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 to flowing through life with a sense of curiosity and wonder, 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, nature, always bring it with you. Consciously ask it to join you, say the words in your head or out loud.  “I am struggling a bit, please join with me.”Or your own words. Open up to, embrace that essence, and ask it be present with you all day. This is how we begin bringing our spiritual essence into our awareness, by consciously doing it, not just hoping it will happen. 

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. Take 3 breaths, relax your shoulders, have a clear mind, and center. 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 you and help guide you in all circumstances. Permit your challenges to be present, but not as an entity that is hard, demanding and overwhelming. Place all of who you are in the larger context of the worldly AND spiritual awareness. Open your awareness beyond any small, hard concern to embrace all of you, nature and the universe — awareness. Your concerns will be down-sized  to a proper and manageable size.

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, it is possible 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. We feel appreciative and alive, softer and more resilient, not scrambling to keep it together and making sure we get what we need, which never ends.

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

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, you will feel confused, sad, angry and fearful.  But when you include your spiritual essence in your intellect and emotions, you heal faster and you’re more patient and curious as your judgements abate.  Slow down, your spirit cannot get through your torrent of thoughts about yourself. Smile a little more, and consider your life as you move through it. You begin to realize that your situation (whatever it may be) is workable and there is much to be grateful for. You become more comfortable with yourself and others, even if they are acting in ways that are expressing their frustrations (like jerks), as you know you have also done. You feel the connection that is life and you promote that life essence the best you can, moving forward without blame. We can make the effort to continue to grow up, IF we want to.

Including a sense of spirit or broader connection in our lives takes a willful effort. We need to have a good spiritual practice, prayer, meditation, mindfulness, and join that with responsibility 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 a prayer or a simple mantra, ie — “May I be in Peace.” 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 one minute is very useful. 

We may go through a 16 hour day and never make a conscious effort, taking a few minutes to bringing our spiritual guide or essence into our consciousness. We get so caught up in our turmoil we forget who we really are and any connection with life is dismissed because we are so focused on ME. Any technique we use to open up, relax a little and feel more complete, worthy and connected is an exercise in returning to our spiritual center. Respect yourself enough to center yourself and let go of the poor me soap opera you have made up. It is not you.

“Poor me” gets 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. We learn to respect and trust ourselves. Not always to be right, but to endeavor to be better, and to keep trying, gently but firmly.

Nature is a wonderful healer. We can begin healing our self-inflicted wounds by simply taking a mindful walk. A natural area is a good place, a walk around the block is fine too. Actually feel the air, hear the birds, the traffic, and the dogs. Smell what the world is like, see the trees and the clouds and the rain. Let all your senses be vibrant and your thinking fade. Just feel who you are, it’s not what you think.

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? Do you start the day by going outside and hearing the birds, feeling the air, seeing and smelling this world? Or has you mind already gotten you going on the fast track to nowhere.

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

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

Heart Of Recovery web site  — fcheartofrecovery.com