Usually when asked how I’m doing I
respond: “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 immanent, 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.
Miracles Of Recovery
© Vincent Lee Jones Living In Spirit
All Rights Reserved
Miracles Of Recovery, The Secret,
Wayne Dyer, Recovery, Addiction, Zen, Emmet Fox, Opioids, Four Agreements,
Chopra, Heroin, Einstein, AA, Healing Path, Law Of Attraction, God, Buddha,
Jesus
