Watching movies or a series is wonderfully relaxing to me after my work day or other activity. I’ve not owned a TV in more than a decade, but I’ve got my trusty laptop with a DVD and external mini-speaker 😊. I’m not one to pay for a subscription solely because I would spend much too much time utilizing it and that would be most unhealthy. However, even with the limited freebies, I find myself getting hooked. And, watching at night and then going to sleep impacts my dreams. New Tricks is a British television police procedural, concluded after twelve series in 2015. It focuses on the work of the Unsolved Crime and Open Case Squad (UCOS), a fictional division within London’s Metropolitan Police Service tasked with re-investigating unsolved crimes from years ago now that more technology is available, e.g., DNA testing. UCOS’ team is headed by a woman senior police detective overseeing the work of three retired male police officers. Each episode focuses on a different investigation, with characters coping with aging problems but using their wisdom to overcome hurdles in the original investigation of cold cases. I always like a good mystery, it’s fascinating to see what new tools … Continue reading →

  Mentioning the Tao te Ching in yesterday’s blog led me to refresh my memory about it a bit—something I love about blogging! I came across a concise writing of the four teachings of Taoism, which made me think back to my early days in 12 Step program when I was just learning about spirituality and essentially getting a guide book to life for the first time in my life—and I was almost 35 years old! The Tao’s four teachings in the words of Allison Michelle Dienstman (who holds a degree in Chinese language and literature) are: Simplicity, patience, compassion Going with the flow Letting go Harmony   In attending 12 Step meetings and hearing folks’ stories of reaching bottom in their addiction and their life, I felt compassion, which also made me patient and more understanding and accepting of others. Myself too. And, when I was focused on recovery and helping others, life was a lot simpler; I got back to basics and what was most important in life. Coming to believe in a higher power, I finally admitted I was not in control of my life. Spirit was in charge and I could rest easy. I could go … Continue reading →

“Whenever we ask for God’s help, our mind is at one with God. And whenever we feel out of sync with God, we need only change our mind.” – In God’s Care*: Daily Meditations on Spirituality in Recovery, January 4 *As We Understand God It is my goal to be focused on Spirit every second of my life; needless to say, I’ve got a ways to go! The aforementioned reading got me thinking about other scenarios in which my mind is one with the Great Mystery. Here’s some that arise throughout the day: The experience of writing this daily blog, You, Me and Spirit Meditating Sending love, light, and healing to others Helping others Feeling joy Being at peace Remembering someone’s birthday or other special occasion and reaching out to them Conscious breathing Staying in the present moment Writing in my gratitude journal at night There are a myriad of ways and times throughout the day when I come together with and my mind is one with God. As I grow in awareness, my mind is one with God more often. When I find myself off kilter, like A Course in Miracles points out, I can choose once again, and come back … Continue reading →

“Holding another in my heart requires love, not judgment.” — Science of Mind Magazine, December 4, 2021 The aforementioned statement has stuck with me since I first read it last month. Good thing, since it is an affirmation I really need to “get.” I’ve always been very analytical and adept at discernment. I think, for the most part, those attributes have been and are helpful to have in order to navigate through this thing called Life. Still, they have their place. I can get lost in my head analyzing a situation and not pay attention to my feelings or intuition. I’m grateful I’ve gotten more aware of the limitations of operating mostly from my head, and have made great progress in recognizing my heart. Then we come to judgment. Ahh. Judgment is probably my biggest character defect, as in judging other people. In my thinking, I form an opinion of someone and/or their situation. But it doesn’t stop there. It carries energy into my heart, closing my heart instead of expanding it. Judgment encompasses not accepting the person for who they are or for where they are on their own unique path. It means my ego thinks it is right … Continue reading →

Today’s Daily Word acknowledges Memorial Day, a U.S. holiday. But, interestingly, it goes beyond remembering the men and women who gave their lives in our nation’s service. Here it is in its entirety: Monday, May 31, 2010 Remember I lovingly remember others. Remembering those who have given their lives in service, I reflect upon their sacrifice. I learn from the lessons they taught and from their accomplishments. I also remember the people who have made a meaningful contribution in my life. Because of them I have learned to live more fully. Just as I build upon the acts and achievements of those who have gone before me, others may build upon my life’s example. As I remember others today, others may remember me in the future. Today I take a few moments to appreciate those who taught me by example, to honor those who showed me the way. Their love and their willingness have changed my life for the better, and I am grateful. When I remember you in my prayers, I always thank my God. – Philemon 1:4 It’s interesting that during this morning’s quiet time I listened to a meditative, subliminal CD about forgiveness and peace of mind. … Continue reading →