Energy in Motion

 

In the span of a single second, our lives can change, as energy moves at a pace more rapid than anything we can fathom.

Since our lives are constantly in motion energetically, change is a constant element of our existence. As dynamic as that energy is, it is not random or haphazard in nature -- the shifts in energy that are constantly taking place are the result of our choices. The formulation of intention, a change in perspective, or the creation of a goal can transform our lives in blink of an eye. We think positive thoughts and the world becomes a brighter place. Or we decide who we want to be and become that person. With each passing moment, we are given innumerable opportunities to create change using nothing more than our awareness. 

In the span of a single second, our lives can change immeasurably because energy moves at a pace more rapid than anything we can consciously fathom. Though we may not at first be sensitive to the vibrational shifts taking place, our choices are ultimately at the heart of these transformations. We can typically recognize the consequences of key decisions because we anticipated the resultant energetic shifts. But many, if not most, of the choices we make each day are a product of instantaneous reactions, and these still have a significant impact on the energy of our existence. It is for this reason that we should learn to wield what control we can over these shifts. If we bear in mind that all we think and all we do will shape the existence we know, we can deliberately direct the energetic motion of our lives.

Each day, you make an infinite array of decisions that cause energy shifts in the world around you. In many cases, these transitions are almost imperceptible, while in others the change that takes place is palpable not only to you but also to those in your sphere of influence. Your awareness of the immediate energetic consequences of your thoughts and actions can guide you as you endeavor to make the most of the autonomy that defines you as an individual. The myriad choices you make from moment to moment, however inconsequential they may seem, represent your personal power, which sanctions you to transform the energetic tide of your existence with nothing more than your will.

Written by DailyOm. Posted by Rachel G.

Crabs in a Bucket

Ever wonder why some people seem to bring you down? I call it "Crabs in a Bucket" syndrome. AKA CBM (Crab Bucket Mentality).  

In a perfect world, throw a bunch of crabs in a bucket and they could do two things - they could form a crab pyramid and thus allow one crab to escape, who in turn could help the other crabs out. Within a matter of minutes, they would all be free of the bucket and back in the ocean.

But in reality, if you put a bunch of crabs in a bucket and one tries to escape, the rest would pull him back in. Further more, they may actually begin to break his claws to completely hinder his progress. Unfortunately, this type of mentality is often translated into human behavior. This phrase is typical when dealing with  “toxic people” who will bring you down to their level. As the old saying goes, "misery loves company." While humans may not physically break each other, they may break each other in spirit. 

As the old proverb suggests, “be careful who you hang out with.” In life, you’ll meet a lot of people: Some will share the same interests some will not, some will agree or disagree, some will enjoy being by your side and some will part ways. But the kind you should be most careful of, are the ones who pretend to be your friend. These people will come into your life wearing a mask, and once they show you their true character “believe them!” Above all, stay in-tune with your inner compass (AKA gut feeling).

If you’re someone who’s successful, through hard work and perseverance you may want to consider the "crabs in the bucket" metaphor and protect your kingdom. You don't want to be clawing your way up in life, only to be dragged back down. One way to ensure you don't fall into a bucket full of crabs is by surrounding yourself with people who LIFT you up, as apposed to drain your energy. Choose people that strive to succeed and evolve like yourself; that are honest, reliable, respectful, and continuously attest to who they really are. And thus, you’ll be free to roam around in crystal blue waters. 

Written and posted by Rachel G.

Seeds to New Understanding

 

“We cannot force someone to hear a message they are not ready to receive, but we must never underestimate the power of planting a seed.”

I love this quote because what you preach may not always fall on deaf ears. This reinforces the premise that we each have the right to our own thoughts and opinions, we each have the right to take the time we need to evaluate and make up our own minds in due course. I wouldn't be living a sober life today if it wasn't for that.

We live in such an instant-feedback world that when someone doesn’t respond immediately or at least quickly to something, it's pretty common to see them being dismissed or written off. I know I can be guilty of that. You wonder why they just don't get it! Feelings of disappointment or even resentment can crop up, further eroding sometimes difficult situations. 

Patience can be in short supply these days, and we seem to have lost the fine art of trusting the process. Time is an important factor when planting a seed, for just as in nature each type of seed has different timelines and nutritional requirements. Hence, we each bloom in our own time. 

Even if we don’t change another person’s mind, we ourselves stand to gain more than we stand to lose by being patient and waiting for seeds to sprout. So here's to seeing it unfold according to the laws of nature. 

Written and posted by Rachel G

Taking the Leap to True Change

People take monumental comfort in what's familiar to them. Whatever you're accustomed to becomes your default mode. If you're used to feeling disappointed by people or treated badly, or that you're lonely, unattractive, not strong enough, too old or too broke, then this is exactly what you're going to get because you know how it feels. And though it may not be a desirable feeling or outcome, it's highly predictable to you. Letting go of what's familiar is like moving into a new country where you don't speak the language. You have to learn slowly how to engage in a new way, which involves a deeply frustrating kind of tedium. The new place isn't familiar; it doesn't feel predictable or comfortable. You have no idea how to connect. You see all the locals who seem to easily navigate the land and you feel that you'll never be at that level. It's too hard so you retreat back to your old mind set because at least there, you know exactly what you're going to get. 

True change takes real guts and on the most part involves growing pains. Just like moving to another country you will eventually learn the language and embrace change from the inside out. But it’s a hell of a lot better than staying stagnant or stuck in the same loop. Ask anyone who makes the leap to transforming their lives and they will admit, it was worth the climb every step of the way.  

Written and posted by Rachel G

It’s September, National Recovery Month

This month is a time when we may gratefully reflect on our own recovery and at the same time, have the opportunity to help educate our communities. From a historical perspective, we can certainly celebrate that there is a public acknowledgment of Recovery as a national event. This demonstrates some progress in addressing the stigma of substance use disorder. We have, over the past several years, increased awareness about the science of the disorder and the fact that there are an estimated 22 million plus people in the U.S. that identify themselves as in recovery. We are no longer fully in the shadows. As a community we can take pride in knowing we’ve put a dent in the stigma related to our disorder
 
However we must continue to elevate the voices of those in recovery. We need to identify the inequities in our systems that present challenges to those seeking recovery. We need to address the inequities in healthcare and healthcare coverage as it relates to all mental health disorders. We need to expand our understanding of the definition of recovery and honor one that is inclusive and not just focused on one program or path. In other words, we have to keep growing in our knowledge, our understanding and our education. We owe it to those who are still struggling to continue our quest to reach more people in more ways.  
 
How can you get involved? One can look as close as your local recovery community organizations to see what events they’re having to honor those in recovery. You can find regional events listed here: https://rm.facesandvoicesofrecovery.org 

Posted by Rachel G

People that Annoy Us

There will always be factors and people that we cannot control; how we respond can determine the quality of our lives.

There are many stories of spiritual masters embracing the presence of an annoying student in their community. There is even one story that documents a teacher paying an irritating person to live among his students. From an everyday perspective, this is difficult to comprehend. We generally work hard to avoid people and things that we find annoying so they don't bother us.

From a deeper spiritual perspective, however, irritation can be an important teacher and indicator that we are making progress on our path. Being able to remain centered and awake even when we feel uncomfortable is much more impressive than doing so in an environment where everything is to our liking. No matter how good we are at controlling our circumstances, there will always be factors and people that we cannot control. How we respond to these experiences to a great degree determines the quality of our lives. The goal of spiritual development is not to learn to control our environment--which is more of an ego-driven desire. And while having some measure of control over our external reality is important, it is when we are confronted with a person or situation that irritates us and we can choose not to react that we know have made progress spiritually. It is when we have mastered our internal reality that we will have become the masters of our lives.

The more we try to eliminate annoyances, instead of learning to handle them gracefully, the further we get from developing the qualities that come with spiritual growth, such as patience, tolerance, and acceptance. It is often in the presence of people and experiences we find annoying that we have an opportunity to develop these qualities. Fortunately for most of us, our lives offer an abundance of opportunities to practice and cultivate these traits.

By Madisyn Taylor, from DailyOm

Posted by Rachel G

What "MindBender" means to me

Practical experience shows that nothing will so much insure immunity from drinking as intensive work with other alcoholics.

As I work with new sponsees and talk to the newcomer ...the revelation is startling always the same: their thinking is sick, just as mine was and still is from time to time. 

Coming into the program I thought I was the one exception and that the program would not work for me, I was too sick! 

However, with complete honesty, and higher power, and continued dedication no matter how many times I failed ...I can now safely say my mind has been bent and programmed to think different. I have been mind bended, safely for the better!

Written and posted by Andrea E