Heart Calm

From  24 Hours a Day, July 23: " The inward peace that comes from trust in G-d truly passes all understanding. That peace no one can take from you."

Sometimes I feel this inner peace; sometimes I can connect with that sort of trust that tells me- reminds me- that I am in G-d's hands all the time- that everything that happens to me is because He wishes it that way; that all the frustrations, challenges, mishaps, situations - have been sent to me, for some reason, and that He is with me and supports me throught the experience.

Mostly , I forget this, and I let myself get overwhelmed by the things taht are happening. When this is the case, I'm lost before I start, because I allow myself to be dragged down, to get taken oer, and give into all the mess of life.

So, it's in my own hands, isn't it? When I can remember all this, then I can have an inner peace- a calm, no matter what else is going on around me- no matter who is shaking my tree, or shouting in my ear.

Knowing that I am being held by my Higher Power is truly the key to inner peace- to heart-calm.

Why Do I Hear Their Song?

I have become acutely, intensely, exquisitely attuned to the songs of the birds.  Tell me, have they always sung so beautifully and constantly?
I never heard them before. I never even knew they were there, as I bustled around, doing all my chores, my busyness enveloping me in a flurry and hurry of chatter.
And then this changed. I became aware. I awoke. I began to notice the nearly constant voices and songs of the many birds who live somewhere in my neighborhood. I don’t see them much, but these days, I do hear them.
I wonder what they are saying, what they want to convey. Some people might think it’s simply chatter. But when I hear them right before daybreak or as the sun begins to sink lower in the sky, I think I  know what that they are saying; I think they are singing their thanks and gratitude to the Creator for yet another day of life , for another chance to be.
Would that I could be that focused and always remember to do the same.
Perhaps this is why I have suddenly begun to notice them. Perhaps they have come to teach me.
 

Fancy Clothing for a Simple Soul

From  Seek Sobriety, Find Serenity June 18: " We need to think of our internal value, of our importance as a human being. It is not what we look like, but who and what we are".
he first thing that popped into my mind here, was that we are all souls, clothed in a body. Wearing this clothing brings us all sorts of challenges, learning, opportunities; But all too often, we forget that these are just trappings which we have either been given or have chosen to go through life with.


If I forget that this is not the real ME, then I am in trouble. It does not represent who I really am. 
These things can be used to help us accomplish whatever we need to get done here. But they shouldn't take over as the key element of importance in our lives.
To me, this is sobering, because my body presents me with many challenges. I need to remember that it is only the clothing I currently wear, but that eventually, when I shed this earthly clothing, whatever I will be left with, will be the real me that has developed and grown over time and through the challenges I face, and overcome.


I can use the "clothing " I wear to help myself , or I can get stuck and frustrated by it. That is my choice. I hope that I make the right one.

Taking Care of Myself

Plenty of us are worried about taking care of others, always putting ourselves last. Others think we are "taking care" of ourselves, when we are actually abusing ourselves, - by eating too much, drinking too much, staying up too late, not making time to relax or recharge, etc.  But how and why should we really take care of ourselves?
Well, I think the answer is almost obvious to anyone who has flown on an airplane, and has actually listened to the stewardess's  instructions: If there is an emergency, and the oxygen masks are lowered, make sure to put your own mask on before trying to help others, including small children". Basically, what this means, is that unless we take care of ourselves- both our souls and our bodies, we will not be in any shape to take care of anyone else.
This holds true for mothers, fathers, workers, public service people, etc. Our brains need to be in shape, and so do our bodies and souls. Having a frazzled , overworked, overtired, stressed out person watching over them, is not really a gift to a child, or to any other dependent person. .
So, what am I to do? I need to make time for myself, free of all distractions, pressures, and "overwhelm", and just remember to give myself some space; a chance to just breathe; a chance to look at and enjoy nature, or talk to my Higher Power. I need to eat properly, rest my body and soul, sleep enough hours, and not put myself into situations that will pour on the pressure; I need to remember that nothing that happens to me is without G-d's permission, and that He is there with me to help me through it. I need to remember that He doesn't give me things that are too big for me, and that He doesn't expect me to solve the world's problems. I need to take care of myself, and care for myself, and to remember that He cares for and loves me. I need to remember that all I need to do is my best right now, and that there are not really any "score cards" that I have to live up to, as long as I am "right" within my soul as to the actions I am taking. I need to accept myself and my situation, and not compare myself to others around me. There are no "Joneses" to keep up with. Recharging my spiritual and physical "batteries" is a gift that I give first to myself, but also to others.
Once I have done these things, then, and only then, am I really available to give to and help others.

Practicing the Presence

From  24 Hours a Day, May 28:" I should try to practice the presence of God. I can feel that He is with me and near me, protecting and strengthening me always. In spite of every difficulty, every trial, every failure, the presence of God suffices. Just to believe that He is near me brings strength and peace".

All too often I forget this simple message. I forget that I am not alone in my struggles, in my sorrows, in my life. I forget that I am not along in my triumphs, too. Forgetting this leads to fear, pride, and worry. When I remain aware of G-d's presence in every part, and every moment of my life, then life takes on a different character; fear disappears and courage takes its place. My willingness to "take a chance" is strengthened, and my trust that things will turn out "okay", is enhanced.
Alone, I am nothing, dust in the wind. But with Hashem at my side, I can be whatever He wishes for me to be. I just need to take those actions that define me as human, and apart and different  from instinctive animals. Trusting gives me back the ability to make choices, and to rely on the belief that He will take care of the outcome in the way that is best for all.


Notice that this quote says we should "practice the presence of G-d". Perhaps this means that I have to consciously work on remembering all this, and not let it all fall into habit and automatic behaviors that seem almost to deny G-d in our lives. So, here's to trying to work on that awareness all (or at least) most of the time. It's the least I can do.... and it will result in the most I can do....

One Day At a Time- Why this is good advice

"The One Day at a time philosophy is insurance against complacency. It guards against my projecting anything beyond this 24 hours".

I forget this sometimes. I get overwhelmed by looking ahead at the long stretch before me. "How will I withstand this? How will I get through that?" These are questions I often ask myself. Looking ahead with trepidation is off-putting. "It's too big, too long, too hard, etc." I tell myself.

By staying with this day, this hour, this minute, I can focus instead on what is, rather than on all the imaginary stories my head can dream up.

My yetzer harah (evil inclination) is very cunning; it can come up with all sorts of things to scare me away from my goal.

So, it's okay to have a long range plan or goal. But I need to concentrate on the present; on right now; right here; if I want to get anywhere in my life. I can have a road map, but my journey begins with the single step my foot makes as I lift it and start moving. And always, I need to remember that I'm not alone on this journey. I am being guided and held by my loving Higher Power, Hashem.

Defective or Defensive?

April 19, 2010

We usually read the corresponding step for each month. This means that in April, we read the 4th step of the 12 Step Program, which is "made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves". This requires an honest review of everything we're made of.

What? Defects? Who, me? I can't possibley have any defects! I'm supposed to be perfect, aren't I?

How dare I have faults and liabilities? .... And if I do, they must be because of YOU! - because I'm reacting to something YOU did, or something YOU are! YOU must be pushing my buttons, puling my chain, popping my fuse, egging me on!

Admitting my faults means admitting that I'm human; admitting that I have work to do; admitting that I'm not thoughtful enough, or caring enough. It means admitting that my priorities ar wrong, or that I'm not being careful enough.

Why would I admit all this? It might just set me up in a vulnerable position where others might take advantage of me.

By fooling myself (because I surely can't fool anyone else who has eyes in his head), I am tricking myself into believing that I can also protect myself from hurt and pain.

I guess that's at the bottom of all this self- deception. I'm not sure it's a lack of humility, but I think that fear is what drives it, as it drives much of what we do in life.

And that's where true belief and trust in Hashem (Higher Power) comes in. With faith, there is no fear. Hashem doesn't expect me to be all powerful, or to be faultless. He just wants me to trust in HIm, walk humbly, and to be honest.

Sounds like a good plan, doesn't it?