Vincent Lee Jones

Silent Serenity Assassins

Some years ago, I became very ill, but since I was still “functioning” I delayed going to my physician until I was in a very bad way. The onset had been so gradual my body and life had adapted to it, my life having shrunken to the point of work and commitments, nothing more. By Fridays I was so tired I would come home and only move for necessities, resting and marshaling energy for the coming week. As my health returned it amazed me how I had allowed my circumstances to become so altered, how I had just accepted negative conditions, rationalized them without a fight because it happened gradually, under the radar of my consciousness.

During the course of our lives our circumstances and living conditions go through many alterations. Although we never fully understand going in the full extent of how becoming parents, relationships beginning or ending, relocating, changing careers, growing older will affect us, they all come with some foreshadowing, approaching head on unlike what transpired when I became so very ill which crept in silently like a snake.

Spiritually the same things happen in our lives. When faced with a definite problem or difficulty we react and take some form of action, preferably spiritual, but even running around shouting the sky is falling is action, a demonstration, albeit a poor one. Then there are the snakes. When we first begin walking the new path of Living on the Spiritual Basis, we start to truly become aware of everything around us. The scales fall from our eyes and we are seeing life and our existence with fresh vision, illumination all about us. Having had our first taste of freedom from the bondage of self we naturally believe that our days of slavery are behind us, never to return. If only it were that simple. The price of spiritual freedom is unrelenting vigilance.

Unfortunately many become complacent, in time becoming moribund, rigid in their thinking, no longer open to the fresh winds and lessons which constantly flow from the Miraculous. Though once dynamic, free and open they have unconsciously constructed walls built of the brick of righteousness set in the mortar of pride, living in the shadows where snakes reside, becoming slaves to self once again, though they often continue uttering spiritual teachings and platitudes, these principles have lost any real significance in their lives, simply nice thoughts lacking any real authority. Avoid then the deadly trap of complacency and spiritual pride by staying fresh through heartfelt prayer, service, and meditation, unwilling to accept limitation in all its guises regardless of personal circumstances, for Divine Love truly wants all of us to be happy, joyous, and free, our lives the demonstration of our true Spiritual heritage, our connection with Source affirmed. https://miraclesofrecovery.com/



© 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

Metaphysics: East vs West

Aristotle referred to metaphysics as the “first philosophy.” A metaphysician or metaphysicist studies all things and how they relate. Whether the focus is ontological (loosely the study of everything in our physical world) or cosmological (the study and relationship of everything in the universe) metaphysics, both approaches clearly cover a wide swath of thought and study. Though the questions may be universal, the approaches in finding answers vary. Taoism (or Daoism) best represents the oriental tradition of thought employing metaphysics.

The Taoist does not believe in the “religion” of Tao, for Tao is not a belief system in the way Christianity, Judaism or other organized religions are. Tao is a path. A western analogy would be a Christian who seeks the truth of the Christ teaching in everyday occurrences, sans the influence of dogmatic rhetoric, seeking purity of path versus strict adherence to ritualistic demonstrations.

Tao is the flow of the universe; metaphysicians study the flow. Metaphysicians studying in the oriental tradition have used the Tao Te Ching for guidance in meditation and study. Now, it would be a mistake to refer to oneself as a Taoist, for “The name that can be named is not the constant name” (Tao Te Ching). The naming of a thing limits it, the definition subverting it. Lao Tzu on the Tao Te Ching: “The Tao that can be expressed is not the eternal Tao.” The metaphysician avoids limiting terms and realizes that naming is itself contrary to the path.

Eastern metaphysicians seem to study the “first philosophy” from a more earth centered, individual, ontological perspective than western metaphysicians tendency towards the cosmological. However, when dealing with metaphysical thought, we are each the captains of our own journey to enlightenment, so whether eastern or western, the journey is the destination.

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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 Water Of Life

Closer is He than breathing; nearer than hands and feet. -Tennyson. In truth, we are always in contact with Source, because we are of Source, not human beings in search of a spiritual connection, we are spiritual beings experiencing the human condition, the connection always there, if we are willing.

High in the mountains around the world small streams start when fed by rain and melting snow made up of infinitesimally small water molecules. These streams flow down their mountains, connecting with other streams, finally becoming rivers, rivers flowing perhaps thousands of miles before eventually merging with the ocean, the water molecules eventually traveling around the world, to the deepest recesses of the oceans, only to rise again to the surface and evaporate, returning to the clouds to fall as snow or rain once more, a journey repeated countless times over billions of years, source constantly renewed. Consider: these billions of year-old molecules are coursing through us at this moment, sustaining us, molecules which once fell as snow on the highest peaks, flowed down mighty rivers in every corner of the world and were frozen in glaciers for millennia in ice ages long past.

We are surrounded by wonder, the amazing complexity and interconnectedness of life in even the simplest things evident, if we will only take the time to consider. Though separated from one another by flesh, in truth, Spirit is the water of life, transcending all limitation or earthly constraints. So, when reaching out for Source, for God in prayer and meditation remember, look inward, for Closer is He than breathing; nearer than hands and feet, so drink deeply, for the Miraculous is most near indeed.
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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

Independence

Today the United States celebrates independence from a tyrannical government hundreds of years ago, the reverberations of which still shake the world today. So, what better day for us to celebrate our liberation as well from limitation thinking and living. Having stepped out in purpose, demonstrating freedom from the bondage of self, helping all who are willing and praying for those still locked in fear, we proudly fly our flag as Children of the Miraculous, arm and arm marching ever forward, a day at a time, claiming all the gifts that are ours by right of our Divine heritage. Truly free, grateful for 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

Inevitable Return

Our existence in this flesh is but a moment in parentheses: Divine Love (birth-life-death) Divine Love. Having embraced Living on the Spiritual Basis this truth has become evident: we are not this body, we are Divine, eternal beings experiencing the human condition, learning to Love unconditionally, the I AM, our true self, existing before this body was born, unaffected by its natural, inevitable return to the dust from which it rose. Holding fast to Divine truth: that all are equal in the eyes of the Miraculous regardless of current circumstances or beliefs, Loved, and though they may be terribly lost, living in the grip of the adversary Fear, true redemption just a moment and a prayer away. Our job to help, but never hinder another’s path of awakening, even if that requires us to   release them with love.
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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

Chits and Giggles

We are constantly bombarded with all manner of messages of doom and gloom. Right now, a television program is airing dealing with the demise of mankind at the hands of: this or that political party, super volcanoes, climate change, nuclear winter, aliens, asteroid/comet strike, EMP blasts, Book Of Revelations, any of a variety of pathogens from plague to flu (naturally occurring or man-made), the Earth’s magnetic field flipping, galactic alignment and the day wouldn’t be complete without something from the Mack daddy of all doom and gloomers: Nostradamus. Oh, and that is just broadcast TV, the array of these programs on pay services can keep someone occupied for uncounted hours, with entire channels dedicated to them. Then of course there is the internet. Scroll through your daily feed and you are sure to find some.

So, for chits and giggles, let’s say you knew for certain a world ending calamity was about to happen, would it fundamentally change your behavior? If we answer yes, then we have missed the point of Living on the Spiritual Basis. To be clear: jobs and other secular pursuits would fall to irrelevance and our focus would turn to the people and things which truly matter if the end of days were indeed at hand, but what of our behavior, the way we live? Some time ago a clean and sober friend commented in the most casual of ways that if something like this was about to happen they would get a hold of the best booze and drugs they could lay their hands on and party like it was the end of the world, since it was. This attitude misses one of the central points of spiritual living: everyone has a sell-by-date, one day we will all transcend this flesh and somersault into eternity, the only difference here knowing the time and that it’s going to be a group event, nothing else fundamentally changed.

The question then is: do we walk the way we talk? If we would cast aside the path we are on if circumstances changed, then we are not truly Living on the Spiritual Basis, are in fact living on self-based thinking while merely paying lip service to spiritual based living. So, the good news is if we would change our behavior if we knew our expiration date, we now know there is work to do, so we get down to causes and conditions and embrace Living on the Spiritual Basis in truth, stepping out on to the true road of happy destiny, leaving self-based fear thinking behind. Oh, and remember so far, every end of the world prediction has been wrong, so, do yourself a favor, skip the doom and gloom shows and never click on those “End Of The World” links. Your welcome.
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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 High A Price

Remember when you were a teenager and couldn’t wait to enjoy the supposed fruits of adulthood? As a wise man said youth is wasted on the young. So many truths of youth take on a different patina when viewed with experienced eyes. Who wouldn’t love to have the energy, the recuperative power, the hair and above all the knees of our youth? But at what price?

Looking back at the young me I was filled with self as only the young can be, I thought I had all the answers and was quick to offer them up, usually unasked and I was clueless to downright dismissive on spiritual matters. I placed possessions, accomplishments, and titles on the pedestal of success, expecting them to provide personal significance, holding these things as important, even paramount, chasing the fleeting chimera of perceived entitlement, believing spiritual living was archaic, pointless in these modern times. So, the question is: Would we surrender the work done to Live on the Spiritual Basis, the visible and invisible scars so well earned, forgotten, to recapture youths’ glow and promise?

I can only answer for me, but no, I wouldn’t. The price too high where spiritual pride, self-righteousness, the hedonism, especially at the expense of others are on the bill. So, I guess I’m stuck with thinning hair, afternoon naps and the memory of a 28-inch waist. It’s not so bad though, although I may have to don reading glasses my vision has never been better, I see with the clarity that comes by trusting and relying upon infinite God, rather than my finite self. I have learned the hard lesson of refraining from answering unasked questions, having learned through bitter experience that as much as I may wish to help, that help is not welcomed if offered uninvited.

So, when the day comes, hopefully sometime from now, when we somersault into eternity our life will be measured not by the love we received or even earned, but by the love and the blessings we gave anonymously, this truly the mark of our lives, not the things we owned or the accolades we garnered. I really do miss the hair and the knees though.
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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

Morbid Reflection Lane

When we “decide” to dwell in the negative we place ourselves in a position to be harmed. Typically, negative thinking often begins innocently enough with a news story, a letter, cough, phone call, e-mail or text, some random physical pain or tossed off comment often from a stranger that for no good reason we begin to dwell on. As we roll the thought around in our consciousness, beginning to outline possible negative outcomes, we surrender ourselves willingly to another trip down morbid reflection lane, volunteering for what inevitably follows as our internal dialog outlines all the negative, possibly bad/horrible things that can/will happen if our fears are realized. As we continue down the path, spiraling deeper into despair, planting ourselves well and good into the fertile ground of depression and self-based fear we often find ourselves becoming physically ill as well. Additionally, remember the adage: misery loves company? We can sink even deeper by eliciting comments and support from those of a like mind, our fellow willing travelers who always answer the bell when morbid reflection calls.

Now the path leading away from this thinking is well lit but requires conscious and consistent effort on our part. When we become mindful we are drifting into morbid reflection or are already in its embrace, we stop and immediately turn to the Miraculous in prayer and visualize the Presence of God where the trouble seems to be, affirming Divine love and guidance, rejecting the negative while holding this truth in the forefront of our consciousness: Nothing, no problem or seemingly hopeless condition can come into our lives that God cannot change or remove completely, if we are about His business, not ours. I can’t, he can. So, I will let Him.

If you are new to Living on the Spiritual Basis this will feel odd and somewhat clumsy when first employed. In time it will become second nature and in truth is the only path away from morbid reflection and back to health, peace of mind and realizing our unlimited potential. Remember: progress, not perfection. So, when you recognize you are traveling in the wrong direction alter course back to truth, back to God, away from the adversary fear and limitation-based living and thinking and praying for all still locked in the bondage of 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

Evicting a Negative Roommate

Having embarked on the path of Living on the Spiritual Basis we have learned the value of surrender to positively change behaviors we, though we have tried, have been unable to change on our own. As a result, some obviously destructive behaviors: addiction, unfaithfulness, dishonesty (cash register variety) fall from us in due course. To be clear: we are not “cured” of the thinking which empowers these behaviors, but we have been restored to sanity in that we now know the cause: self-centered fear. As our path continues to unfold more subtle variations of destructive behaviors will come into view. The causes behind failed or broken relationships, estranged children and family, unsatisfying career choices, selfish and inconsiderate actions, etc. now evident: our fear-based thinking. Additionally, we have come to know that without our true commitment to grow and change, these truths, often uncomfortable to face but face we must, nothing truly lasting can be gained until we get down to causes and conditions.   

Living with raised consciousness today when we find ourselves in disharmony the path is clear, we stop focusing on the perceived problem or difficulty and turn to the Miraculous. We speak to God, as we understand God, in prayer specifically on the issue at hand and ask to be shown the correct course of action, then thank Him for knowing Him better and refuse to consider the issue again in anything other than positive spiritual light. When the issue attempts to drag us back, and it will, into disharmony, i.e. morbid reflection, we stop and turn back to God affirming the issue is now in His hands and is no longer our concern. This will feel uncomfortable, perhaps even silly and rather pointless when we first begin employing this new strategy for living, this is natural, for trusting and relying upon the Miraculous runs contrary to secular thinking and takes consistent work and dedication on our part to realize its fruits, but to succeed we must persevere. In time this will become second nature, with disharmony becoming an occasional visitor, no longer a roommate. 
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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  

Morbid Reflection, Loins and Time Travel

Morbid reflection is usually birthed when we rehash or rehearse the “story” of some past negative event or occurrence. When we do this, we time travel, for it takes us out of the present and transports us back in time when either we did or said something we are not proud of or something objectionable was done or said to us. Often it begins in a most nonchalant manner but quickly old feelings of hurt resurface, perhaps fear, loss, anger, and resentment which then progresses into condemnation of ourselves, the perpetrator, or both, finally leaving us depressed, restless, irritable, and discontent, an old wound bleeding anew.

Engaging in morbid reflection it is akin to hanging a big steak around our neck and stepping into a lion’s den. Not surprising then what happens next, yet unless we stand vigilant over the content of the thoughts we habitually entertain, we will find ourselves staring at that drooling lion regularly. We must not allow morbid reflection to gain even the slightest foothold in our thinking, so when we become aware of starting to hang another steak around our neck, we immediately turn to God, and ask the Miraculous to guide our thoughts. If the lion has already got a hold, we keep our prayers simple but insistent: Please God, help me to keep my head where my hands are, thy will be done or the simple yet powerful Be still and know that I am God. Depending on how far the lion has progressed with its meal, we may have to repeat the prayer or prayers numerous times but considering the ultimate outcome of the meal if we don’t, the price is cheap. So, when the lion roars, agree quickly that you are in the den, the only way out being swift and consistent application of Spiritual principles.
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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