a bit of the spiritual, that is helping me prepare for nada

[Guest guest]

Every day I do something simple and positive in preparing to see my

nada this summer. I am learning, at my advancing age, to center myself

by staying present to what I feel, before saying anything or acting.

Guess that means I am learning how to respond, rather than react.

This reading spoke to me as I prepare to see nada in early July.

In order to keep friends and family from interfering with their

dysfunction, personality-disordered folks (just like true alcoholics)

sometimes create diversions by attacking or provoking. Those of us who

are affected by the dysfunctional person can tend to react, to argue,

and to defend ourselves. As a result, nobody has to look at the person

who is sick, for we are too busy focusing on the point that is being

argued--any topic will do. And unfortunately, whatever vulnerability

we defend against becomes more real.

When we take Step One, we admit we are powerless over this disease. We

do not have the strength or the weaponry to fight it. Defending

ourselves by engaging with someone who is acting out of their illness

or is otherwise irrational is as fruitless as donning armor to protect

ourselves from a nuclear explosion. Only a Power greater than the

situation at hand, can restore us to sanity.

Today's Reminder

I am responsible for taking the actions necessary to keep myself safe.

But when my safety is not at risk, I can make time to make choices

about my responses. I don't have to react instantly to provocation,

and I am not obligated to justify myself to anyone. Patient silence

can be powerful. By turning to my Higher Power (which for me is the

compassionate self inside me), instead of my ego, my wits or my will,

I avail myself of the best possible defense.

(That last line is powerful for me, because as some of you may know, I

rely on my wits a lot. Laughter is my favorite tool, but alas, nadas

and fadas find humor disconcerting. Humor is best kept in pocket for

me with nada, because if she feels a joke has been made at her

expense, its all guns~)

Best,