“You can’t stop the waves, but you can learn to surf.”

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

Journey Toward Peace

“It’s hard to be spiritual in a material world. So, can we achieve harmony to a place where there is no conflict between our spiritual goals & our physical needs? In the Torah’s teaching, the human being engages with the physical world and imbues it with spirituality, creating a deep sense of peace between body and soul. In order to achieve this ideal state, a person has to disengage. On our spiritual journey, we open a door to our concept of Adonai (אֲדֹנָי) my Lord; to survive in Spirit for a period of time without dependence on specific material possessions or outward pleasures.”

Adapted from Chabad.org

Listening

Thich Nhat Hanh

“Although listening is a skill, it requires wisdom and the ability to let go and disengage from thought patterns and biases. We often get in the way; it takes patience, practice & vulnerability to learn to listen to ourselves. Thich Nhat Hanh teaches, “There is wisdom in you: the wisdom of nondiscrimination.” Just for today, take time to listen - to yourself, your body, your feelings, and your thoughts - without judgment, and you’ll be able to practice the same for others.”

Twenty-Four Hours a Day

Meditation for the Day "Lord, we thank Thee for the great gift of peace, that peace which passeth all understanding, that peace which the world can neither give nor take away." That is the peace that only God can give in the midst of a restless world and surrounded by trouble & difficulty. To know that peace is to have received the stamp of the kingdom of God; fit to judge between true & false values and between the values of the kingdom of God & values of all the world has to offer. Prayer for the Day I pray that today I may have inner peace; that I may be at peace with myself.”

Reflect — Steve L.'s own words

You’re not listening, you’re distracted! How many times have I been told that? Too many to count. Trying to differentiate between the true & false, the pro & con, my mind is busy! But at least today I’m headed in the right direction; thank you for a compass that works.

Picking up Lea D. to go to Crossroads Noon mtg, we had a great discussion about life on the drive over. Lea wondered out loud. “Steve, what am I still doing here? I’m 93; what is my purpose?” I thought for a moment & said, “Lea, you know the meeting We Ain’t Dead Yet (WADY)? You’ve been to Mayo 100 times, but you ain’t dead yet! You’re alive, have a good smile, spread hope to others, and have wisdom to share. You might just live to be 100!”

She laughed & said, “I dunno, we’ll see. I do know God ain’t done with me yet. How are you doing?” We had a good talk, and at lunch with a big group, Jimmy T. handed me a 24-hour chip with a Big Wave on it. Each day, surfs up!

Jimmy says, “You can’t stop the waves, but you can learn to surf.” Thanks for helping me be open to learning each day.

In the meeting hall after the speaker, we broke up into circles; Lea was surrounded by 10 other women she knew and the laughter was contagious. What a gift. On the drive home, I thanked Lea for 12-stepping me. God ain’t done with me yet.

The vibe carried onto Wildflower later when I met up with Jim Mc. and his buddy Bob from Chicago. Bob, 80+ years old, asked me “Hey Steve, did you ever buy cocaine by the ounce?” WTF, you’re 80+ years old, who are you? I listened and learned. Wow. He’s definitely been there, on a yacht in Chicago and later, at Betty Ford. What a trip.

At the WNMSS, a guy from Florida spoke on Step 3. I’d like an ounce, but I’ll settle for a gram! I am a Spirit in the material world, but I promise to do my best to keep listening. Thanks for the gifts of Love, fellowship and service.