DISCIPLINE MONTH: DAY 15: “There is no shortcut for hard work that leads to effectiveness. You must stay disciplined because most of the work is behind the scenes.” ― Germany Kent
No one gets to see the work we do to remain in a spiritual balance. It is invisible. It is internal. We DO, however, show them the results and the outcomes of the work we do or do not do.
Not all of us will behave well all of the time. But, we can perform well most of the time or fairly consistently. What we do in the face of life’s changes determines what work we have done or need to do.
It is great to talk about spiritual progress. The way we walk in the world is the true message of recovery. It is a badge we wear when the shit hits the fan. If we run away from life and hide out, we are not spiritually connected. It is the way we weather the storms of life that show US and others the life of a spiritual warrior.
Being bitter and angry and resentful is not spiritual fitness. Feeling sorry for myself or wallowing in my shit isn’t either. I am either practicing spiritual principles or letting my ego run the show. If I sit in fear, insecurity, self-pity, or any other form of self, I am not walking on the sunny side of the street.
This happens. Our old conditioning may kick in and we are listening to and acting on ego, rather than spirit. It is an ingrained part of our response to life.
Working to stop that instant reaction is the key to walking a spiritual path. Learning our beliefs and old ideas about life is the key to recovery. It doesn’t matter what the story is. If you know what you THINK about life unfolding, you will be able to live differently and change your way of thinking.
Changing our behaviors is great, if that was all there was to it. But we have to really dig in to the thinking that drives the behavior, or we are never going to change.
It is great to stop drinking and drugging, but if I never get down to causes and conditions, I am a miserable and unhappy dry drunk. There is no joy there. It takes REAL recovery to get to the happiness we are looking for. Meanwhile, we are not doing the work, or making the effort, and life is not as joyful as it can get with the work that is in front of us.
NO SHORT CUT!! That is very important information there, folks! ALL of the work is behind the scenes. It is an inside job, as we all hear. But so few will ever get to the good stuff. Sad.
Dolphin Hug 