This post was inspired by a dear reader who sent me the following:
Enjoying your posts have you ever considered writing on freedom from addictions. Just a thought as I myself have been clean and sober for 40 years after suffering.
I gave myself credit for years until I accepted Christ into my life.
That day He reminded me of the simple prayer I prayed the night I gave up all drugs and alcohol.
The prayer was simple. “Please take this from me.” He said to me that night “It was not you all these years but Me who answered your prayer.”Â
My question would be how many others have found life again in much the same way?
Society Says…
Have you ever stopped to think about western society’s expectation that you’re “supposed” to have the perfect house, the perfect car, the perfect salary, the perfect spouse, the perfect vacation and that if you have all those things, you’d have the “perfect life”?
I can’t tell you the countless stories I’ve heard – and even experienced myself – about how many people strive for these ideals and actually seemingly get there. But then when they do, they realize their lives aren’t perfect at all and there’s this hollowness inside.
Society, unfortunately, does a terrible job of reconciling a consumer attitude and what’s really important in life: becoming the highest version of yourself so that you can cultivate relationships, spend time with family, and live in the service of others.
I, fortunately, realized this pretty early on.
I am the product of being adopted (within my family) and alcoholism was one big reason for that. My real dad admitted in court that he could not care for me. (As did my mother, but for other reasons.)
I grew up with my grandparents who became my parents – in every sense of the word.
I wanted for nothing growing up: we took vacations, I went to private school, I had good clothes, shoes, health insurance, more than enough food, and love.
But there was one thing I remember I wish I had more of: more time with my parents.
I realized that the material things were less important to me than a family unit that went picnicking together, hiking together and had family meetings.
Honestly, there was never time for any of that. My parents – bless them – were always working to give all of us everything we needed and then some.
What does all this have to do with addiction?
Alcoholism touched my life early on. I also learned that there was more to life than society’s expectation to consume to aspire to the “perfect life”, as well.
However, so many fall into addiction, and part of the problem is this need to fill the void – to fill that voice inside the head that says we don’t measure up, that we’re agitated, or stressed or trying to process traumatic events. So, we turn to what we hope will make us feel good.
We crave a substance or activity to make us feel better (and it never really does).
What is Addiction?
Internet, television, video games, food, drugs, alcohol, work – anything in excess can become an addiction.
It becomes a craving such that the desire for whatever makes you feel good can make even the most determined of us falter – and give in to the craving.
The brain then forms a dependence on that substance or activity.
The need to satisfy that craving develops into an ever-greater need, often to the detriment of everything else.
I know.
I’ve had family members and friends abuse alcohol and when you see them hiding bottles of booze in toilet tanks, you know something is terribly wrong.
What is it about addiction – what pulls people toward it?
Scientists think that addiction is probably genetic – that they have a tendency toward whatever it is that people become addicted to, whether it’s alcohol, food, or whatever.
But there’s something else: self-criticism and out-of-control thoughts.
Going back to society’s need for striving for more, more, more, we all can get pretty self-critical, can’t we?
Our thoughts spin all sorts of tales in our minds, over and over again until we actually start to believe them.
If you commute to work, take a second to think about all the things that go through your mind as you get ready and then get in the car.
You might think about how you don’t like the way you look, or you look at yourself in the mirror and think, “I need to exercise more, or I look fat or too thin or too old or not old enough.”
Then you change into your work clothes and think about the phone conversation you had with a friend or a sibling. “I wish she hadn’t said that. I should have told him what I really think. I don’t visit them enough.”
After that you get in the car and think, “I don’t want to do everything I have to do today. I can’t deal with that colleague who is entirely incompetent. My boss is incorrigible. I should have gotten gas yesterday and now I’m going to be late because I now have to stop. It’s going to be so cold and miserable, too.”
The mind. A constant string of critiques, judgements, living in the past, and thinking about the future.
But then…imagine if you stopped all that.
Did you give one thought to gratitude?
The warm cup of joe or tea that filled your belly?
The fact that you have a warm roof over your head?
That perhaps you have a supportive roommate or spouse who wished you a good day?
We’re not conditioned to breathe and take in the present moment. And those constant thoughts stress us out. They’d stress anyone out.
To cope, people often turn to something to feel better.
It makes sense, right?
Life is tough. If we can find something to make it a little easier, why not?
Conventional Treatments to Addiction
One day we realize that, perhaps, we have a problem – hopefully we arrive at that conclusion, anyways.
We intend to fix it.
“I’ll give this up,” you tell yourself.
You make a plan to either go cold turkey or get on a schedule that decreases your addiction.
This is good!
Many people give up their addiction and don’t relapse. But many more relapse time and time again. The average is three times before really kicking a habit.
Because of that, it’s always wise to seek the help of a qualified professional, too.
A counselor or psychologist, for example, can help you ferret out the root cause of the problem – this is important so you can understand what drove you to the addiction in the first place.
He or she can guide you into various 12-step programs that will also help.
Perhaps medication will be part of your treatment.
Another conventional treatment that will help? Exercise.
You can walk, jog, ride a bike, hike, play tennis – all of these are great stress relievers and release a chemical called endorphins to give you that characteristic “runner’s high” that you hear about.
Other Tools in Addiction Treatment
Using every tool that you can to succeed is not only a good idea, but they greatly increase that chances that you won’t relapse. Because once you’ve become addicted to something, relapse is always possible.
When you experience a craving, you can:
- Distract yourself by going for a walk
- Watch a bit of television (as long as that is not your addiction)
- Shift your focus: you’re craving another beer, so go out and play with the dog
- Do something creative, like coloring, painting or drawing
- Face your craving: tell yourself exactly what’s happening – “I’m craving this, but I’m stronger than my craving. It feels bad right now, but it’s going to pass.”
- Understand that the brain is a living, breathing organ that can actually change: you can actually rewire your brain to think and grow differently outside of addiction
The One Powerful Tool That Can Work Wonders: Meditation
That last point just above mentions how the brain can change. This term is plasticity.
[bctt tweet=”Meditation has been shown to change the brain. #intuitiveandspiritual #meditation” username=”n2itvnspiritual”]
As you meditate, your brain forms neural connections.
This is the same phenomenon that occurs as a person is learning.
Scientists used to think this only happened when a person was young. But now, they have determined that this happens throughout life.
The brain is actually learning and forming new neural connections during meditation.
This is great news for someone who’s trying to unlearn a habit of addiction.
The brain forms new connections to help form new habits.
You can effectively unlearn a bad habit, form new neural connections and form new habits to replace the old ones.
Brain scans actually show that people who meditate about four hours a week can condition themselves to get into a state of high concentration and creativity very quickly.
They learn how to focus quickly, too.
This is due to the prefrontal cortex actually getting thicker, along wth the mid-insular region.
Yes, physical changes in the brain happen, too.
Furthermore, the amygdala, the part of the brain responsible for controlling emotions, can counteract the deleterious effects of anxiety with regular meditation.
This allows more room for a person to feel more optimism and hope for the future, along with a greater dose of creativity.
How Meditation Can Help Someone in Addiction Recovery
If you’re a heroin addict who also watches television for eight hours a day, meditation is going to have little effect if you have no interest in controlling the addiction.
You’re not using any tools to help change your behavior.
However, once you decide to work on your addiction and actually want to give it up, then the real work can begin.
You have all the tools above to help you. But, there’s also meditation.
Let’s talk about the benefits of meditation, first, to see how it can help in recovery:
Meditation and mindfulness can:
- allow you to watch your thoughts, detach from them and let them go
- help you to discern patterns of thinking
- increase your sense of wellness
- feel more compassion for others
- allow you to become more self-aware by becoming aware of your thoughts
- allow you to focus more easily
- help you to keep your emotions in check
- experience more self-love and self-compassion
- help with many more things
Let’s look at what happens then to someone who’s trying to give up an addiction:
- You practice detachment from your thoughts which, in turn, can help you to detach from desire
- Increased happiness comes from letting go of desires
- You can more easily control your thoughts
- You can label a thought as “I’m craving this” and actively let it go
- You realize that after practicing for awhile, you feel a sense of calmness and lightness toward life
- You feel more connected to others and to the rest of the world
All these things then motivate you to keep going with your practice.
You’re literally changing your life in more ways than just dealing with an addiction.
The practice of “detachment” – of letting things go – is key in helping to curb the desire to give into cravings. Just when those cravings are at their strongest, meditation and the practice of it can help you to remember why  you are giving up that addiction in the first place.
Coupled with the personal transformation that you see with meditation, you then have a real chance to leave the addiction behind – forever.
This works on the big things, but it can work on little things, too, like biting nails or eating too much sugar.
Three Different Approaches to Meditation
Again, I cannot stress how important it is to work with a coach, doctor, and/or a support group – at least for the more serious addictions. This is also true with meditation.
If you’ve never tried it before, you can try what I suggest here, but it’s always great to have a friend or a team of folks to cheer you on to help you and guide you.
Breathing Meditation
One of the most straightforward ways you can approach mindfulness and meditation is through breathing. You focus on the breath. When thoughts come, you can treat them like clouds, imagine that you are a massive mountain, and let them go.
Compassion Meditation
With this form of meditation, you focus on the breath, but you also imagine that your heart fills you up with love. You take that love and send it to all parts of yourself and then to others.
Transcendental Meditation (TM)
This meditation is different from the other two. When you first start out, you work specifically with a teacher and get a mantra that is personalized to you. It has no specific meaning, but between the mantra itself, the sound it makes and your application of it, you create a healing practice that echoes the Vedic traditions of India.
You can try all of these, or none. However, I would like to share about a scientific study that is a testament to the power of meditation.
In this case, the focus is on TM.
There was a study done in Germany in the 1990s about the use of illicit drugs and folks trying to give them up. Over three hundred participated in the study.
About 125 people elected to try counseling and TM to give up their addiction.
The rest of the subjects became the control group and received just counseling services.
After one year, 45% of all the people in the TM group had completely stopped taking drugs after the first year. Only 15% in the control group had.
Quite a few other studies have been done, but this is one example of how profoundly meditation can make a difference.
A Guided Meditation for Addiction
If you would like to try meditating on your own, you can always do so. Just be aware that if you ever feel too uncomfortable or feel anxious, stop immediately and seek out the guidance of a teacher or counselor.
Go to a quiet place and sit quietly. You can be outside or inside, but somewhere where you won’t be distracted for 5-10 minutes.
When you first start meditating, you don’t want to do too much at once.
(More than a few minutes can make you feel frustrated or anxious – because it can be hard to sit for too long without your thoughts crowding your mind without having an established practice, first. You can always build up to a longer practice, though.)
As you sit quietly, bring your awareness to what is around you.
Notice the sounds you hear.
Notice any scents and aromas in the air.
Notice if there are any parts of your body calling for attention and gently move to a more comfortable position, if necessary.
Notice of you feel tension anywhere else. If you feel a bit of tension in your chest, gently breathe and see if you can release that tension.
Bring your awareness to your breathing. Take ten deep breaths.
When you breathe in, fill your lungs to capacity.
As you breathe out, expel the air slowly until you can no longer do so.
Feel you lungs contract as they get ready to expand with life-giving air again.
Perhaps you notice that different thoughts come to mind.
See if you can turn them into clouds. Now watch those clouds as they float by.
Perhaps you feel an emotion rising.
If you’re up to it, you can label it. Perhaps it is happiness. Sadness. Regret. Freedom.
Whatever the feeling is, accept it.
Then turn it into a cloud and let it go.
This may be difficult at first. Just be gentle with yourself. There is no expectation here.
You’re just breathing.
If another thought comes, it’s okay.
Say to yourself, “here’s another thought, and I’m going to let it go.”
In the span of a few minutes – especially if this is your first time trying this – you might find yourself doing this over and over and over again.
That’s a beautiful thing! You’re making progress just by sitting quietly and breathing.
Take five more breaths.
Now, imagine your heart beating inside your chest. You feel your chest swelling with love.
Feel your heart expanding with pure love.
Now, take that energy and send it to yourself: to your brain, your hands, your feet – all over.
Feel the warm current of love radiating all over your body.
Now, imagine that love expanding around you.
Imagine beautiful love surrounding you.
Now, think of someone you love already.
Imagine that the love surrounding you now is surrounding that person you love.
Feel the harmony.
Now imagine an acquaintance. Send this same love to your acquaintance.
Feel the energy of love surround your acquaintance.
Now, if you’re up for it, imagine someone that you don’t always get along with. Imagine that same love that is surrounding you is now surrounding that person.
Send that person love.
Now, send that love back to yourself. Surround yourself with love.
Take a deep, loving breath. And open your eyes.
As you continue your day, continue with loving thoughts toward yourself.
If a negative thought comes to mind, take a breath and send yourself love.
To help remind you, you can draw a heart or other symbol on the back of your hand.
References:
- http://alcoholrehab.com/addiction-articles/mindfulness-meditation-addiction-cravings/
- http://alcoholrehab.com/drug-addiction-treatment/meditation-as-addiction-treatment/
- https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-wise-open-mind/201004/mindfulness-meditation-addiction
- http://www.buddhistrecovery.org/doc_meditation_for_addiction.htm
- Marchant, Jo. Cure: A Journey into the science of mind and body. Penguin Random House: 2016.
- Rosenthal, M.D., Norman E. Transcendence: Healing and transformation through transcendental meditation. Penguin Books: 2011.
Cyndi, what can I say, but thank you for the food for thought here on meditation and how it could work for those who are indeed addicted one way or another. While I never had addictions issues with alcohol or drugs, I had a very close family member, as well as ex-boyfriend in my early twenties, who did. So, sadly I am no stranger to this and it effects on not only the person, but family and friends around them, as well. My family member actually passed away years back from years of battling his addictions ended up being the final cause for his demise. My ex, we parted ways, because he just couldn’t seem o get his addiction under control either. But definitely do think that meditation is an interesting approach and would love to know if anyone has indeed tried and been successful fighting their addictions as it does sound like a plausible and natural way to fight against it. Thank you for sharing and wishing you a lovely Monday and week ahead now, too xoxo <3
Janine – it’s crazy how so many of us are touched by what happens to an addict. If we, ourselves, aren’t, we probably know someone who is. It really does affect all those around the person. That’s so sad about your family member – and as you watch it unfold and happen, a person can feel so helpless. :/ As far as folks being successful, in my research, I found a lot of studies on TM meditation and how it helps people to a much greater degree than if they use conventional treatments alone. And, wow, an ex, too? Oh, sweetie, you’ve really witnessed it, haven’t you? Sigh. You’re a strong, wonderful person and I hope that he will eventually overcome. I’m so glad you were able to recognize it and get on with your life before it negatively affected yours. Thank you for your insights here. I wish you a lovely week ahead and sending you big hugs! xo
Very good advice, Cynthia 🙂
Irene – oh, sweet Irene, thank you! I’ll go over and have a look-see in just a bit to see the wonderful things you’ve been working on. xo
Well where was this when I couldn’t stop drinking? LOL Now I’m addicted to writing, but I don’t want a cure. Sigh! I can’t win! LOL Thanks for a dose of helpful reality, Lil Sis!
Big Bro – haha, I think about this when it comes to my “real” dad. He’s only 59 and living in a nursing home already, due to his years and years of alcohol abuse. :/ Some of it was triggered by PTSD, I think. I believe he was in Vietnam. I so wish something like this had been available to him – he might be living a more fulfilled life. Ah, life…
On a happier note, I can say that there are things in life that are great indulgences, and writing is one of them. 🙂 I’m so glad you write because that set the scene for us to become buddies and I know I look up to you. 🙂 Have a wonderful week ahead and sending big hugs from NC!
Thanks for the many insights on addiction and meditation. One new insight on addiction that I find fascinating, is that addiction is more about lack of connection than a physical addiction and many people can be helped by developing connections (social, emotional and spiritual). blessings, Brad
Brad – thank you for that! You know, that makes perfect sense: having a connection to other people is so important. I have to remember that because I’m an introvert and my “default” is to stay home and work on art and writing and sometimes I forget how important it is to be out cultivating relationships. Blessings to you!
Dear Cyndi.. Wow.. What Can I say.. Such a wonderful post that covers so much here.. And for those seeking counselling and help what a wonderful tool you have given them for a place to start..
While I have been lucky in not experiencing addictions or having family members addicted to alcohol or drugs.. I so understand the challenges..
Meditation and mindfulness is a wonderful healing tool.. Learning to be gentle with ourselves too.. Taking small steps.. But understanding the power of our Will Power is the key in giving up any habit..
You have to want to give up.. Our Intent is a key factor too.. I have known many a smoker who say they are going to give up their habits of smoking.. But only half-heartedly try. And that is when they fail.. It takes courage to step out also and admit in the first place that there is a problem.. That is a major step in admitting we are addicts to whatever it may be
When we are honest with ourselves.. We then give ourselves I feel permission to help ourselves..
We also have to be dedicated and focused in our meditation practice.. This requires discipline.. Setting time aside.. Not making excuses.. And often we use excuses as to why not to quit something.. Because it’s our force of habits that we do not like change to our routine.. Be it that glass of wine that leads to two or three.. Or the one cigarette that leads to chain smoking.
It is so much easier to ignore addictions that take ourselves in hand and admit to our problems..
When you can take those next steps as you suggest.. And it isnt easy I am sure.. Dealing as I did in some of my support work in mental health whose problems often had behaviours which stemmed from addictions of one sort or another..
I praise anyone who takes those next steps and the courage to self-help and seek out groups to support them through their journeys..
Oh and I loved your voice too Cyndi.. Loved your meditation.. Button.. 🙂
Love and Hugs my friend.. A wonderful enlightening post.. And thank you for the courage you showed in sharing your own earlier experiences of your upbringing.. Xxx <3
Love Sue xxx
Sue – oh, another wonderful, insightful comment! I love, love, love your words, your wisdom…your love. Addiction is a true, true challenge. In my research – I didn’t put it in the post because it was already so long – but tobacco is one of the hardest – absolutely hardest – habits to break. I read how crack or even cocaine addicts said that those two substances were easier to give up than cigarette smoking. But, it can be done: my husband’s mother smoked for 50 years. After her husband (my husby’s father) passed away, she decided to give it up. And she did!
I think you’re absolutely right: when we are honest with ourselves, we can then give ourselves permission to heal…and, in a way, meditation can “replace” that old habit with a life-changing new one. It really does take baby steps: small changes to add up to big ones.
I can’t imagine that quitting something like a serious addiction is easy. So many people falter and never come to terms with the destruction of their habit. I know my “real” dad never did. He’s in a nursing home, now, at only 59 years of age.
As for the meditation button…hehe…you know, I did that on the fly? I had this post scheduled and thought, “what if I record the meditation on my phone?” That’s just what I did. I read the script…was a little nervous at first…but figured it was good enough to include. 🙂
Love and hugs to you. I hope this post might help someone to “see the other side,” so to speak.
Thank you for your wonderful kindnesses in commenting, visiting, and sharing your wisdom. You are a gem! xo
Thanks Cynthia. I too was surprised at first, but then it made total sense. As you said, we all need relationships. Happy Valentine’s Day!
Brad – hehe. Hope you’ve had a good week! 😉
Wow to doing that meditation off the cuff like that Cyndi.. well done.. it was very well done.. My hubby smoked from the age of 13.. yes.. He went from cigarettes to a pipe back to cigarettes again many times in our marriage. Then when he was 40.. He told himself he had had enough.. I did not smoke.. Although I had tried it as a teenager. from 16 to 18. 🙂 but after a bout of flu really bad flu I stopped aged 18.. Again I think because of peer pressure, my friends, parents, and my boyfriend who turned into my present day hubby all smoked.. 🙂
Once my hubby made up his mind that was it.. He just stopped and he was smoking at the time nearly 40 cig’ a day.
he didnt even crave.. And now nearly 30 yrs later.. 🙂 He can not abide the smell of cigarette smoke..
You can see how easy it is to get pressured into an addiction, be it a drink with friends, or an illegal substance..
Which is why i feel these campaigns in schools is so important..
We have one here called D.A.R.E. a link is here
https://lifeskills-education.co.uk/dare-primary/ It helps youngsters Dare to say NO.. to peer pressure of any sort, be it drugs, sex, or bully tactics..
I think it is so important to mentor young children in these areas.. I was a school mentor for several years.. Going into schools from age 11 to 18 yrs of age.. As I was part of a Business and Education partnership which helped us be a bridge between school and home to those who were struggling but perhaps would not always open up to teachers..
It was a rewarding experience for myself too..
Any way another ramble of my thoughts here my friend.. And learning to meditate is a great tool to help focus our attention..
hugs and much love.. 🙂 I had a great Valentines too.. We went for a meal at lunch time and watched a film in the evening.. 🙂
Love and Blessings Sue xxx <3
Dear sweet Sue! I’m sorry I haven’t responded immediately: not only was it a busy week, but I’ve had a terrible cold and am recovering…having a quiet weekend. 🙂
That’s pretty amazing about your husband! Cold turkey. Good for him!! Tobacco is one of THE hardest to break. My dad used to smoke. He also quit cold turkey, too, and also abhors the smell of cigarette smoke.
There are similar DARE programs in US schools, but in recent years, I’m not sure how much they talk about them now. You’re right about the children: I came across a Gandhi quote (yes…researching my next post, hehe) that says that we have to start with the children to change the world.
And you can ramble here any ol’ time you want. I so enjoy our virtual chats. 🙂 Hugs to you and sending more Valentines wishes that you’re surrounded by light and love. Love and blessings and now I’ll go have a look-see at your blog to see what you’ve been up to. <3 xo
I have not been up to much dear Cyndi.. and no worries at all about your replying.. I just hope you are feeling better with your cold.. I am I think going to post a poem I wrote a few nights ago.. It came to me after my hubby vented at the TV set lol.. Yes the energies get to him which is why I so dislike the news.. .. We are not indoors as much in the better weather.. And like in the States and your Politics are affecting everyone, Here everything is being put at the door of those who voted to leave EU in Brexit.. Amazingly we have as yet not even started the process to leave.. Yet each prices rise, each production figure, Everything is Brexit fault..
I will not bore you with details.. the world has enough of the them LOL..
But these things were going around my mind as the poem came.. So I think I will post it..
Sending Love and Hugs your way.. Have a restful Sunday and a great week ahead xxx
Love Sue xxx
Sweet Sue! Hehe, you know, I LOVE how you are so good at enforcing your personal boundaries – that you rest when you need to – I would like to follow your example as soon as I can. 🙂
I shall look for your sweet poem and we find inspiration in interesting places, don’t we? Ah, the news. It can be so distressing and it’s designed to be “sensational,” as well. So many things going on in the world – it’s hard not to feel angst about it. Between the stress of my job and the stresses of the world – this is what has driven me to meditate so much. I find such solace in that inner world…but then it makes me want to don a cape and save everyone like a supergirl. Hehe. The compassion factor has multiplied in my heart and it’s all I can do to contain my enthusiasm sometimes. 🙂
I keep thinking of something you posted awhile back: that through the darkness we will find our light. 🙂
Sending you love and hugs, too! I hope you had a restful start to your week. Many hugs, sweet friend! xo
Thank you for the follow, Cyndi. I’m following you via my WordPress reader. This is an excellent post on letting go addiction. I wrote a guest post on Addiction and the Power of Letting Go for the New Year, and I guess it must have hit a nerve; the response was incredible. Must be a hot topic at the moment. I love your segment on meditation. I’ve bookmarked this for easy access.
It’s lovely to meet you. And I see we have a mutual friend in Sue. Looking forward to staying in touch. Love and hugs xxx
Tina – what fun! I love the WP reader. I’ve discovered so many wonderful people that way!
As for the addiction piece, yes – I need to take a look at yours. Looking forward to it. I guess a lot of folks want to know about these topics. Thank you for your kind thoughts, words and feedback. Nice to meet you and yes…Sue is a gem!
Looking forward to staying in touch, as well! 🙂 Sending hugs and wishes for a wonderful week ahead! xo
Yes we need that space to find our inner peace, and this was what I needed to do this last week.. As I could feel myself getting too emotional again.. When we are sensitive its good to remember we need to clear our aura’s and ground ourselves.. and I went back to basics..
Bringing in white Light, Rooting myself in.. and clearing blockages of energies that I knew were attached.. We have to remember we are more than our Human selves.. and often if we do not do our clearing we can get bogged down in negative energies, even though we are positive people..
Its difficult speaking to others who do not understand.. but I know you do.. Lots of Dream time experiences also were speaking to me, as I know that past karma was in need of clearing within family circles.. Lots I could speak of.. But I am back to working deeply again on my Solar plexus ( emotional centre) going right back to basics.. 🙂 which has been good to get back into.. As I had got lazy in my medi practice and just allowed myself to drift instead of clearing spaces around my aura..
If ever you want a good title of a very Good book.. Its the A Handbook for Light Workers,David Cousins I have had it for every and often refer to it.. Great Meditation exercises.. that cover a whole range of things.. There are lots of second hand copies on Amazon as I think its out of print now.. I bought it when it was first published..
Sending you Love Cyndi.. and thank you my friend.. I appreciate our conversations.. <3 xxx Love Sue xx
Sue – I LOVE our conversations, too. 🙂 I completely agree: we have to make boundaries so we can recharge and get our spirit back. I’ve had to pull back a lot from Facebook, for example. I believe in the cause of love, and follow many people who align with this philosophy, but still…what’s going on in the world right now is relentless and if we sensitives don’t protect ourselves, and take the time to ground ourselves, then it can send us into a tailspin.
I find myself wearing my tiger’s eye jewelry a lot lately. I know it’s a grounding stone. I need to smudge, too. Perhaps that’ll be a good thing on this Sunday afternoon after I clip the roses and plant some overdue-to-plant tulips. 🙂
I love hearing of your experiences. Dreamtime experiences. So awesome and interesting. My own dreams have been very…grandiose with complicated stories. Some of it has to do with work, but so much of it is symbolic of what I feel in my heart. I would really like to figure out lucid dreaming sometime.
Good for you for working on yourself – your emotional center. The older I get, the more sensitive to all this I get and need to take time to rejuvenate. Sometimes we have to take a step back and you have given me a great example of how to do it.
“A Handbook for Light Workers” <-- I *must* look this up. I want to make a living being a lightworker. I'm not always sure how. Right now, I'm in the education field and I know I'm charged with making a difference in children's lives. I like that part of it. I know that administration is not where I'm wanting to be though I have become a different, more confident person - though in unexpected ways. I'm more apt to speak up, I've learned how to read and communicate with people to get things done, but with my own personality style. I can't do conflict. But I can do love. If there's ever a problem with folks, I lovingly approach them. That has been life-changing and something tells me I needed this growing experience for what's to come next. I do not know if my job will be funded again after July. On the one hand, I'm thrilled at the possibilities that can follow such a thing, but on the other, it's scary. But, the test of all my meditation and values and philosophy will come into play and I intend to come through with flying colors. 🙂 Sending you love back! You are an inspiration and a great teacher to me. I'm eternally grateful our paths have crossed. We may not have met, yet, in real life, but I feel the gentle tug of your energy and I'm forever changed. <3 xo