Well-Being

As our addiction was only a symptom, we now begin the real work on our emotional and spiritual well-being. The more we let go of our addictions to needing things, people and short-term pleasures prop us up temporarily, the more we open up to flowing through life with a sense of curiosity, not demands. We consciously bring our spiritual guidance to accompany us in all we do.

Whatever your spirit embraces—God, Muhammad, Buddha, Jesus, an ethereal essence, a teddy bear—bring it with you, open up to that essence, and ask it be present with you all day. When driving, working, talking, listening, walking, in the kitchen or bathroom, while reading or on the computer, ask the spirit guide to be present with you. This makes a big difference in your consciousness and view of life. When you feel anger, resentment or frustration arising, don’t let it engulf you as it has in the past; ask the spirit essence to join in and help guide you in all circumstances.

We are out of balance when we are mostly concerned with worldly things. Resentments at others and ourselves, money, prestige, being unworthy and small or being ‘all that and a bag of chips.’ We find so many things that are wrong (i.e., that aren’t the way WE want them to be). Others, work, politics, weather, animals, others, myself, others. We can be so focused on all the worldly things, we forget about any spiritual connection. Conversely, we can be so engaged in spiritual aspects we may feel we’re above the worldly things, and not deal with them properly. We need balance.

As we grow in well-being, we feel calmer, more curious, open to what is occurring, not stuck on MY way. We feel appreciative and alive, softer and more resiliant, not scrambling to keep it together and making sure we get what we need, which never ends. We have fewer needs and a stronger human/spiritual connection.

Lakota Instructions for Living
“Friend do it this way – that is,
whatever you do in life,
do the very best you can
with both your heart and mind.
And if you do it that way,
the Power of the Universe
will come to your assistance,
if your heart and mind are in Unity.
When one sits in the Hoop of the People,
one must be responsible because
All of Creation is related.
And the hurt of one is the hurt of all.
And the honor of one is the honor of all.
And whatever we do affects everything in the universe.
If you do it that way – that is,
if you truly join your heart and mind
as One – whatever you ask for,
that’s the Way It’s Going To Be.”
–Passed down from White Buffalo Calf Woman

How can you grow in your spiritual path, promote well-being for yourself and all others? It takes a conscious effort to let go of the old, small behaviors and let the spirit begin to guide your life.

Life still throws curve balls; at times, we will feel confused, sad, angry and fearful.  But when we include our spiritual essence in our intellect and emotions, we heal faster and we’re more patient and more resilient. We slow down, smile a little more, and consider our life as we move through it. We begin to realize that our situation (whatever it may be) is workable and there is much to be grateful for. We become more comfortable with ourselves and others, even if they are acting in ways that are expressing their frustrations (like jerks), as we know we have also done. As we invite the spirit into our lives, we feel compassion, not judgment. We feel the connection that is essential to life and we promote that life essence the best we can.

We slow down and consider our emotions as they arise, and our actions before we act. We let the spirit and our intelligence meld together so that we walk on the path of heart.

When we are connected and in good balance, we can more readily discern those things which are wholesome and those which are unhealthy. We learn to say no the unhealthy aspects of life—not being unduly swayed by what others may think—and more fully embrace healthy and positive situations and people. We become more authentic and content because we are doing the right thing much more often.

We are still human and will make mistakes. We may get carried away with some emotion occasionally and get a bit unbalanced, and that is just a part of being imperfect. Feeling sorry for ourselves or impatient or judgmental are old and established behaviors that we need to be aware of—and grateful for. We can come to view them as messages that remind us that we can choose to not engage in our negativity anymore, or at least not as often. Some of those shortcomings are pretty juicy and we sort of like them. But we can make the effort to continue to grow up IF we want to. We can learn and move forward without self-blame.

Including a sense of spirit or broader connection in our lives takes a willful effort. We need to have a good spiritual practice, and join that with competence and good sense in worldly matters.

To this end, it is helpful to use a short saying or other reminder many times each day to open up and relax into your broader perspective.

Some use the Serenity prayer or a simple mantra.  Some set an hourly chime to remind them to come back from being too enmeshed in the mental turmoil that can happen. Taking 3 deep breaths and relaxing the shoulders and mind for a minute is very useful. Any technique we use to open up, relax a little and feel more competent and worthy is an exercise in returning to our spiritual center. We accept guidance and let our intelligence and heart point the way.

It is like having a fresh sip of lemonade on a hot day. It doesn’t change everything to roses and glitter and puppy dog tails, but it helps us to begin being more content—less judgmental and sensitive. “Poor me” gets pretty old pretty fast when we are aware of what we’re doing. We also begin standing up for ourselves when needed, because we respect ourselves.

What method can or do you employ everyday to stay connected, to promote well-being? Do you start your day with a positive confirmation, an opening and curiosity, and reinforce that all day long?

What can you do right now?
You got something better to do?

How do you fill your bucket? One drop at a time

The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step

The great arises out of small things that are honored and cared for

Heart Of Recovery web site  — fcheartofrecovery.com

May you be well. May you be happy. May you find peace.