600th Post. God Revealed At Work, Gentleness Towards Self and a Spiritual Awakening, Its Characteristics ..............................2/3/13

    Good evening,

I suppose it is even though my football team lost in the Super Bowl.  Oh darn.

    The Forty Niners did well for a group that had an rookie for a quarterback. Today, he was playing only in
his tenth professional game. My team rallied back from a huge deficit, making a game of it.  In the last two minutes they lost.

     This entry is my six hundredth post in the less than two years this inn has been open.  Wow.  Three years ago I committed to writing everyday. 

      I've grown as a writer, as a result.  Much of my efforts you've seen here, with an average 27.5 posts per month.  Thank you, for joining me as I share my musings and the gratitudes that come my way. 

      It hasn't been easy.  For decades, I've been a public  speaker.  Writing is an entirely different animal, but well suited for my personality: I'm reflective and analytical.  More importantly, I enjoy encouraging.

    I can't be happier that this 600th post milestone falls on a post about a spiritual awakening.  We are primarily spiritual, even though we may not operate that way. 

    It amazes me how we can allow temporary matters----worldly concerns----to consume and wrack our mind and spirit. For more on this subject, you can read here.  It is the third all-time most popular post. 

       It is fulfilling, meeting and hearing your comment, reading your letters.  I'm glad when this place encourages you.  I believe it's better to light candle than to curse the darkness.

"How far the candle throws his beams!

So shines a good deed [or word] in a naughty world."

Wm.Shakespeare, Merchant of Venice, Act V, Sc. I

My Gratitudes for Sunday:

1.  A new client and I met met before the game.  The session was good: the rapport was terrific.  We hit the ground running.  It's always a experience, meeting someone for the first time.  I'm grateful my work allows me to serve others, making my life count.

      Oprah Winfrey and I have a lot in common.  Maybe I should start my own television show. :-> Lately----with the last six clients-----they've cried during our time together.

2.  I made a mistake today.  There was a mixup related to an appointment I had.  I'm thankful I am able to forgive myself.  Knowing I am not what I do or don't do helps me keep perspective.  What a relief, knowing that I'm valuable and loved, warts and all.  It allows me to live at ease, knowing tranquility and equanimity.

3.  Recently, I had a spiritual experience while with a client. You can't believe how frequently that happens. This client felt God's presence, too. Wow. This time, His comforting love and encouraging Spirit enveloped us as we processed areas where the client struggles.

4.  I'm glad I can check in with you. I apologize for not responding to all comments. I value them----it's not so lonely here, when you check in, with your feedback.

     Unfortunately, I've been reduced to borrowing a laptop.  Sometimes there is only time to squeeze in a post.  I hope you'll forgive my silence in the comments section.  I appreciate the fellowship we share. 

5. With one of my clients today we covered some of the qualities of having a Spiritual Awakening.  It's  great subject that I've covered in this inn several times.  It's the ultimate goal for all of our lives.  In recovery we call it the Twelfth Step:

     "Having had a spiritual awakening, as the result of these steps [all the other efforts we've made], we tried to carry this message to others, and to practice these principles in all our affairs." 

     I was happy seeing the client's responsiveness to the subject.  

A Review of Some Marks of a Spiritual Awakening: 

a. There is less interest judging ourselves or others.  We become gentler in our worldview.  We know grace and offer it to others.
b  We live more by spontaneity, rather than by fearful control of others.

      We are able to stay present, making the most of this very moment----all we will ever have is now.  We are not polluted by the painful scars of our past.

      We are right-sized----neither thinking of ourselves higher or lower in value than we are. We, and everyone, are precious.  That mentality helps reduce any urges we have about controlling others.

c.  We appreciate nature and the little gifts of life more, because we are freed from the static of worry, fear, resentment and anger.
d.  Instead of obsession and constant anxiety we find more inner peace.  We know what it is to stay in our power, recovery and integrity. We can stand for ourselves without standing against our fellows.We can know the fullness of our feelings without being overwhelmed by them.
e.  We are able to relax more and go with the flow of life.  We've learned how to Let Go and Let God.
f.   We find ourselves giving and receiving unconditional love. As we become comfortable with ourselves and learn discernment we discover intimacy, in a safe venue, with emotionally healthy, caring, supportive others.

How About You?
Have you had a spiritual awakening?  If so, what what are additional characteristics that I've overlooked?  I'd love hearing your thoughts on this subject.

Related Post: 
A Spiritual Awakening, Part I
An Un-American Concept, We Are Primarily Spiritual