The joy of healthy sharing which sets us free from the burden of self.

When many of us were growing up no-one listened to us. We were told our feelings were wrong or that they did not matter. We were often interrupted and criticised. As adults we are used to taking care of other people and not taking responsibility for our own lives. So in our meetings we speak about our own experiences and feelings. We listen without comment to what others say because it is true for them. In this way we work towards taking responsibility for our own lives, rather than giving advice to others.<br /><br />It is important for our recovery to know that we can share without fear of interruption, contradiction or criticism.- We do not judge, offer advice or comment on what other people say in meetings, even if the comment is positive or solicited - this is 'feedback'.<br />- We do not interrupt one another or engage in discussion - this is called 'crosstalk'. When sharing, we use 'I' statements and avoid using the word 'you' or addressing someone by 'name'. Crosstalk can include: physical contact or touch, passing tissues, body movements such as nodding ones head or rolling the eyes, laughter, verbal sounds such as 'hmms', snorting or huffing and distracting behaviour such as whispering, eating or making a noise.<br />Crosstalk and feedback are strongly discouraged in CoDA, since as co-dependents we are working to break away from dependency on what others think, feel or advise. Crosstalk infringes on boundaries, and many people find crosstalk or feedback unsafe. When we ask for no crosstalk, we have set a boundary in order to create a safe environment. No crosstalk nurtures recovery rather than co-dependency. It reminds us to focus on our own recovery rather than be distracted with helping or controlling others.<br />If a previous members share echoes within you and inspires you to speak, we suggest you stick to the 'general topics' you identify with, only. If you would like to speak to someone about something they have shared, please do so after the meeting, asking their consent first.<br />The secretary may read these guidelines again to remind members of this CoDA principle. Please do not be upset or embarrassed if this happens - it is only to maintain the safety of the room, to help us identify co-dependent behaviour and further our recoveries and awareness of this principle.

The joy of healthy sharing which sets us free from the burden of self.

When many of us were growing up no-one listened to us. We were told our feelings were wrong or that they did not matter. We were often inter...

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Miracles do happen

Miracles do happen phone numbers restored and sanity..Some people cannot get this program that demands rigorous honesty.There are such unfortunates they appear to have been born that way but some do.I pray that the unfortunates are returned to the true faith which is our wonderful program.I feel our strength and resolve have been deepend.My program after 24 years has been revolutionised. My health has been restored. My work renewed and the deep understanding of the human condition explained to me for I am a humble pupil of the universe. My contact with my higher power has been equal to that which I am prepared to sacrifice and when the ultimate sacrifice is called for so are the rewards.I hope to spend a quite Christmas with my son back in your wonderful company and I hope to be able to arrange another get together in the mountains of the Cerras del Ronda.Thank you all personally and deeply.GOD BLESS (it really does work if you work it)

Miracles do happen

Miracles do happen phone numbers restored and sanity..Some people cannot get this program that demands rigorous honesty.There are such unfor...

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Sometimes we cast aside that which is most precious to us.

Sometimes we cast aside that which is most precious to us.

Sometimes we cast aside that which is most precious to us.

Sometimes we cast aside that which is most precious to us.

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fear of the new.

"Slowness to change usually means fear of the new." <br />-- Philip Crosby

fear of the new.

"Slowness to change usually means fear of the new." -- Philip Crosby

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Love has no form.

When you are present in this moment, you break the continuity of your <br />story, of past and future. Then true intelligence arises, and also love. <br />The only way love can come into your life is not through form, but <br />through that inner spaciousness that is Presence. Love has no form.<br /><br />-- Eckhart Tolle, Stillness Amidst the World<br /><br />

Love has no form.

When you are present in this moment, you break the continuity of your story, of past and future. Then true intelligence arises, and also lov...

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times of advancement are preceded by times of disorder.

?Just as the tumultuous chaos of a thunderstorm brings a nurturing rain that allows life to flourish, <br />so too in human affairs times of advancement are preceded by times of disorder. <br />Success comes to those who can weather the storm.? <br />-- I Ching No. 3

times of advancement are preceded by times of disorder.

?Just as the tumultuous chaos of a thunderstorm brings a nurturing rain that allows life to flourish, so too in human affairs times of advan...

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Fiesta 2009 September

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie2fczfYz2nF4Wg5FYCzscBodt6wklYaliYAEQXR0LZfqx4B5UQ84gtAA9KNFbpKECYraxTkmt309EJJhVnsAibvfZ6Nyf-pzxER-ikLx92OhqxblsIUbF8oR4qb1TC1saiNzofD_b5FRe/s1600-h/fiesta5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" lk="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie2fczfYz2nF4Wg5FYCzscBodt6wklYaliYAEQXR0LZfqx4B5UQ84gtAA9KNFbpKECYraxTkmt309EJJhVnsAibvfZ6Nyf-pzxER-ikLx92OhqxblsIUbF8oR4qb1TC1saiNzofD_b5FRe/s320/fiesta5.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6MWuSIyL7JiHTmBn-RLQH-duCbhlTMIsiLke_vl_Z8EAC__B56LMDnsDi6RPZKUfkgo0Z_OEG937dDoCWcl0154I9E_bOfZAeiiV7tKVd4ns9qZTSDXEhL-RIOG9FYsb53Lr1B9X9Cqhh/s1600-h/fiesta3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" lk="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6MWuSIyL7JiHTmBn-RLQH-duCbhlTMIsiLke_vl_Z8EAC__B56LMDnsDi6RPZKUfkgo0Z_OEG937dDoCWcl0154I9E_bOfZAeiiV7tKVd4ns9qZTSDXEhL-RIOG9FYsb53Lr1B9X9Cqhh/s320/fiesta3.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidEflZtNTNrgjPGmvcnuh30T04KY6Yf-svzLReqWpHonwOzWrCciGaQhgBuVEaFGdWkTMLBwLUE8Jn7MLDw_gsHQ_IBoNP1tELq3j1d1FxycON7HLb74-D9P3SmfdgOh0m_TcaALx-AXzA/s1600-h/fiesta6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" lk="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidEflZtNTNrgjPGmvcnuh30T04KY6Yf-svzLReqWpHonwOzWrCciGaQhgBuVEaFGdWkTMLBwLUE8Jn7MLDw_gsHQ_IBoNP1tELq3j1d1FxycON7HLb74-D9P3SmfdgOh0m_TcaALx-AXzA/s320/fiesta6.jpg" /></a></div>

Fiesta 2009 September

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Yet when do we hurry to be happy or rush towards an experience of calm and comfort?

It is strange how people attribute levels of urgency to the various tasks and activities that they have taken on. We may see it as crucial that we get to work on time. Or essential that we don't miss the start of a concert or a play. We set ourselves deadlines by which, we feel, we really must have accomplished something. We panic when we feel we are late and are pleased when we meet our targets.

Yet when do we hurry to be happy or rush towards an experience of calm and comfort?

It is strange how people attribute levels of urgency to the various tasks and activities that they have taken on. We may see it as crucial t...

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Not to utter words, but to live by them

The one thing for such a person to do is to pray regularly, especially <br />at the actual time of temptation, and to throw the responsibility for <br />success upon God. He must carry on in this way, no matter how many <br />times he may fail; and, if he continues to pray, and especially if he <br />prays in the scientific way, he will, as a matter of fact, very soon find <br />that the power of evil has been broken, and that he is free from that <br />particular sin. To pray scientifically is to keep affirming that God is <br />helping him, that the temptation has no power against him, and <br />constantly to claim that his own real nature is spiritual and perfect. <br /> <br />-- Emmet Fox, Sermon On The Mount<br /><br />As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest <br />appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.<br /><br />-- John F. Kennedy

Not to utter words, but to live by them

The one thing for such a person to do is to pray regularly, especially at the actual time of temptation, and to throw the responsibility for...

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Thank you for coming to the party

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Sobrietys first fiesta<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiH-ilcq626br17gMTaA23j8duJ_zCoyJFmclIizEFVK_poLHNYShyphenhyphenOIwqlo-7ckwVUdirJDoKH7WIqLGhjUQPeKmQvcpKHysPa8nKlowirb-s4XGYDph2KgQ8hK5QdHVobd7vLA64bpN0/s1600-h/fiesta1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" lk="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiH-ilcq626br17gMTaA23j8duJ_zCoyJFmclIizEFVK_poLHNYShyphenhyphenOIwqlo-7ckwVUdirJDoKH7WIqLGhjUQPeKmQvcpKHysPa8nKlowirb-s4XGYDph2KgQ8hK5QdHVobd7vLA64bpN0/s320/fiesta1.jpg" /></a></div>Thank you for coming to the party the photographs will be posted shortly.I was very humbled and grateful for the attendance with friends and relatives attending from Gibraltar and Sotogrande, and one member who hitched all the way.I was pleased to see Sally the Entre Sierra co-owner and thank her for work and dedication for what was truly a memorable night.I leave the coast a spititually rich man with a renewed program new friends.None of which I believed possible once more the miracle takes place of renewal, thanks to the participation and effort of fellow members.I return to the UK to meetings with the directors of two major treatment centres and have to put my Biz head on.My thoughts are to come out of retirement which has financial and geographical implications for me,but as my partner says its one day at a time.<br />Have an awesome day, and <br />know that someone <br />who thinks you're great <br />has thought about you today!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Ncy82gAGnLrJiSvJ4Ole2Gg7ptzy4zSdKy7-FM18uCJAdPwc_YfVqp4xvcki-v1ZuATyjX0BbLjpjICSiTgNrEq2lAEv3BXiejKmhqPfcqbD1V7gPcD1dxV9E-FDWz9lVtS8u4NZPWKD/s1600-h/fiesta4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" lk="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Ncy82gAGnLrJiSvJ4Ole2Gg7ptzy4zSdKy7-FM18uCJAdPwc_YfVqp4xvcki-v1ZuATyjX0BbLjpjICSiTgNrEq2lAEv3BXiejKmhqPfcqbD1V7gPcD1dxV9E-FDWz9lVtS8u4NZPWKD/s320/fiesta4.jpg" /></a></div>"And that person was me.".....

Thank you for coming to the party

Sobrietys first fiesta Thank you for coming to the party the photographs will be posted shortly.I was very humbled and grateful for the atte...

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Have an awesome day

POSITIVE SIDE OF LIFE: <br /><br />Living on Earth is expensive, <br />but it does include a free trip <br />around the sun every year. <br /><br />How long a minute is <br />depends on what side of the <br />bathroom door you're on. <br /><br />Birthdays are good for you; <br />the more you have, <br />the longer you live. <br /><br />Happiness comes through doors you <br />didn't even know you left open.<br /><br />Ever notice that the people who are late <br />are often much jollier <br />than the people who have to wait for them? <br /><br />Most of us go to our grave <br />with our music still inside of us. <br /><br />If Wal-Mart is lowering prices every day, <br />how come nothing is free yet? <br /><br />You may be only one person in the world, <br />but you may also be the world to one person. <br /><br />Some mistakes are too much fun <br />to only make once. <br /><br />Don't cry because it's over; <br />smile because it happened. <br /><br />We could learn a lot from crayons: <br />some are sharp, some are pretty, <br />some are dull, some have weird names, <br />and all are different colors....but <br />they all exist very nicely in the same box. <br /><br />A truly happy person is one who <br />can enjoy the scenery on a detour. <br /><br />Have an awesome day, and <br />know that someone <br />who thinks you're great <br />has thought about you today!<br /><br />"And that person was me.".....

Have an awesome day

POSITIVE SIDE OF LIFE: Living on Earth is expensive, but it does include a free trip around the sun every year. How long a minute is depends...

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Fellowship Parking

Parking in Istan is take the right fork up the hill and by the swimming pool PARK

Fellowship Parking

Parking in Istan is take the right fork up the hill and by the swimming pool PARK

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Gerhard Viewpoint

“The world situation that life is presenting us with in the 21st century is a natural outcome of the state of consciousness that has created it.<br />“People having an internal system for understanding life that is based on limited thought processes and giving a view of themselves as separate and insecure individuals, naturally creates a world full of conflict and fear. “But consider that this may also be part of a perfect unfolding! “This may be how life works, that each stage of consciousness along the way in our development brings with it its own crisis.<br /> “Each crisis forces individuals to question their current reality system, and to try to find a new stability by stretching into new versions of themselves with fuller capabilities and by outgrowing any old habits that no longer support them.<br />“Life creates situations that cannot be solved at their own level because the ways of seeing and knowing that have brought us to this point aren’t working anymore. <br />Our old paradigms and models are failing us and we are forced to let go of our old ways of constructing reality and look again to see what we have missed.”

Gerhard Viewpoint

“The world situation that life is presenting us with in the 21st century is a natural outcome of the state of consciousness that has created...

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Freedom from Desire

“When you dedicate everything to God, you are free from being affected by the dualities: ups and downs, pleasure and pain, merit and demerit. That means that you achieve the cessation of the fluctuations of mind, which is the goal of Yoga. Thought forms happen because of desires and because of the desire to possess the reactions of your action. When you are free of these desires, then there are no fluctuations; the mind is clean and enjoys rest. That is called tranquility of mind. Those interested in tranquility of mind should act just for the sake of the action, for the benefit of the universe, not for one’s own benefit. It is only when a personal motive is present that we are we subject to the dualities and that we become perturbed. It’s for our own peace that we dedicate all the actions to God, to Nature or to others

Freedom from Desire

“When you dedicate everything to God, you are free from being affected by the dualities: ups and downs, pleasure and pain, merit and demerit...

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Flamenco and some tears Friends of Dr Bobs

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqRy2pM_DYwa3r2no160uXjFkwTSGmcbTHxxKwVxkDivas9QjnuVEptujOPTEpoWc_4Vbol_ArT2zpccviCZfZpOvESv8HIzxq54cnO-noOj1Afbmu4einz1iHKhyphenhyphenQUJS0ULTmEl08n-_k/s1600-h/flamenco.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375582124148959282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqRy2pM_DYwa3r2no160uXjFkwTSGmcbTHxxKwVxkDivas9QjnuVEptujOPTEpoWc_4Vbol_ArT2zpccviCZfZpOvESv8HIzxq54cnO-noOj1Afbmu4einz1iHKhyphenhyphenQUJS0ULTmEl08n-_k/s400/flamenco.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 316px;" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr8PZh67unSY_diUODVmDpAD6GBMW0TYSLFzwTegMMdy3697FHZ4klmKnSZGR7JKqYbnmQm16snCE6va25ExYsNS2FzXaRPF2Qh0QFhp4zLQ0V3laUlpMDxi47cTtHZI4CfcS5-ZsKCNlJ/s1600-h/viernesFlamenco2007SINGER.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375565205949059714" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr8PZh67unSY_diUODVmDpAD6GBMW0TYSLFzwTegMMdy3697FHZ4klmKnSZGR7JKqYbnmQm16snCE6va25ExYsNS2FzXaRPF2Qh0QFhp4zLQ0V3laUlpMDxi47cTtHZI4CfcS5-ZsKCNlJ/s400/viernesFlamenco2007SINGER.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 200px;" /></a><br />Going away party on the fifth of September at 9.30 in Istan at Entre Sierras a night of Flamenco and some tears.I will shorty be leaving, but I will keep in touch both directly and threw Dream Warrior.To those I have had the joy of sponsoring I hope to be returning one day at a time with the higher powers grace.The journey I have set on is drawing to a close and it is apt and proper that I should acknowledge the help I have recieved.Once more my program has evolved in new and exciting ways.I wish I had more time but unfortunately I have not.I have had to face new challenges and that is a miracle.I have made many new and renewed old friendships.

Flamenco and some tears Friends of Dr Bobs

Going away party on the fifth of September at 9.30 in Istan at Entre Sierras a night of Flamenco and some tears.I will shorty be leaving, bu...

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What we do for ourselves, dies with us;

What we do for ourselves, dies with us; <br /> What we do for others and the world <br /> remains and is immortal. By: Albert Pines

What we do for ourselves, dies with us;

What we do for ourselves, dies with us; What we do for others and the world remains and is immortal. By: Albert Pines

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You will find favour with someone you don't expect

I will shorty be leaving, but I will keep in touch both directly and threw Dream Warrior.To those I have had the joy of sponsoring I hope to be returning one day at a time with the higher powers grace.The journey I have set on is drawing to a close and it is apt and proper that I should acknowledge the help I have recieved.Once more my program has evolved in new and exciting ways.I wish I had more time but unfortunately I have not.I have had to face new challenges and that is a miracle.I have made many new friends and renewed old fiendships.The higher power has once more touched my life and instituted profound change.This was emailed to me by a great friend.<br />(1) You will find favour with someone you don't expect. <br />(2) You will be too relevant to be ignored, <br />(3) You will encounter the higher power and will never remain the same,<br />(4) The grace for completion will come on you, you shall be blessed <br />(5) The hand that will send this message to others shall not labour in vain,<br />(6) The mouth saying ''Amen'' to this prayer shall laugh forever, <br />Very, Very, soon and I say Very, Very, Very soon, The higher power is going to do a miracle and lift u up 4 GOOD. <br />And all these things have come to pass during on my time on the Costa.

You will find favour with someone you don't expect

I will shorty be leaving, but I will keep in touch both directly and threw Dream Warrior.To those I have had the joy of sponsoring I hope to...

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Faith without works is dead

When we retire at night, we constructively review our day. Were we resentful, selfish,dishonest or afraid? Do we owe an apology? Have we kept something to ourselves which should be discussed with another person at once? Were we kind and loving toward all? What could we have done better? Were we thinking of ourselves most of the time? Or were we thinking of what.we could do for others, of what we could pack into the stream of life? But we must be careful not to drift into worry, remorse or morbid reflection, for that would diminish our usefulness to<br />others. After making our review we ask God's forgiveness and inquire what corrective measures should be taken.On awakening let us think about the twenty-four hours ahead. We consider our plans for the day. Before we begin, we ask God to direct our thinking, especially asking that it be divorced from self-pity, dishonest or self-seeking motives. Under these conditions we can employ our mental faculties with assurance, for after all God gave us brains to use. Our thought-life will be<br />placed on a much higher plane when our thinking is cleared of wrong motives.<br />In thinking about our day we may face indecision. We may not be able to determine<br />which course to take. Here we ask God for inspiration, an intuitive thought or a decision. We relax and take it easy. We don't struggle. We are often surprised how the right answers come after we have tried this for a while. What used to be the hunch or the occasional inspiration gradually becomes a working part of the mind. Being still inexperienced and having just made conscious contact with God, it is not probable that we are going to be inspired at all times. We<br />might pay for this presumption in all sorts of absurd actions and ideas. Nevertheless, we find that our thinking will, as time passes, be more and more on the plane of inspiration. We come to rely<br />upon it.We usually conclude the period of meditation with a prayer that we be shown all through the day what our next step is to be, that we be given whatever we need to take care of such<br />problems. We ask especially for freedom from self-will, and are careful to make no request for ourselves only. We may ask for ourselves, however, if others will be helped. We are careful never to pray for our own selfish ends. Many of us have wasted a lot of time doing that and it<br />doesn't work. You can easily see why.If circumstances warrant, we ask our wives or friends to join us in morning meditation. If we belong to a religious denomination which requires a definite morning devotion, we attend to<br />that also. If not members of religious bodies, we sometimes select and memorize a few setprayers which emphasize the principles we have been discussing. There are many helpful books<br />also. Suggestions about these may be obtained from one's priest, minister, or rabbi. Be quick tosee where religious people are right. Make use of what they offer.<br />As we go through the day we pause, when agitated or doubtful, and ask for the right<br />thought or action. We constantly remind ourselves we are no longer running the show, humblysaying to ourselves many times each day "Thy will be done." We are then in much less danger of excitement, fear, anger, worry, self-pity, or foolish decisions. We become much more efficient.We do not tire so easily, for we are not burning up energy foolishly as we did when we were trying to arrange life to suit ourselves.<br />It works - it really does.<br />We alcoholics are undisciplined. So we let God discipline us in the simple way we have just outlined.<br />But this is not all. There is action and more action. "Faith without works is dead."

Faith without works is dead

When we retire at night, we constructively review our day. Were we resentful, selfish,dishonest or afraid? Do we owe an apology? Have we kep...

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Scientific prayer

“Scientific prayer will enable you to get yourself, or anyone else, out of any difficulty. It is the golden key to harmony and happiness. ...You must stop thinking of the trouble, whatever it is. The rule is to think about God. If you are thinking about your difficulty, you are not thinking about God. ...Your object is to drive the thought of the difficulty out of your consciousness, for a few moments at least, substituting for it the thought of God. This is the crux of the whole thing.<br />“... If you are very frightened or worried, at first it may be difficult to get your thoughts away from material things. But by constantly repeating a statement of absolute Truth, such as: There is no power but God; I am the child of God; God is love; God is guiding me now, or perhaps best and simplest of all, God is with me ... you will soon find that the treatment has begun to ‘take’ and that your mind is clearing. ... Each time you find your attention wandering, switch it back to God.”

Scientific prayer

“Scientific prayer will enable you to get yourself, or anyone else, out of any difficulty. It is the golden key to harmony and happiness. .....

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Where is the Higher Power

<blockquote>At a small Moroccan village an imam was thinking about the only well of the entire region. Another Muslim approached him and asked:<br />“What is in there?”<br />“God is hidden in there.”<br />“God is hidden inside this well? That is a sin! What you may be seeing is an image left by the unfaithful!”<br />The imam asked him to get closer and lean out on the edge. Reflected on the water, he could see his own face. <br />“But that is me!”<br />“Right. Now you know where God is hidden.”</blockquote>

Where is the Higher Power

At a small Moroccan village an imam was thinking about the only well of the entire region. Another Muslim approached him and asked: “What is...

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Balance discipline with compassion

Christianity: The Chess Game<br />A young man said to the abbot from the monastery, “I’d actually like to be a monk, but I haven’t learned anything in life. All my father taught me was to play chess, which does not lead to enlightenment. Apart from that, I learned that all games are a sin.<br />“They may be a sin but they can also be a diversion, and who knows, this monastery needs a little of both,” was the reply. The abbot asked for a chessboard, sent for a monk, and told him to play with the young man. But before the game began, he added, “Although we need diversion, we cannot allow everyone to play chess the whole time. So, we have the best players here; if our monk loses, he will leave the monastery and his place will be yours.” The abbot was serious. The young man knew he was playing for his life, and broke into a cold sweat; the chessboard became the center of the world. The monk began badly. The young man attacked, but then saw the saintly look on the other man’s face; at that moment, he began playing badly on purpose. After all, a monk is far more useful to the world.<br />Suddenly, the abbot threw the chessboard to the floor. <br />“You have learned far more than was taught you,” he said. “You concentrated yourself enough to win, were capable of fighting for your desire. Then, you had compassion, and were willing to make a sacrifice in the name of a noble cause. Welcome to the monastery, because you know how to balance discipline with compassion.”

Balance discipline with compassion

Christianity: The Chess Game A young man said to the abbot from the monastery, “I’d actually like to be a monk, but I haven’t learned anythi...

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Twelve Good Thoughts from Gerhards Way

1. Maybe God wants us to meet a few wrong people before meeting the right one so that when we finally meet the right person, we will know how to be grateful for that gift. <br />2. Love is when you take away the feeling, the passion, and the romance in a relationship and find out that you still care for that person. <br />3. When the door of happiness closes, another opens but often times we look so long at the closed door that we don't see the one, which has been opened for us.<br />4. The best kind of friend is the kind you can sit on a porch and swing with never saying a word, and then walk away feeling like it was the best conversation you've ever had.<br />5. It's true that we don't know what we've got until we lose it, but it's also true that we don't know what we've been missing until it arrives.<br />6. There are things you'd love to hear that you would never hear from the person who you would like to hear from, but don't be so deaf as not to hear it from the one who says it from their heart.<br />7. Don't go for looks, they can deceive. Don't go for wealth, in the end it fades away. Go for someone who makes you smile because it takes only a smile to make a dark day seem bright. <br />8. Dream what you want to dream, go where you want to go, be what you want to be, because you have only one life and one chance to do all the things you want to do.<br />9. A careless word may kindle strife, a cruel word may wreck a life, a timely word may level stress, a loving word may heal and bless.<br />10. The happiest of people don't necessarily have the best of everything, they just make the most of everything that comes along their way.<br />11. Happiness lies for those who cry, those who hurt, those who have searched and those who have tried, for only they can appreciate the importance of people who have touched their lives.<br />The brightest future will always be based on a forgotten past, you can't go on well in life until you let go of your past failures and heartaches.

Twelve Good Thoughts from Gerhards Way

1. Maybe God wants us to meet a few wrong people before meeting the right one so that when we finally meet the right person, we will kno...

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GERHARDS WAY,You can get rid of your crutches, but first you

“You can get rid of your crutches, but first you <br />must be<blockquote> willing to change your thinking</blockquote>.”<br /><br /> <br /><blockquote>“Excessive dependency is a common ailment. It may be in the form of leaning on friends, teachers, doctors, or ministers. Or it may be a dependency on alcohol, cigarettes, coffee, or drugs. We have been misled with the belief that we come into life as empty creatures who must find fulfillment in the world.</blockquote>“We need to know that … he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world (I John 4:4), so we can overcome any situation or meet any experience without leaning on people or stimulants. We must work at it.<br />“… Take a careful inventory of your behavior. You may note that you are too easy on yourself, that you give in too quickly. … Reach for Higher Power before you reach for the aspirin bottle. Pass [on] a meal when you realize that you are being ruled by the dinner bell. Take time to realize your inner support ….<br /><br />“… You can’t rise to new strength while dwelling on your weaknesses. Begin seeing yourself in the light of possible change. Don’t fall back on the cliché, ‘That’s just the way I am.’ … Strength is the reality of you.”

GERHARDS WAY,You can get rid of your crutches, but first you

“You can get rid of your crutches, but first you must be willing to change your thinking .” “Excessive dependency is a common ailment. It ...

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Gerhards Way

10 PRINCIPLES FOR PEACE OF MIND<br /> <br /> <br />1. Do Not Interfere In Others' Business Unless Asked.<br />Most of us create our own problems by interfering too often in others' affairs. We do so because somehow we have convinced ourselves that our way is the best way, our logic is the perfect logic and those who do not conform to our thinking must be criticized and steered to the right direction, our direction. This thinking denies the existence of individuality and consequently the existence of God.. God has created each one of us in a unique way. No two human beings can think or act in exactly the same way. All men or women act the way they do because God within them prompts them that way. Mind your own business and you will keep your peace.<br /> <br />2. Forgive And Forget:<br />This is the most powerful aid to peace of mind. We often develop ill feelings inside our heart for the person who insults us or harms us. We nurture grievances. This in turn results in loss of sleep, development of stomach ulcers, and high blood pressure. This insult or injury was done once, but nourishing of grievance goes on forever by constantly remembering it. Get over this bad habit. Life is too short to waste in such trifles. Forgive, Forget, and march on. Love flourishes in giving and forgiving.<br /> <br />3. Do Not Crave For Recognition:<br />This world is full of selfish people. They seldom praise anybody without selfish motives. They may praise you today because you are in power, but no sooner than you are powerless, they will forget your achievement and will start finding faults in you. Why do you wish to kill yours lf in striving for their recognition? Their recognition is not worth the aggravation. Do your duties ethically and sincerely.<br /> <br />4. Do Not Be Jealous:<br />We all have experienced how jealousy can disturb our peace of mind. You know that you work harder than your colleagues in the office, but sometimes they get promotions; you do not. You started a business several years ago, but you are not as successful as your neighbour whose business is only one year old. There are several examples like these in everyday life. Should you be jealous? No. Remember everybody's life is shaped by his/her destiny, which has now become his/her reality. If you are destined to be rich, nothing in the world can stop you. If you are not so destined, no one can help you either. Nothing will be gained by blaming others for your misfortune. Jealousy will not get you anywhere; it will only take away your peace of mind.<br /> <br />5. Change Yourself According To The Environment:<br />If you try to change the environment single-handedly, the chances are you will fail. Instead, change yourself to suit your environment. As you do this, even the environment, which has been unfriendly to you, will mysteriously change and seem congenial and harmonious.<br /> <br />6. Endure What Cannot Be Cured:<br />This is the best way to turn a disadvantage into an advantage. Every day we face numerous inconveniences, ailments, irritations, and accidents that are beyond our control... If we cannot control them or change them, we must learn to put up with these things. We must learn to endure them cheerfully. Believe in yourself and you will gain in terms of patience, inner strength and will power.<br /> <br />7. Do Not Bite Off More Than You Can Chew:<br />This maxim needs to be remembered constantly. We often tend to take more responsibilities than we are capable of carrying out. This is done to satisfy our ego. Know your limitations. . Why take on additional loads that may create more worries? You cannot gain peace of mind by expanding your external activities. Reduce your material engagements and spend time in prayer, introspection and meditation. This will reduce those thoughts in your mind that make you restless. Uncluttered mind will produce greater peace of mind.<br /> <br />8. Meditate Regularly:<br />Meditation calms the mind and gets rid of disturbing thoughts. This is the highest state of peace of mind. Try and experience it yourself. If you meditate earnestly for half an hour everyday, your mind will tend to become peaceful during the remaining twenty-three and half-hours. Your mind will not be easily disturbed as it was before. You would benefit by gradually increasing the period of daily meditation. You may think that this will interfere with your daily work. On the contrary, this will increase your efficiency and you will be able to produce better results in less time.<br /> <br />9. Never Leave The Mind Vacant:<br />An empty mind is the devil's workshop. All evil actions start in the vacant mind. Keep your mind occupied in something positive, something worthwhile . Actively follow a hobby. Do something that holds your interest. You must decide what you value more: money or peace of mind. Your hobby, like social work or religious work, may not always earn you more money, but you will have a sense of fulfillment and achievement. Even when you are resting physically, occupy yourself in healthy reading or mental chanting of God's name.<br /> <br />10. Do Not Procrastinate And Never Regret:<br />Do not waste time in protracted wondering " Should I or shouldn't I?" Days, weeks, months, and years may be wasted in that futile mental debating. You can never plan enough because you can never anticipate all future happenings. Value your time and do the things that need to be done. It does not matter if you fail the first time. You can learn from your mistakes and succeed the next time. Sitting back and worrying will lead to nothing. Learn from your mistakes, but do not brood over the past. DO NOT REGRET. Whatever happened was destined to happen only that way. Why cry over spilt milk?<br /><br />HAPPY WEEK

Gerhards Way

10 PRINCIPLES FOR PEACE OF MIND 1. Do Not Interfere In Others' Business Unless Asked. Most of us create our own problems by interferin...

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CURING MENTAL PAIN (see Part 1 first)

"...Emotional growth and mental health -- you cannot change the past, but you can change its impact. Children are impressionable -- they pay desperate attention to the social and emotional support system they find themselves in. They cannot survive on their own, so they learn very deeply what works with the adults around them -- that way they have a better chance of surviving. This is Attachment Theory.<br /><br />When childhood traumas are immediately followed by effective emotional support, the effects are ephemeral. Where insecure attachment prevails, the results can, in severe cases, disable that individual for a life time -- indeed until they can be persuaded, with enough emotional support, to revisit the trauma, and place it firmly in its childhood context.<br /><br />This videos shows how the process works. It introduces two books -- Emotional Health ISBN 0-9551985-0-X, and Unsafe at any dose ISBN 0-9551985-1-8, both of which can be previewed at www.amazon.co.uk or at www.TruthTrustConsent.com. Further info is available at www.esc99,org. Many more videos are planned, including -- curing panic attacks, curing anorexia, curing depression and bipolar, curing self-harm, curing all varieties of Personality Disorder. For latest info on these videos check out www.TruthTrustConsent.com.<br /><br />Dr Bob Johnson..."<br /><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/N4ei1-4pONg&hl=en&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/N4ei1-4pONg&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>

CURING MENTAL PAIN (see Part 1 first)

"...Emotional growth and mental health -- you cannot change the past, but you can change its impact. Children are impressionable -- the...

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CURING MENTAL PAIN

<object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/po3RVn9YOwk&hl=en&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/po3RVn9YOwk&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object> <br />CURING MENTAL PAIN<br /><br />Further videos in this series are planned, as indicated below.<br /><br />Meanwhile, in Interviews filmed by Tim Hollingworth, I was able to express a number of reservations about the current situation regarding psychiatric views of personality disorder. Click TOO LATE FOR KATE, to see these.<br /><br />The main objective of these videos is to restore hope and confidence into today's benighted psychiatry by establishing that these are all software problems not hardware failings - so all are 100% curable, given enough appropriate support.

CURING MENTAL PAIN

CURING MENTAL PAIN Further videos in this series are planned, as indicated below. Meanwhile, in Interviews filmed by Tim Hollingworth, I wa...

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Brains are not primarily cognitive devices designed to solve chess problems

Brains are not primarily cognitive devices designed to solve chess problems, but evolved organs adapted to enhance the survival chances of the organisms they inhabit. Their primary role is to respond to the challenges the environment presents by providing the cellular apparatus enabling the brain's owner to assess current situations, compare them with past experience, and generate the appropriate emotions and hence actions. It is this evolutionary imperative within the particular line of descent leading to Homo sapiens that has resulted in our large and complex brains. As feminist sociologist Hilary Rose points out, Descartes’ famous "cogito ergo sum" should be replaced by "amo, ergo sum."

Brains are not primarily cognitive devices designed to solve chess problems

Brains are not primarily cognitive devices designed to solve chess problems, but evolved organs adapted to enhance the survival chances of t...

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Reaching out with a helping hand is the way young people in Fairfield County have helped each other fight alcohol and drug addictions.

Whether at an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting or with a personal phone call or visit, peer-to-peer support has a proven track record of success, said Donna Aligata, executive director of Connecticut Turning to Youth and Families.She will be one of seven panelist speaking at the free program "Celebrating Recovery: The Power of Positive Peer Support Overcoming Alcohol and Drug Problems" Monday from 7 to 9 p.m. at Ridgefield Playhouse.Aligata, a nurse who worked in drug and alcohol clinics for 34 years, said, "We believe that on a grass-roots level we can build a system of support. This program is to make young adults feel safe to come out and ask for help."Two films produced and directed by Greg Williams, 25, of Newtown, who overcame drug and alcohol problems, will be shown. Both are about peer support as a model for recovery."After getting sober at 17, I got to witness hundreds of other young people succeed in recovery from drugs and alcohol, and then got to watch them take their personal experience and turn it around to offer recovery support to their peers," Williams said."I was inspired, and I knew that if I could tell their stories on video, others could see, hear and feel the power of peer support," he said.Williams' film "Central Pride" is about the peer-to-peer recovery program at Central High School in Bridgeport. Started four years ago with just three students, it now has more than 300 participants who help each other live drug and alcohol free.<br />Ridgefield addiction counselor Liz Jorgensen will be another panelist. "In my 23 years of experience, I have found that positive peer support is the difference between people staying sober and drug free and those who chronically relapse or die from the disease," she said.Jorgensen said the greater Danbury area has "the largest" community of young adults in the state who support each other this way.<br />"They take care of each other, drive each other to meetings, will take in another person who has been kicked out of their home, and work to get them back on their feet. It's a whole underground community. They do it because it keeps them sober, too."Ridgefield therapist Karen Walant, who wrote the book "Creating the Capacity for Attachment: Treating Addiction and the Alienated Self," will also be on the panel. Walant cited research that suggests the brain releases chemicals when a person is in a highly attached relationship. These chemicals make people feel good, she said. Addiction, on the other hand, is a "detachment disorder.""When people are isolated, the brain stops releasing these bio-chemicals," she said. "It's like an opioid withdrawal, with real feelings of pain from not being connected to others."<br />Peer support can provide the attachment that releases the bio-chemicals and helps end the withdrawal symptoms. At an AA meeting, when people share "their darkest emotions from the depth of their addiction, they get this release, this feeling, by getting peer support in reaction," Walant said.And that, she said, allows people to overcome their addictions and stay sober and drug free.

Reaching out with a helping hand is the way young people in Fairfield County have helped each other fight alcohol and drug addictions.

Whether at an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting or with a personal phone call or visit, peer-to-peer support has a proven track record of success...

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OLGA - On-Line Gamers Anonymous.

It says it’s is a, “fellowship of people sharing their experience, strengths and hope to help each other recover and heal from the problems caused by excessive game playing”.Need Help NOW? - it asks, going on, “For immediate assistance, the following options are always available »»»If someone is in our chat room, you can join in and get live help and support by clicking the “Chat Room” link at the top.<br />Are you considering suicide?If so, please contact your local Crisis Center. Call 911, to get connected, OR call the Suicide Hotline at 800-784-2433. You can also go to any emergency room. They have to help you, even if you have no money. Tell them that you are considering harming yourself.Suicide is a mental illness.(period) No sane mind thinks that “killing myself” is a way to resolve something. It is highly common in bipolar disorder. It is very treatable. Don’t think you can “work it out”, if you were healthy you would have never even thought like that.“YOU are WORTH saving, and YOU are the only person that can do anything about it!” - it adds.And as with most 12-step programmes, it also offers help to the relatives and other people who find themselves powerless over the addictions of their loved ones.

OLGA - On-Line Gamers Anonymous.

It says it’s is a, “fellowship of people sharing their experience, strengths and hope to help each other recover and heal from the problems ...

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California man has been sentenced to 50 years to life in prison for shooting to death his Alcoholics Anonymous sponsor at a meeting.

Jurors in Long Beach convicted Scott Gordon Reynolds of first-degree murder in the slaying of 33-year-old Uriel Noriega.The 29-year-old Reynolds was sentenced Thursday. He testified he snapped after Noriega told other members at an AA meeting two years ago that Reynolds is gay. It's a secret confided by Reynolds to only his mother and AA sponsor.Reynolds claimed he brought the weapon to the meeting at a church because he planned to commit suicide in front of fellow AA members. But prosecutor Patrick O'Crowley says that motive was never substantiated during the trial for Reynolds.

California man has been sentenced to 50 years to life in prison for shooting to death his Alcoholics Anonymous sponsor at a meeting.

Jurors in Long Beach convicted Scott Gordon Reynolds of first-degree murder in the slaying of 33-year-old Uriel Noriega.The 29-year-old Reyn...

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