WE CAN NOT DIRECTLY CHANGE THE WORLD, BUT WE CAN CHANGE HOW WE CHOOSE TO SEE IT. This principle isn’t a simple one. Believing that it is our task to change the world around us isn’t uncommon to people who want to be accountable and responsible citizens. But over time, I have come to believe that changing how we think comes first. Our behavior changes next, and the world then, and only then, reflects those changes. It’s clear we have work to do. There is much in the world that needs changing. But changing how we think, the first task, isn’t an[...]
1 At a gathering last night we were discussing how emotionally wounded most of us had been at some point on our journey. This led to the realization that most "sufferers" have experienced their woundedness within a very intimate relationship. For some the wound is unhealed. For others, seeing it from a new perspective offered hope. Many of the wise among us (Caroline Myss comes to mind) say all relationships are quite intentional in fact, which implies that the wounds might well be intentional too. This may seem like a far-fetched idea. It certainly was t[...]
I spent the first four decades of my life mostly living in the past or anticipating the future. I had no awareness that was what I was doing. It astounds me, actually, that a person as well educated as I was could be so unaware of the nuances of my life. But quite truthfully, I was pretty consistently blind to the moment and the people crossing my path. I don't mean that I didn't see them but I didn't allow their presence the opportunity to rise to the level of true awareness. I glanced, perhaps listened superficiality to their words, but stayed heavil[...]
I participate in two telephone conference calls every morning, both of them related to my spiritual journey. And in both calls, there are participants who have been part of my recovery journey for all 35 years. That's amazing to me. It's not that I don't still have loving friends from high school and college who I see or talk to on occasion, but these particular "phone buddies" know me in the most intimate of ways. As I know them. And we are committed to loving and cherishing each other's heart while walking, side by side through the brambles of life. [...]
I don't want to speak for others but it seems fair to say that no one enjoys being disappointed. I received some disappointing news yesterday. The content of the news didn't affect me directly but I felt sadness for the person it did affect. I know my tendency to take on the feelings of others, at times, and I am working to refrain from doing that. I am also working to remember all of the pearls of wisdom I have heard over the last forty years: that whatever happens is part of the divine unfolding of one's life. That no door closes without another door o[...]
I went to the fitness center today and walked for 30 minutes on the treadmill for the first time since my surgery which was a mere 2 weeks ago today. I continue to be astounded by the progress I have made. The initial recovery from the replacement I had 10 years ago was 3 months long, and even then I wasn't without pain. And for a full year, I was tentative with my movements. Some have suggested it's due to my own commitment to fitness but I was committed to a work out schedule then too. Perhaps the big difference is due to better products. All I know[...]
I am on the uphill curve right now. I am using a cane to get around and after only 9 days. I am amazed at the body's ability to heal itself. Of course, I have worked hard too. I never fail to do all of the exercises. It's a lot like early recovery. Do what's suggested to the best of one's ability and the results will amaze you. My physical therapist is a lovely young woman who on her first visit noticed my ACIM book on the table. As it turns out, she too is a "student" and wants to come to our study group when she has completed another class that[...]
Sorry I have been away for a while. Surgery has a way of doing that to you. It went well. I got home from the hospital on Sunday afternoon but have not been able to sit at the computer. Physical therapy is helping but the pain has a way of interfering with my thought processes. I am getting around with a walker and will graduate to a cane in a few days. My therapist and I walked outside for a short distance today and that was great. The sun felt good and healing. And what a miraculous thing: she is a "course" student too and wants to come to the gro[...]
I was talking with a friend the other evening about "attachment issues" and how common they are to so many of us. Codependency has gotten a bit of a bad name over the years because it is thrown around and used to describe myriad reactions to people, places and things. My friend shared with me a new term: Independency. Her therapist talked to her about strengthening her independency rather than trying to eliminate her codependency. Independency resonates with me. It's empowering and hopeful and achievable, I think, one action at a time. Too many simply c[...]
I go into the hospital for hip replacement surgery February 11th. My gait gives it away to onlookers. I have been hobbling for some time now. It began with a simple pain that worsened into a constant ache. It's reminiscent of my condition about a decade ago. It was my left hip then. The only time it didn't hurt was when I rode my Harley. No Harley these days and the ache is nonstop. I had thought I could postpone this surgery until December. I have workshops already committed to and didn't want any interruptions. But my body called and fortunate[...]