Taking Stock

What do you believe? People believe all sorts of things worshiping at the altar of sports teams, politicians or one cause or another, their ardor equal too and often exceeding that of the most fervent church goer. I wish to make no value judgment on anyone’s beliefs, only that we have a capacity for passionate belief and commitment to many things. The question then is a matter of priority. I always find it curious that we can spend untold hours in discussion and debate on sports, politics, a television series or some other cause near and dear to us but have only a passing interest in our relationship with the Infinite.

When the time comes, and it comes for all since our time in this flesh is finite, the day we somersault into Eternity unknown to us, will a life dedicated to secular pursuits and interests be of much assistance when faced with the ultimate and eternal? Is there really anything more important than our connection with The Miraculous or defining the spiritual parameters by which we live? Please, do not misunderstand; be passionate, root for your team, campaign for your beliefs and stand for the issues that move you, but we must not neglect taking stock, an honest inventory of our life to ascertain where we really stand spiritually, for in the end, literally, what could be more important?

For those who belong to an organized Religion, this stock taking or inventory is just as significant. Do we really believe what is being taught or are we paying it lip service with little passion, attending out of rote rather than deeply held conviction? How involved are you, for all truly reap as they sow. Are you committed to the beliefs your church espouses, the religion youchose, demonstrating that belief and commitment in all your actions?

No one can take stock for us, so begin today to honestly inventory your beliefs and actions, for spiritual honesty is a requisite if we are to find our true voice and place, to know peace and to comprehend serenity and if we find work needs to be done, get started immediately, for what could possibly be of greater importance?
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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

Spiritual Cafeteria

“The universe is run exactly on the lines of a cafeteria.” Emmet Fox. And just as the food at the self-serve cafeteria, all the gifts Grace provides are laid out before us, but it is up to us to take the action to claim them, for just as the self-serve cafeteria where we can sit waiting, watching others eating all around us, we will remain hungry until we act. To be filled Spiritually we must claim our nourishment, “paying” for it by truly embracing Divine Love, forgiving all, refusing to embrace resentment or condemnation of anyone or anything for any reason, putting into action and demonstration the truths we have come to hold in our heart, while resisting the alluring spiritual shortcuts arrayed before us which ultimately lead only to frustration and morbid reflection. These shortcuts or seemingly “easier softer ways” are like trying to live on cafeteria Jell-O and desserts alone. Though colorful, tasty, and satisfying in the moment, trying to live solely on them leads only to ill health and problems, while Spiritually these shortcuts are deadly. Spiritual Jell-O, you heard it here first.

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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

Working Smart, Not Hard

Easy does it! and Work hard but don’t make hard work of it, are two sayings to live by. Consider, has worry or being so tense a loud noise makes you jump ever improved or changed the outcome of any undertaking, let alone your serenity? Not in my experience. Worry is needless wear and tear on our mind and body, kind of like sitting in your car at a stop light, putting it in neutral and then pushing the accelerator to the floor. A whole lot of sound and fury and wasted energy with nothing much to show for it, except curious looks from those stopped next to you and maybe a large repair bill.

Our course then is simple, whatever we are about, take the next prudent step, the indicated action whatever that may be and when this is accomplished, stop. Nothing positive is ever had by continually rehashing something that is done. Worry and anxiety are simply forms of fear, and truly, what is there to be afraid of? Living on the Spiritual Basis we are in the world but not of it, today understanding we are all children of the Miraculous, loved beyond measure, eternal in every aspect that matters, this day just one day in our long schooling. So, we keep our head where our hands are, addressing the tasks in front of us to the best of our current ability, and when done we relax and take it easy, reminding ourselves that, though our true Self is eternal, we live one day at a time. 
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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

Your Mama’s Back

You have probably heard these bad luck superstitions, maybe even repeated them yourself: step on a crack and break your mama’s back, three on a match, a dead man’s shoes, breaking a mirror brings 7 years of woe, a black cat crossing your path, spilled salt, anything 13, walking under a ladder and so many more. Many unfortunately believe that this life can be influenced by seemingly random occurrences like these. When we begin to Live on the Spiritual Basis it becomes clear that life is filled with uncontrollable and unavoidable moments of broken mirrors, sidewalk cracks, 13’s, black cats, spilled salt, etc. and the only power they possess is that which we choose to give them. Living on the Spiritual Basis we now know that the universe really is on our side, that our true inheritance as children of the Miraculous is to be happy, joyous, and free. Believing in superstitions denies the beauty and the power of this relationship. All superstitions are curious self-imposed impediments keeping us from living to our fullest, choosing to remain in the bondage of self rather than breathe free. So, the next time you spill the salt, walk under a ladder or step on a crack, laugh and thank God as you understand Him for being set free. And besides, everybody knows black cats are cool, right?
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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

The Road Less Traveled

I’ll bet, like me, you have read a shelf full of spiritual books over the years. Remember how uplifting they were when first read? Your Erroneous Zones, The Sermon on the Mount, The Purpose Driven Life, Joshua, Make Your Life Worthwhile, Never Alone, Just Like Jesus, The Secret, The Power of Intention, A Course In Miracles are just a few from my “bookshelf”. The problem arises when we spend all our time seeking, while failing to really incorporate the principles we have learned into our lives. Living on the Spiritual Basis requires action, the knowledge we have gained intelligently applied in daily life.

It has been said, “Many roads lead to Jerusalem” (Jerusalem representing Spiritual awakening), but we must pick one and stay on it, investing ourselves in the path chosen. A casual reading or passing assent avails us what all spiritual half measures deliver, nothing. To grow in awareness and understanding requires consistent unselfish constructive action on our part, being irresolute, lacking focus or true direction leads only to confusion and frustration. In time we may find a different path calling us, if this happens, having been resolute it will happen naturally, organically, without struggle.

So, we must set our feet firmly on our chosen path, profiting in knowledge, growing daily by demonstration. One of the principal requirements is to remain open-minded and teachable, learning from all while understanding this is The Road Less Traveled and as such, there will be times when we seemingly are walking alone, however, Divine Love and Knowledge is always by our side, ready to guide and protect us.

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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

Destructive Riches

You have probably heard, or some variation of: For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows (1 Timothy 6:10). Well, at least the first part anyway. Consider how many “successful” people throughout history have used wealth to impress their will on others due to the false belief their financial success equates to spiritual success. The supposed entitlement that wealth conveys unfortunately has for many built a barrier to enlightenment which often becomes insurmountable. To be clear: money is not the problem, it’s the love of it.

If our definition of success is based solely on possessions and wealth, we will have “gained the world but lost ourselves”, remember, he who dies with the most toys still dies and as much as we may wish to, we can’t take it with us. Many have tried, and all have failed. We find them, unearth them, and then parade them and their cherished possessions about, kind of creepy if you really stop and think about it, this grave robbing. Clearly it didn’t work out so well for them, did it? Additionally, we all know or know of a family torn apart over an inheritance, greed supplanting love and family.

Living on the Spiritual Basis we learn to use money as the tool it truly is. God wants all His children to be happy, joyous, and free and if we have been blessed with substantial resources, we seek ways to help others, preferably anonymously, for in this way we avoid the trap of love of money and avoid piercing ourselves through with many sorrows. 

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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

Treading Lightly, With Purpose

We are all confronted by spiritual tyrants in the course of our lives. When this happens, our course is to stand firm, stating our beliefs and understanding of Spiritual principles with clarity and tact, resisting the temptation to reply in anger or condemnation or worse compromise our beliefs as a strategy for avoiding the necessary confrontation. Tyrants only view this as weakness, our failure to stand strong in faith providing them license to bully others. To be clear: it is unlikely they will be moved by our calm and measured response, it matters not. For in truth, an individual’s demonstration belongs only to them, and all reap as they sow. Living on the Spiritual Basis we stand and deliver, with patience, kindness, tolerance, and love. And when we fall short of this ideal; and we all will from time to time for such is the nature of being human, we must always be gentle when dealing with ourselves, profiting from all experiences, sharing openly and honestly our highs and lows, successes, and failures. 

AND Remember: liking or agreeing with someone is not a requisite for saluting their innate spirituality; but this recognition is our ultimate responsibility to one another as children of Divine Love. In living this way, we remain free of resentments, anger, condemnation, and the temptation to exercise personal power over others, thus avoiding the deadly trap of Spiritual Pride, and of becoming tyrants our self.  

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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

Tyranny and Ego

Living by spiritual principles is not easy, no news flash there, and unfortunately many that do disagree on the path. Constructive conversation in congenial tones, on any topic, should be sought, unfortunately, many are incapable of this. Their beliefs fall into the “my way or the highway” school of judgment, often raised to Sacred Cow status, which leaves no room whatsoever for conversation, let alone congeniality. The indelicate machinations of politicians notwithstanding, history is replete with those who may have started out with noble ideals who then began to believe their own press and (often unconsciously) placed themselves on the pedestal of “I know better” transforming from teacher to leader to tyrant.

Tyrant: 1. Absolute ruler: an absolute ruler who exercises power cruelly and unjustly 
2.  Authoritarian person: somebody who exercises authority unjustly and oppressively.

To avoid becoming a spiritual tyrant is simple but not easy. It begins, and ends, with the absolute truth that all are equal in God’s eyes. The opening words of the Lord’s Prayer, “Our Father”, sums up our relationship with Him who has all knowledge and power simply: that all are equally loved in Spirit; the opportunity to live on the Spiritual Basis open to all, regardless of current circumstances or how “unlovely” they may currently be. When we look down on or speak derisively to or about anyone, we open the door to the tyranny of spirit, hiding behind the straw man sentiment of “it’s for their own good.” To be free, we must salute the innate spirituality in all (liking or approving of them immaterial), seeing them through the prism of Divine Love, recognizing the nobility of their spirit even though they are incapable of reciprocation. Tyranny dies in love but this love requires the sacrifice of ego.  

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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

Up Jumped The Devil

There are many spiritual axioms, one is “When we raise our head above the crowd, we place a target on our back.”  Ever toss out a casual comment concerning a sports team or politics and find you have struck a nerve? When it happens, we usually try to find a simple and quick exit since we had no intention of initiating a serious discussion or debate on the matter, especially with someone so emotionally attached or easily offended.

Discussions/debates on secular topics are one thing, but the real devil jumps up when it comes to spiritual matters (politics a close second) for nothing engenders more passion than when we speak of God. Choosing to Live on the Spiritual Basis requires us to cultivate peace, joy, and harmony, becoming beacons to others. Living in this manner we learn to avoid gratuitous debate or attempt to answer, “unasked questions” and let our life serve as the demonstration. If we are questioned, and believe it will serve any good, we answer clearly and directly about what we are doing and how we live, presenting our beliefs with tact, kindness and confidence, rejoicing at the opportunity to be of service, but we must remain calm, avoiding argument and fault finding. When the conversation ends, we wish them well telling them we appreciate the time spent. We then withdraw, thanking God for knowing Him better and the opportunity to stand tall and demonstrate over fear; praying for continued enlightenment of all, and though we don’t look for trouble, we rejoice in the spiritual target on our back for there is no clearer indicator that we are on the right path.  

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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

The Only Fight Worth Having

“We will comprehend the word serenity and we will know peace.” 

Serenity: calm and untroubled: without worry, stress, or disturbance.

Imagine a world where serenity is the norm rather than the exception. A thing worth fighting for, no? Fighting for serenity, now there is a fight worth picking, perhaps the only fight that truly matters and the curious thing is we fight this fight by ceasing to fight everything and everyone, by choosing Love over fear. It begins with each of us and requires the ultimate sacrifice: the surrendering of self and our sacred cows as well as the belief that altering outside conditions, while leaving the inner untouched is anything less than madness. So, we choose, just for today, to Live on the Spiritual Basis, embracing spirituality to the best of our current ability and understanding, for as we begin to comprehend serenity we become the true peacemakers, achieving not only peace of soul for ourselves, but ultimately for all, for we are all truly connected in Divine Mind and serenity is contagious.
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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