"Roll Call ~ Nobody's Present"

I was going to see my mother yesterday, and on my way there, a tricked out red Trans Am kept swerving into my lane. I wanted to get away from Mr. "I'm living in the 80's", like I have room to talk, so I tried to pass him quickly. While passing him I realized why he was swerving so much. He was busy texting while driving! Now I realize that he is probably much more talented than I am, and can totally drive while texting, but more than the obvious neglect this individual was demonstrating, something else was even more evident. Of course, initially, I was perturbed at his total disregard for the safety of those driving, walking, or biking around him, but actually, my predominant thought was, "No one is Present anymore!" It's true! No one is present anymore. I am even guilty of this! We all committ the sin of multi-tasking, and I'm not really sure why. We have the same amount of time as always but we feel this compulsion to do 50 million things at once. It's like if we stop and really focus on one thing, our minds would blow up! Or maybe, for some of us, stillness, presence, means thought, and we don't want to think about anything. We use the TV to escape, FB to pretend we have a social life, and video games to take out our frustrations on, or just imagine we are doing whatever our avatar is doing. Everyone is doing and going so much, but are we really accomplishing anything or going anywhere? I know some of these "modern evils" are necessary but I'm not sure they are benefiting us to the extent we give them credit. I think we all, including myself, need to slow down, smell the flowers, and truly appreciate the moment. The moment could be drinking a cup of tea. But to be really present drinking that cup of tea. Like, feel the warmth of the cup in your hands. Smell the aroma of your brew. Drink and really savor the flavor. Really take the whole experience in. I know this sounds quacky, but try it and see if just for a moment, you actually slowed down, truly appreciated the gift, a cup of tea. Time for Roll Call ~ are you PRESENT?

"Where Does Fear Live?"

I woke up this morning, like almost every morning lately, and fear was my first thought. As I lay there I pondered, where does fear come from? Why would I, for no apparent reason, wake up, and like my mind was on auto-pilot, start worrying? What was I worried about? Oh, you name it, and I was worried about it! But more important than "what" I was worrying about was the question of why was I worrying at all, especially first thing in the morning. I have learned by now to immediately counter-act negative thoughts with thinking positive thoughts, so I started making a mental list of all that I was grateful for. Then my mind wandered off and I started wondering, where does fear come from? Is it a full-time resident of my mind or does it just drop in now and then? And if it's just a visitor, an out-of-town guest, who invited it and why doesn't it knock before it barges in? And, if it's just visiting, and I hope that IS the case, "Where does fear live"?
My whole life, 43 years of it, I have lived in fear of one thing or another. I feel like I've been on a journey for awhile now, trying to out-run fear. Well today, I turned around, and I looked fear right square in the face, and I asked "them", because we all have many fears, where did you come from? The "religious" would tell me that fear is from the Devil, but I don't believe in him anymore! And, since my day of disbelief in a devil, who by the way, is constantly after me, trying to steal my joy (that's what I was taught in church), I've had a lot less fear. I know I've just stunned some of you with the statement I just made ~ look past it and read on. I'm not evil because I don't believe in the Devil! Boy, if that isn't an oxymoron. I've just read some really good books and have decided, for me, my belief in Satan only causes me more fear and doesn't serve me very well. That's a whole other subject we can talk about later if you would like.
Back to the star of this show, FEAR, I have decided, yes on St. Patrick's Day, to investigate this thing called fear. Where does it come from? Why does it exist? Why are most people riddled with it, to the point of having to take medications to lessen it's affect? Some people self-medicate with alcohol, in a failed attempt, to make their unwanted guest "fear" leave. So here I am again, bags packed (not really), tank full (of caffeine), lights on (but nobodies home), setting off for another adventure. Wanna come with?

To Be Cont.

"We damage people when we try to fix them"

I realized something! That's something to be grateful for, isn't it? When we "try" to fix people, like we could, that's laughable in itself, we damage people. First of all, we make them feel that there is something "wrong" with them, or why else would we be "fixing" them. Second of all, we place ourselves above them, and therefore we are looking down on them, which makes them feel judged and inferior. Most people just want to be listened to. If they ask for your advice, give it with no attachments, no control, and please no judgement. Don't let your ego put you on a pedestal, looking down on all those poor lost souls.....it's a long way to fall!

What is our sickness?

Only sacrificial love can save us from our sickness! What is our sickness? What is our disease? We are sick and dying from the cancer called narcissism. Narcissism; self-love; excessive interest in one's own appearance, comfort, importance, abilities, etc.. It is the sin of separateness. When we become consumed with "ourselves" we forget that we all came from the Great Spirit and we have never been separated from His love. Nothing can separate us from His love. "Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends."

"You Can't Fight Crazy"

"You Can't Fight Crazy"

Just remember when confronted by a dysfunctional behaviour "You Can't Fight Crazy"! Combating a "dysfunctional force" with the weapons of destruction will never work! Both will be annihilated! It's like Chemo-therapy ~ Let's induce lethal chemicals into her body to kill the cancer. Two negatives will never make a positive. The body is destroyed along with the cancer! Both ships go down!

"I am Blessed"

I woke up this morning, stretched, and breathed in air deeply, and I knew, I am Blessed,

I walked down the hallway with my own two legs, and I knew, I am Blessed.

I awoke my three princes from their slumber, and saw their sleepy faces, and I knew, I am Blessed.

I came into the kitchen, where my husband stood with my cup of coffee ready in his hands, and I knew, I am Blessed.

I sat down, with my cup of coffee, took my first sip, breathed the moment in, and I knew I am Blessed.

I picked up this pencil and was able to pen these words of gratitude, which is the highest form of prayer, Thank You, and I knew....I am Blessed!