In Service To

Each of us have “two masters” and we always serve one or the other: our carnal often fear driven human mind or our Spiritual Heart. Understanding spiritual principles is important, the filling of our mind with spiritual knowledge the first step. The curious thing about spiritual knowledge though is many believe acquiring it is the goal, application situational. Consider: having a great deal of medical knowledge doesn’t make one a doctor, to truly become a doctor we must first acquire knowledge and then under careful experienced supervision put this knowledge into action, turning learning into experience, moving from the theoretical to the real; in Spiritual terms, from head to heart.

This maxim holds true in every area of life, but no area more important than our spiritual life, yet many fail to walk the way they talk. In pursuit of material and secular success individuals often go too tremendous lengths; while willingly ignoring the Spiritual imperative, “life” success measured in material possessions and accolades; their actions demonstrating their true heart’s desire while living at odds with the Spiritual imperative. A head full of spiritual knowledge without the corresponding demonstration amounts to a half measure, and spiritually half measures avail us nothing. Only we know if “we walk the way we talk”, only we know in our heart of hearts which master we serve. Choose wisely.
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© Vincent Lee Jones All Rights Reserved Miracles Of Recovery, Overdose Death, Alcoholism, Wayne Dyer, Drug Addiction, Zen, Emmet Fox, Opioids, Heroin, Einstein, AA, Healing Path Recovery, Drug Rehab, #Drug Addiction, #Drug Rehab, #Healing Path Recovery, #Heroin, #Opioids

Never Hesitate

Some believe praying for oneself is somehow selfish, but this is at best a half truth and it is never selfish when we speak honestly from the heart. Every conversation; whether aloud or in our mind’s eye, with God is a prayer and Living on the Spiritual Basis we do not filter our conversations with the Miraculous, for if we do we are relying on our limited consciousness to manage our relationship with the Infinite, a text book example of limitation fear-tinged thinking. In truth, God already knows the issues of our heart, the conversation/prayer demonstrating our willingness, to step out in faith to taste Spiritual freedom, raising our consciousness as well as our fellows since all are connected in Spirit. 

When our “eye is single” we understand what holds our attention manifests in our lives, changes our perceptions, our consciousness raised when our focus is Divinely inspired. God will not, cannot bring anything into our lives which will harm us or others, for good and God are synonymous, so never hesitate to speak to God on any subject, for in so doing our attention is focused on what truly matters, our relationship with “Our Father” from which everything else in life flows and in so doing we will comprehend serenity, find our true place and know peace. So, praying for ourselves is not only unselfish, it is required for our growth.
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© Vincent Lee Jones All Rights Reserved Miracles Of Recovery, Overdose Death, Alcoholism, Wayne Dyer, Drug Addiction, Zen, Emmet Fox, Opioids, Heroin, Einstein, AA, Healing Path Recovery, Drug Rehab, #Drug Addiction, #Drug Rehab, #Healing Path Recovery, #Heroin, #Opioids

Venting

Usually when asked how I’m doing my response is: “It’s another beautiful day in paradise.” Why? First, most really don’t want to know in any detail, since essentially this is just a form of saying hello and this lets them off the hook. Admit it, there have been times when you have used “How are you doing?” as a greeting and the person proceeded, in detail, to tell you exactly how they were doing, all the while your internal voice was screaming “I was only saying hello!” 

Secondly, and most importantly, when speaking about our lives there needs to be a good reason for the conversation. If things are going well, of course a simple declarative statement is desirable, but if an area of life: family, health, work, etc. is bothersome then we must be on guard lest we place ourselves in danger of stoking the fires of resentment. The pitfall of drifting into condemnation while airing our “problems” to a sympathetic ear places us at risk, the risk of morbid reflection.

The belief that “talking” about something troubling us will make us feel better is only a half truth. It only has lasting value if the purpose of the conversation is to explore solutions, not to merely vent. We have all vented at times in our lives, what was the result? In the moments following the rant we did feel better, but just like the temporary relief felt when short on cash and a forgotten twenty is found in the pocket of a coat, it fades as soon as we shift from the gratitude of finding the cash to “it’s only a twenty” thinking. Often I have had a student say they felt better after “getting something off their chest” but unless a definite course of action to address the problem or situation was entered into, all that was really accomplished was “letting off a little steam” which is fine in the short run but does nothing to address the continuing source of the pressure.

When we abstain from negative thinking and talk, from feeding the inner beast of self-pity and self-centered fear, instead turning our thoughts and heart to the Miraculous that is wisdom and guidance personified; the only true barrier to morbid reflection, we save ourselves from needless mental and spiritual wear and tear. So, how are you doing? It really is another beautiful day in paradise.
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© Vincent Lee Jones All Rights Reserved Miracles Of Recovery, Overdose Death, Alcoholism, Wayne Dyer, Drug Addiction, Zen, Emmet Fox, Opioids, Heroin, Einstein, AA, Healing Path Recovery, Drug Rehab, #Drug Addiction, #Drug Rehab, #Healing Path Recovery, #Heroin, #Opioids

Our True Success

Success is characteristically measured by possessions, popularity, living the “good” life and so on. Chasing “secular” health is about looking and feeling good at any price, taking, using, and doing whatever to achieve something which is passing at best. Conversely Spiritual success is measured by the peace, poise, and serenity we demonstrate when facing life’s inevitable difficulties, and while possessions are to be enjoyed, they lack any real spiritual significance and if they stand in the way of our Spiritual growth, are easily cast aside. Spiritually our health is not only about the body; as Good Shepherds we do not misuse it or ignore its care, but we now understand we are so much more than this flesh, that we truly are a Spark of the Divine, eternal, existing before this flesh was conceived, existing beyond its certain return to the dust and ash from which it came. Secular: the opinions of others have power to color our choices and decisions. Spiritually: the opinions of others none of our business, for when we are right with the Miraculous all other relationships and conditions can and will fall into place, harmoniously.

As we transition from living on the secular basis to Living on the Spiritual Basis our whole attitude about life and living changes. The feeling of uselessness and self-pity disappears, we lose interest in selfish things and gain interest in our fellows. Spiritual Sight, intuitive thinking and inspiration become operative in our lives. So, Spiritual or secular, harmony or confusion, freedom or bondage, the choice is ours. “When you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change.” Living on the Spiritual Basis we are no longer of this world, but we are in it; life simplified, no longer at odds with people, places, or things. Truly free of the fear driven life, a wonderful demonstration of true success.
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© Vincent Lee Jones All Rights Reserved Miracles Of Recovery, Overdose Death, Alcoholism, Wayne Dyer, Drug Addiction, Zen, Emmet Fox, Opioids, Heroin, Einstein, AA, Healing Path Recovery, Drug Rehab, #Drug Addiction, #Drug Rehab, #Healing Path Recovery, #Heroin, #Opioids

Conning Ourselves

“He wants to enjoy a certain reputation, but knows in his heart he doesn’t deserve it.” Con artists portray themselves in whatever manner necessary to achieve their ultimate goal: relieving the mark of their money or property. Whether it requires appearing down and out or worth millions, a good ole boy or foreign dignitary, sinner, or saint, they become whatever it takes to achieve their goal. The con artist however doesn’t deceive themselves as to who they really are. As soon as the con is done, win or lose, they move on, shedding the portrayal like a pair of dirty socks.

Spiritually though many con themselves unknowingly. They approach Spirituality in much the same manner as they do their other nonspiritual activities: as a task to be completed. Then trouble comes it may be economic, family or health in nature. Being nominal students of Living on the Spiritual Basis, they feel abandoned, let down by “God” for just as the con artist they had only worn the clothes of the convicted in faith, saying the right words at the correct time, doing, and acting as a believer should, living under the false belief that by merely acting correctly they were doing the work. They are like the hungry man who stashed away the seed for a great harvest but never planted the crop.

Faith without works is dead and Spiritual work without faith is just activity. We all reap as we sow and in the garden of our spiritual lives our crop must be planted with care and interest, watered with love and service, the weeds of discontent and fear removed as soon as we become aware of them. Additionally, we have learned to pray with a feather, gently, considering our words, speaking from the Heart, remembering this is our time with the Conscious Creative Life Force at the Heart of all Creation.

     You “…cannot transmit something you haven’t got” so we quietly tend our garden in earnest, reaping peace, and true purpose, being present for the Miraculous in the moment, for it is only in this moment that we can be present for God, our lives, in truth, a series of moments in eternity strung together in faith.
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© Vincent Lee Jones All Rights Reserved Miracles Of Recovery, Overdose Death, Alcoholism, Wayne Dyer, Drug Addiction, Zen, Emmet Fox, Opioids, Heroin, Einstein, AA, Healing Path Recovery, Drug Rehab, #Drug Addiction, #Drug Rehab, #Healing Path Recovery, #Heroin, #Opioids

Opportunity Knocks

There are many laws, both secular and spiritual. Man’s laws fill uncounted volumes and are constantly being amended, ignored, and broken. But what of Spiritual “laws”: The Law of Retribution, the Law of Unintended Consequence, Reaping and Sowing and others? What sets these laws apart from Man’s laws is they are impersonal in application. Rich or poor, famous or infamous, Saint or Sinner, they play no favorites, cannot be bought off, ignored or appealed once invoked. The results we reap from these laws depend solely on us and our choices. Negative life choices invoke these laws in negative ways, while positive choices free us from limitation and fear-based living.

The Law of Opportunity is one of these laws. When opportunity knocks, and it will, we will either stride out, embracing the moment or listen to the adversary, Fear, which will whisper we are too old, too young, lack the schooling or a myriad of other limiting excuses to keep us locked in the bondage of self, Fear providing cold comfort in our future lamentations over missed opportunities. Living on the Spiritual Basis provides the needed strength to overcome fear and its 1^st cousin trepidation. By stepping out in faith, the Miraculous responds and undreamt-of possibilities and opportunities soon surround us. Our job, our only real job in this life is to embrace Divine Love and the grand possibilities living in the light manifest.

Theory is fine in the classroom, but demonstration is the measure, the attraction. The Law of Opportunity is one of the ways the Miraculous provides us choice, to grow in understanding and expression, truly demonstrating over fear-based living, becoming a light set upon a hill to guide others away from limitation. So, what is our choice to be when opportunity knocks, reliance on the infinite, the Miraculous, or the finite, ourselves? Choose wisely, I’ll get the door.
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© Vincent Lee Jones All Rights Reserved Miracles Of Recovery, Overdose Death, Alcoholism, Wayne Dyer, Drug Addiction, Zen, Emmet Fox, Opioids, Heroin, Einstein, AA, Healing Path Recovery, Drug Rehab, #Drug Addiction, #Drug Rehab, #Healing Path Recovery, #Heroin, #Opioids  

Too Smart by Half

I hike for fitness, both mental and physical, and as a result have hiked thousands of miles, in all manner of conditions and terrain. I use first quality kit: shoes, backpack, carbon fiber trekking poles, etc. I stay well hydrated on the trail and am well aware of my limits, given the conditions. So clearly, it should be obvious to all that I am a “seasoned hiker.” 

Sometime ago, it was hotter than normal, in fact a record setting day. Now, I have hiked in the heat often and adjust accordingly, because I am a “seasoned hiker.” I had planned to do a short hike, 6 miles or so, that day and was determined to follow through. As I set out from my home the thermometer read 95. Hot, but I had hiked in hotter and being a “seasoned hiker” I knew what to do. When I arrived at the trailhead the thermometer read 109. Hmm, the little voice in the back of my mind chimed in with “this isn’t a good idea.” I considered this for a moment but quickly dismissed it, since being a “seasoned hiker” I looked at as a good training exercise in adverse conditions and I could always cut it short if needed.

So, off I went. It was hot, really hot, but I pressed on. I walked for a bit and then started up a short incline leading to the ridge line. Cresting the ridge, it was clear that 6 miles was out, so I opted to half it. That voice kicked in again and said, “turn around now.” I thought about it and instead decided to drop down another trail to the forest below for some shade to walk back to my vehicle. Same distance and being a “seasoned hiker” I knew I could handle it.

20 minutes later I was in real trouble. See, the trail I went down was a narrow V and I had forgotten how heat builds up on trails like this and I found myself walking through sections where it was 130+. I quickly become nauseous and lightheaded, and if I hadn’t had my trekking poles to stabilize me, I would have fallen. For the first time since I started hiking, I considered calling for help. I found some shade and rested for 30 minutes. I drank a quart of electrolyte infused water and recovered enough strength to reach the trees and get back to my vehicle. I was wiped, and it took a full day to recover from my little 3-mile hike.

We all have that small voice and the times in my life when it got “interesting”, and not in a good way, were the times I thought I knew better and didn’t listen. So, if the voice says head back to the car, turn left instead of right, stay away from someone or something, etc. listen. For when we do, frequently nothing happens, and that is often the point and a good thing, whether we are “seasoned” or not.

 
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© Vincent Lee Jones All Rights Reserved Miracles Of Recovery, Overdose Death, Alcoholism, Wayne Dyer, Drug Addiction, Zen, Emmet Fox, Opioids, Heroin, Einstein, AA, Healing Path Recovery, Drug Rehab, #Drug Addiction, #Drug Rehab, #Healing Path Recovery, #Heroin, #Opioids

A Sea of Laurels

Living on the Spiritual Basis provides unlimited horizons for growth and expanding our consciousness, but we must take the action. Think of it this way: Our consciousness floats in a infinite sea, this sea connecting everyone and everything, Divine Love surrounding us. When we made the decision to live on a different basis, the basis of trusting and relying upon a Power Greater Than Ourselves we choose to move away from the islands of fear, selfish and self-centered pursuits and toward increased awareness and purpose, our consciousness, our relationship/connection with true source improving as we progress. This however requires steadfast and consistent effort on our part.

Now, no one spends all their time in the sea. We all climb out from time to time for a variety of reasons and rest on our laurels along the shore, the laurels (think peace of mind and heart) generated from the spiritual work we have done, the truths we have embraced. The problems begin if we attempt to set up camp, believing we have arrived, losing sight of the reality that our continued growth rests in our willingness to continue moving forward, exploring, since our spiritual awakening is an ongoing process. But take heart, we have all done it; perhaps you are doing it now. Whenever I have it does not take long for the leaves to dry out, becoming hard and stiff, resulting in restlessness and a vague sense of discontentment, encouraging action.So, when the leaves begin to stiffen, take note, and get back in the sea, for something wonderful lies just beyond the horizon.  
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© Vincent Lee Jones All Rights Reserved Miracles Of Recovery, Overdose Death, Alcoholism, Wayne Dyer, Drug Addiction, Zen, Emmet Fox, Opioids, Heroin, Einstein, AA, Healing Path Recovery, Drug Rehab, #Drug Addiction, #Drug Rehab, #Healing Path Recovery, #Heroin, #Opioids

False Fires

As we live and learn, growing in awareness, practicing daily our new way of life; Living on the Spiritual Basis, not only our perspective but our actions have begun to change naturally as we are beginning to truly see and demonstrate Divine Love. We see the world less and less through the prism of the carnal, score keeping, fear driven secular mind. Viewing existence through a new pair of glasses we have begun to experience life connected to Source instead of at odds with it. As our consciousness grows and expands the truth of the power of love becomes more apparent, for:

Love is God, God is love and love is always the answer.

Through the process of Living on the Spiritual Basis we have established a conscious contact with the Miraculous, so when faced with any difficulty the realization of God’s love and Divine presence will not only solve or correct the situation but remove it. Clearly this new way of living and thinking develops over time so if your first thought is not always about God or love, do not be discouraged. Upon awareness turn to the Miraculous in prayer asking what action should be taken, if any (often the hardest thing to do is be still and allow God to work). And always be gentle, under no circumstance allow your internal dialogue to turn negative. We all make mistakes, such is being human, and regardless of severity, love is always the answer. This is not a race, we are already living in eternity and focusing on the negative is always counterproductive, it shuts us off from the sunlight of the Spirit and burns our serenity in the false fires of rationalized or worse, justified anger.

Driven by fear others will attempt to harm us, but to be free we have learned to condemn the act but never the actor, especially when the actor looks at us back from our mirror.
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© Vincent Lee Jones All Rights Reserved Miracles Of Recovery, Overdose Death, Alcoholism, Wayne Dyer, Drug Addiction, Zen, Emmet Fox, Opioids, Heroin, Einstein, AA, Healing Path Recovery, Drug Rehab, #Drug Addiction, #Drug Rehab, #Healing Path Recovery, #Heroin, #Opioids

Needing and Wanting and God’s Will

Having now Lived on the Spiritual Basis for a time the power of prayer in our lives and others is evident. So, the question isn’t whether prayer works/changes things but why it appears curiously inconsistent, why some prayers are answered while others are seemingly unheard.

We need to be crystal clear on this point: All prayers are answered and answered in the affirmative, but never at the expense of others or if it will ultimately place us in a position to be harmed. Prayer provides what we need, seen and unseen to grow spiritually, not necessarily what we want or think we need in the moment.

When you are new to Living on the Spiritual Basis prayers often take the form of outlining, we lay out the terms and conditions how we think the request for help should be handled, believing we know what’s best for all concerned at the time. Having made the decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God it is clear why prayers of this type do not return the expected results, nevertheless God does answer these prayers in the affirmative, providing what we need though we often cannot see it with our still fear limited consciousness.

We must keep in the forefront of our mind this unassailable truth: God wants us, all of us, to be happy, joyous, and free, this life an extension of, not separate from Divine Love. So, pray expecting to receive for it is promised that all of creation is at our beck and call if we but ask, wholeheartedly. “For as he thinks in his heart, so is he” (Proverbs 23:7). By trusting in A Power Greater Than Ourselves to do for us what we cannot do for ourselves, standing ready to follow; though perhaps trembling, the spiritual path and necessary action(s) arrayed before us, our lives transform wonderfully in ways we never imagined. When we pray from the (our) heart, The Heart (God) listens providing what we need, in good and often marvelous ways for all concerned, for all are connected in Spirit, no one beyond the pale or outside the redeeming light and love of the Miraculous. This truth sets us free, finally and forever.
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© Vincent Lee Jones All Rights Reserved Miracles Of Recovery, Overdose Death, Alcoholism, Wayne Dyer, Drug Addiction, Zen, Emmet Fox, Opioids, Heroin, Einstein, AA, Healing Path Recovery, Drug Rehab, #Drug Addiction, #Drug Rehab, #Healing Path Recovery, #Heroin, #Opioids