Clarity

[ophello]

Some of you may remember my drug-induced epiphany a few weeks ago. I'd like to provide you with an update.

Since the veil of my drug use has been lifted, I can see clearly now the things in my life that need improving, and the hole in my heart has begun to fill. One develops self respect when one makes changes in ones life.

We forget how sensitive our bodies truly are. Drugs may feel good in the moment, but they will pay you back tenfold in confusion and discomfort.

Drugs are, for most people, an escape from reality. I am convinced that Father wants me to be present in the moment. I am starting to learn that happiness is a result of loving oneself and accepting oneself fully. I have begun to do this, and the effects are more potent and meaningful than any drug experience I have ever had. The difference is that these changes are real and lasting.

Keep on truckin'.

[cwb2007]

I was asked once why do I worship God when there were so many other more 'practical alternatives'(it was a devil's advocate type question), and my response was as compared to God there is no other substitute. Relationship with Father is something which you can in no way replace with anything else in life and to try and do so with drugs, alcohol or any other substance or activity is extremely shallow in comparison.

I'm glad your life is improving, and your right the first step to becoming a better person is self evaluation and acceptance. Father created us to be first and foremost good people, and happiness is the direct result.

[Caligastia Lanonandek]

Ditto that thought

[ophello]

CWB, my life has improved in direct proportion to my ability to accept myself.

I have been looking into the chakras, as they are called. seven energy centers of the body. the one that allows for universal love to have an effect (the heart chakra, as it is called) is what I have been focusing on. The results have been immediate and powerful.

basically, I started with a simple mantra:
"I accept myself fully as I am. I am truly loved"

Basically, this translates to "I accept myself, warts and all. Father loves me more than I can know". Focusing on this truth is what brought me into a new awareness: I didn't love myself, therefore how could I love others?

I've spent the last two days keeping these ideas in my mind at all times. This discipline has made all the difference.

[joefarar]

Jan 11, 2009 19:36:37 GMT -5 @cwb2007 said:

I was asked once why do I worship God when there were so many other more 'practical alternatives'(it was a devil's advocate type question), and my response was as compared to God there is no other substitute. Relationship with Father is something which you can in no way replace with anything else in life and to try and do so with drugs, alcohol or any other substance or activity is extremely shallow in comparison.

I'm glad your life is improving, and your right the first step to becoming a better person is self evaluation and acceptance. Father created us to be first and foremost good people, and happiness is the direct result.

Amen; Personally, as someone who has experimented with so many different drugs and medications in my life I speak from experience in saying it is difficult to have a relationship with God when you have a hard time loving yourself; in turn, it's hard for, I think, most people to love a person who is miserable, which only makes matters worse. And, I suppose, if a person loves themselves too much (is that really "bad?"), what need do they have to love God, lest, the love the person has from within radiates to those around them? "I think" that is true worship, when you can really love your brothers and sisters as you would yourself. Getting off drugs is a good first step for a lot of people to really evaluate the things missing in their life which they use drugs as a substitute for. Some drugs; however, can be beneficial and therapeutic if used responsibly (something a lot of people don't know the meaning of). Anyone who's crossed paths with a manic depressive may understand where I'm coming from.

And ophello, acceptance is REALLY important. Good job man! I remember days I'd be so depressed, I couldn't get out of bed and I'd beat myself up till no end because I thought I was a terrible person, and you know what?, it never accomplished anything. Who was to judge me, but myself? That was "who I was," and "it was okay to accept that I didn't really have control back then." I wanted to be responsible and love people but I "never wanted to accept" that I didn't have the tools to do so. When I got on a good medication (started seeking help for a "real problem"), started exercising, and eating healthy (self-discipline), my attitudes changed dramatically and so did my behaviors. My biggest hurdle in life was accepting "I'm not superman (yet)" =) I'm very happy as well that your relationship with God and yourself has improved.