worry about yourself, ask God to do the same.<br /><br />When you think about others, think love. When you think about yourself, think love.<br /><br />Then watch your thoughts transform reality.<br /><br />Today, I will think healing thoughts.<br /><br />You are reading from the book The Language of Letting Go by Melody Beattie ©1990, Hazelden Foundation.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7726925.post-61112035881342281662008-08-18T09:28:00.003-04:002009-01-14T09:48:27.919-05:00Walking Meditationby Sayadaw U. Pandita<br /><br />During a retreat it is usual to alternate periods of sitting meditation with periods of formal walking meditation of about the same duration, one after another throughout the day. One hour is a standard period, but forty-five minutes can also be used. For formal walking, retreatants choose a lane of about twenty steps in length and walk slowly back and forth along it. In daily life, walking meditation can also be very helpful. A short period -- say ten minutes -- of formal walking meditation before sitting serves to focus the mind. Beyond this advantage, the awareness developed in walking meditation is useful to all of us as we move our bodies from place to place in the course of a normal day.<br /><br />Walking meditation develops balance and accuracy of awareness as well as durability of concentration. One can observe very profound aspects of the Dhamma (wisdom or knowledge) while walking, and even get enlightened! In fact, a yogi who does not do walking meditation before sitting is like a car with a rundown battery. He or she will have a difficult time starting the engine of mindfulness when sitting.<br /><br />Walking meditation consists of paying attention to the walking process. If you are moving fairly rapidly, make a mental note of the movement of the legs, "Left, right, left, right" and use your awareness to follow the actual sensations throughout the leg area. If you are moving more slowly, note the lifting, moving, and placing of each foot. In each case you must try to keep your mind on just the sensations of walking. Notice what processes occur when you stop at the end of the lane, when you stand still, when you turn and begin walking again.<br /><br />Do not watch your feet unless this becomes necessary due to some obstacle on the ground; it is unhelpful to hold the image of a foot in your mind while you are trying to be aware of sensations. You want to focus on the sensations themselves, and these are not visual. For many people it is a fascinating discovery when they are able to have a pure, bare perception of physical objects such as lightness, tingling, cold, and warmth.<br /><br />Usually we divide walking into three distinct movements: lifting, moving, and placing the foot. To support a precise awareness, we separate the movements clearly, making a soft mental label at the beginning of each movement, and making sure that our awareness follows it clearly and powerfully until it ends. One minor but important point is to begin noting the placing movement at the instant that the foot begins to move downward.<br /><br />A New World in Sensations<br /><br />Let us consider lifting. We know its conventional name, but in meditation it is important to penetrate behind that conventional concept and to understand the true nature of the whole process of lifting, beginning with the intention to lift and continuing through the actual process, which involves many sensations.<br /><br />Our effort to be aware of lifting the foot must neither overshoot the sensation nor weakly fall short of this target. Precise and accurate mental aim helps balance our effort. When our effort is balanced and our aim is precise, mindfulness will firmly establish itself on the object of awareness. It is only in the presence of these three factors -- effort, accuracy, and mindfulness -- that concentration develops. Concentration, of course, is collectedness of mind, one-pointedness. Its characteristic is to keep consciousness from becoming diffuse or dispersed.<br /><br />As we get closer and closer to this lifting process, we will see that it is like a line of ants crawling across the road. From afar the line may appear to be static, but from closer up it begins to shimmer and vibrate. And from even closer the line breaks up into individual ants, and we see that our notion of a line was just an illusion. We now accurately perceive the line of ants as one ant after another ant, after another ant. Exactly like this, when we look accurately at the lifting process from beginning to end, the mental factor or quality of consciousness called "insight" comes nearer to the object of observation. The nearer insight comes, the clearer the true nature of the lifting process can be seen. It is an amazing fact about the human mind that when insight arises and deepens through vipassana (or insight) meditation practice, particular aspects of the truth about existence tend to be revealed in a definite order. This order is known as the progress of insight.<br /><br />The first insight that meditators commonly experience is to begin to comprehend -- not intellectually or by reasoning, but quite intuitively -- that the lifting process is composed of distinct mental and material phenomena occurring together, as a pair. The physical sensations, which are material, are linked with, but different from, the awareness, which is mental. We begin to see a whole succession of mental events and physical sensations, and to appreciate the conditionality that relates mind and matter. <br /><br />We see with the greatest freshness and immediacy that mind causes matter -- as when our intention to lift the foot initiates the physical sensations of movement, and we see that matter causes mind -- as when a physical sensation of strong heat generates a wish to move our walking meditation into a shady spot. The insight into cause and effect can take a great variety of forms; but when it arises, our life seems far more simple to us than ever before. Our life is no more than a chain of mental and physical causes and effects. This is the second insight in the classical progress of insight.<br /><br />As we develop concentration we see even more deeply that these phenomena of the lifting process are impermanent, impersonal, appearing, and disappearing one by one at fantastic speed. This is the next level of insight, the next aspect of existence that concentrated awareness becomes capable of seeing directly.<br /><br />There is no one behind what is happening; the phenomena arise and pass away as an empty process, according to the law of cause and effect. This illusion of movement and solidity is like a movie. To ordinary perception it seems full of characters and objects, all the semblances of a world. But if we slow the movie down we will see that it is actually composed of separate, static frames of film.<br /><br />Discovering the Path by Walking<br /><br />When one is very mindful during a single lifting process -- that is to say, when the mind is with the movement, penetrating with mindfulness into the true nature of what is happening -- at that moment, the path to liberation taught by the Buddha opens up. The Buddha's Noble Eightfold Path, often known as the Middle Way or Middle Path, consists of the eight factors of right view or understanding, right thought or aim, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, and right concentration. <br /><br />During any moment of strong mindfulness, five of the eight path factors come alive in consciousness. There is right effort; there is mindfulness; there is one-pointedness or concentration; there is right aim; and as we begin to have insight into the true nature of the phenomena, right view also arises. And during a moment when these five factors of the Eightfold Path are present, consciousness is completely free from any sort of defilement.<br /><br />As we make use of that purified consciousness to penetrate into the true nature of what is happening, we become free of the delusion or illusion of self, we see only bare phenomena coming and going. When insight gives us intuitive comprehension of the mechanism of cause and effect, how mind and matter are related to one another, we free ourselves of misconceptions about the nature of phenomena. Seeing that each object lasts only for a moment, we free ourselves of the illusion of permanence, the illusion of continuity. As we understand impermanence and its underlying unsatisfactoriness, we are freed from the illusion that our mind and body are not suffering.<br /><br />This direct seeing of impersonality brings freedom from pride and conceit, as well as freedom from the wrong view that we have an abiding self. When we carefully observe the lifting process, we see mind and body as unsatisfactory and so are freed from craving. These three states of mind -- conceit, wrong view, and craving -- are called "the perpetuating dhammas." They help to perpetuate existence in samsdra, the cycle of craving and suffering that is caused by ignorance of ultimate truth. Careful attention in walking meditation shatters the perpetuating dhammas, bringing us closer to freedom.<br /><br />You can see that noting the lifting of one's foot has incredible possibilities! These are no less present in moving the foot forward and in placing it on the ground. Naturally, the depth and detail of awareness described in these walking instructions should also be applied to noting the abdominal movement in sitting, and all other physical movements.<br /><br />Five Benefits of Walking Meditation<br /><br />The Buddha described five additional, specific benefits of walking meditation. The first is that one who does walking meditation will have the stamina to go on long journeys. This was important in the Buddha's time, when bhikkhus and bhikkhunis, monks and nuns, had no form of transportation other than their feet and legs. You who are meditating today can consider yourselves to be bhikkhus, and can think of this benefit simply as physical strengthening.<br /><br />The second benefit is that walking meditation brings stamina for the practice of meditation itself. During walking meditation a double effort is needed. In addition to the ordinary, mechanical effort needed to lift the foot, there is also the mental effort to be aware of the movement -- and this is the factor of right effort from the Noble Eightfold Path. If this double effort continues through the movements of lifting, pushing and placing, it strengthens the capacity for that strong, consistent mental effort all yogis know is crucial to vipassana practice.<br /><br />Thirdly, according to the Buddha, a balance between sitting and walking contributes to good health, which in turn speeds progress in practice. Obviously it is difficult to meditate when we are sick. Too much sitting can cause many physical ailments. But the shift of posture and the movements of walking revive the muscles and stimulate circulation, helping prevent illness.<br /><br />The fourth benefit is that walking meditation assists digestion. Improper digestion produces a lot of discomfort and is thus a hindrance to practice. Walking keeps the bowels clear, minimizing sloth and torpor. After a meal, and before sitting, one should do a good walking meditation to forestall drowsiness. Walking as soon as one gets up in the morning is also a good way to establish mindfulness and to avoid a nodding head in the first sitting of the day.<br /><br />Last, but not least, of the benefits of walking is that it builds durable concentration. As the mind works to focus on each section of the movement during a walking session, concentration becomes continuous. Every step builds the foundation for the sitting that follows, helping the mind stay with the object from moment to moment -- eventually to reveal the true nature of reality at the deepest level. <br /><br />This is why I use the simile of a car battery. If a car is never driven, its battery runs down. A yogi who never does walking meditation will have a difficult time getting anywhere when he or she sits down on the cushion. But one who is diligent in walking will automatically carry strong mindfulness and firm concentration into sitting meditation.<br /><br />I hope that all of you will be successful in completely carrying out this practice. May you be pure in your precepts, cultivating them in speech and action, thus creating the conditions for developing samadhi and wisdom.<br /><br />May you follow these meditation instructions carefully, noting each moment's experience with deep, accurate and precise mindfulness, so that you will penetrate into the true nature of reality. May you see how mind and matter constitute all experiences, how these two are interrelated by cause and effect, how all experiences are characterized by impermanence, unsatisfactoriness and absence of self so that you may eventually realize nibbana -- the unconditioned state that uproots mental defilements -- here and now.<br /><br />This article is excerpted from In This Very Life, ©1991, by Saddhamma Foundation. Reprinted with permission of the publisher, Wisdom Publications. www.wisdompubs.org<br /><br />About the Author:<br />Sayadaw U Pandita is the abbot of Panditarama Monastery and Meditation Center in Rangoon, Burma. One of the renowned teachers in the tradition of Mahasi Sayadaw, he teaches from his own profound meditation experience, his 62 years of monastic training, and his extensive studies of the Pali texts. He has taught meditation worldwide since 1951.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7726925.post-65441800313313803052008-08-18T08:47:00.003-04:002009-01-14T09:58:51.331-05:00Willingness the Size of a Mustard Seed<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNHcqQPzSDvzcBhXwIEyITG_CvJky-uqbH_Uj-KAnTfxErWBq7qveu8yAUk8vnkxnxs4xKyT5SrGw_Lm9xPiilINXKEcNSGzcaw7A6U8wjNnTmUR8rHqmJx7EMaVRVo52w61hD/s1600-h/bird+on+branch.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNHcqQPzSDvzcBhXwIEyITG_CvJky-uqbH_Uj-KAnTfxErWBq7qveu8yAUk8vnkxnxs4xKyT5SrGw_Lm9xPiilINXKEcNSGzcaw7A6U8wjNnTmUR8rHqmJx7EMaVRVo52w61hD/s320/bird+on+branch.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5235839628758505682" /></a>A.A. Thought For The Day<br /><br />"We of agnostic temperament have found that as soon as we were able to lay aside prejudice and express a willingness to believe in a Power greater than ourselves, we commenced to get results, even though it was impossible for any of us to fully define or comprehend that Power, which we call God. As soon as you can say that you do believe or are willing to believe, you are on your way. Upon this simple cornerstone a wonderfully effective spiritual structure can be built." Am I willing to depend on a Power that I cannot fully define or comprehend?<br /><br />Meditation For The Day<br /><br />We seek God's presence and "they who seek shall find." It is not a question of searching so much as an inner consciousness of the Divine spirit in your heart. To realize God's presence you must surrender to His will in the small as well as in the big things of life. <br /><br />This makes God's guidance possible. Some things separate you from God--a false word, a fear-inspired failure, a harsh criticism, a stubborn resentment. These are the things that put a distance between your mind and God. A word of love, a selfless reconciliation, a kind act of helpfulness--these bring God closer.<br /><br />Prayer For The Day<br /><br />I pray that I may think and say and do the things that bring God closer to me. I pray that I may find Him in sincere prayer, a kind word, or an unselfish deed.<br /><br />from Twenty-Four Hours A Day copyright AAWSUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7726925.post-28138067011023645462008-06-12T07:54:00.003-04:002009-01-14T09:50:53.885-05:00a Stopping and Starting ProblemI remember telling a friend years ago that I didn't have a drinking problem, I had a stopping problem. We laughed. It was true, but there was something else going on, something that never occurred to me until I came to AA. I didn't just have a stopping problem. I had a starting problem too. No matter how often I stopped, or for how long, I always started drinking again. <br /><br />© 2001 AAWS, Alcoholics Anonymous, pp. 372-373<br /><br />Thought to Ponder . . .<br />If you want to quit drinking, you are going to have to quit drinking. <br /><br />AA-related 'Alconym' . . .<br />K I S S = Keep It Simple, Surrender.<br /><br />AA Thought for the Day (courtesy www.AAOnline.net)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0