I'm still compulsive about some things. Being "on time" means getting somewhere early. I've always been that way, and it's helped advance me in the professional world. "The early bird gets the worm"; you know the drill. In that context, I didn't mind waiting at all; for the bell to ring, or someone to arrive at the office and turn on the lights that I work without. Yes, I even liked working in dimly lit rooms back then. In the world of emotional sobriety, spiritual develop

My brother David finished his radiation and chemotherapy treatments several months ago. So, when we were invited to gather at his home for Thanksgiving this year, I had to go. We had weekly e-mail updates about his condition, but he couldn’t talk, so I hadn’t heard his voice in months. It seemed everyone felt the way I did, because twenty-four of us gathered at his home to celebrate. Our hands were joined in prayer before the meal, and David spoke. I hadn’t remembered him

“When we pray for courage, God isn’t going to send us a gift wrapped box filled with courage. She will give us an opportunity to be courageous.” A line from the movie ‘Evan Almighty’. As I was watching this rather hilarious film based on the story of Noah’s Ark during the 1990’s, this line was spoken. It rocked my world. It unsettled my prayer life. It challenged my Spirituality. It was a reality kick in my backside. I had to admit that my prayer life was based on

Sometimes, it's an epiphany that brings me back to Grace; other times it's the pain of doing the same thing while expecting a different result, that forces me to ask for Grace. I've experienced both this week, and no matter how I cut it, the old ways are lost. I am new in this world, and I need to catch up with that reality. Some inspired wisdom found its way to me again this week and I sat straight up and said, "Oh, right. I almost forgot." The wisdom is from my impeccable

An artist makes time alone to be creative. You can be alone. You are strong enough. Paraphrased: James Taylor I listened to an interview with James Taylor on TV last night. Mr. Taylor is a singer-song writer who has inspired many in my generation and those who have followed. He shared the story of his fame, his addictions, and his present sobriety. He explained that today, sobriety is a main focus of his life. He stated that his sobriety has made it possible for hi

“I realize that the world is full of signs that can help me understand myself and my path through life” Answers from the Heart Sometimes I wonder just where are all the signs that can help me understand myself. As I pause and recall my latest car trip around town, I recall: STOP YIELD SLOW NO LEFT TURN

I’ve listened with a certain wonder as friends of mine call to report certain traumas that have resurfaced in their lives, accidents and deaths too. I don’t know why it feels like it’s prevalent now, but I have to come clean that it’s happened to me also. I take solace in knowing that love does the beckoning, and light shows up areas in our bodies, personalities and systems that need some attention to function with ease. “Ease?”, you say,”What about, No pain, no gain? Isn’t

Opaque 1. Impenetrable to light; neither transparent nor translucent. American Heritage Dictionary The word peace is used so often, it feels like it has no substance. It is such a hip word, almost like a brand. I mean, who can argue against peace? We use it like a passport to gain entry into places where we don’t even speak the language. At least I did. I grew up in the turbulent and creative revolutions of the 60’s and 70’s. I idolized hippies, dressed up like one every

“The paradigm shift comes when we view all events as opportunities to grow, to encounter our own magnificence.” Rolf Gates: Meditations from the Mat I really, really needed to hear this thought this week. Mr. Gates is reflecting on his transition from his time in recovery when he allowed the external world to direct his emotional state. In the addictive way of life, we often find ways to hold others responsible for our emotions. It may have been my partner, my boss, my

"Spiritual practice is about turning on the light - and the light is love." Rolf Gates: " Meditations From the Mat "Pssssssssssssssssssssss! That's the sound of the wind going out of my sails. It's the sound of frustration and self-defeat I sense when I hear something that is so apparently simple. I spend so much time over thinking and rationalizing that I often miss the beauty of the simplicity of life. There it is. Just turn on the light. Open the door of my soul.