“My thoughts and feelings were the problem. I couldn’t shut off the fears, the negative self-criticism, and blame.”

Three readings. A song that says the rest. And inspiration for whatever this day is here to teach.

A lone surfer riding inside a great curling wave

Read — the readings that opened the day

Metanoia

“Metanoia is an Ancient Greek word (μετάνοια) that means ‘changing one's mind.’ Often we experience a psychotic ‘breakdown’ and a subsequent, positive psychological re-building or ‘healing.’ Our inner Spirit calls us to a fundamental shift in perspective; we begin to experience a transformation. It's not about feeling sorry for past actions, but rather a complete reorientation of thinking & turning towards a new direction.”

Adapted from Teshuvah

Uprooting Criticism moving to an Awakened Heart

“Rather than self-criticism, we begin to compare ourselves to ourselves from a few years ago. We start to recognize how much we’ve grown; the path of loosening our attachment to unreasonable expectations, and cultivating compassion for ourselves. We cultivate* bodhicitta - the limitless compassion within each of us.”

Adapted from Uprooting Criticism moving to an Awakened Heart

Twenty-Four Hours a Day

Meditation for the Day "When you change to a new way of life, you leave many things behind you. It is only the earth-bound spirit that cannot soar. Loosen somewhat the strands that tie you to the earth. It is only the earthly desires that bind you. Your new freedom will depend on your ability to rise above earthly things. Clipped wings can grow again. Broken wings can regain a strength & beauty unknown before. If you will, you can be released and free. Prayer for the Day I pray that I may be freed from things that hold me down. I pray that my spirit may soar in freedom.”

Reflect — Steve L.'s own words

Today’s readings have a lot to do with change; change in heart and mind. We hear a lot about “the main problem of the alcoholic centers in the mind, rather than the body.”

I did not fully understand that until I was sober about 90 days; at that point, being dry, it hit me hard. My thoughts and feelings were the problem. I couldn’t shut off the fears, the negative self-criticism, and blame. I called my sponsor then, and he said, “Steve, take a look at Step Two. The insanity is not picking up the first drink or hit of something; it’s your thinking. The Solution to the insanity is Step Three. It’s making connection, and a continued surrender to a Power greater than ourselves, that brings release.

Oh, and by the way, write about your anger & fears, and bring your list to me next week.” Then, he hung up the phone!

It's a process I still use today when my thinking is off the beam. We do not have a cure; but we do have a solution, one far better than the one I was using when I first met you.

Thanks for Bodhichitta, and taking me by the hand!