Mind/Body/Spirit: No more rules and guilt!

Cover of The Shack

I have prayed for and been working toward a change in my life.
It sorta hit me over the Thanksgiving holidays - I have been searching and not really finding any solid reasoning to motivate change.
Then it dawned on me that I had just completed a book "The Shack" and I had finally watched the movie "Eat Pray Love" (two media I had been drawn to and were really on my list of things I wanted to do). 

In my prayer time I listened (meditative state) and I heard this -- No More Rules and Guilt!! This is after watching a movie which empowers the viewer to let go and learn how to live a life of pleasure! This is after reading a book which stresses a "relationship" with God over rule following!

I want to examine a few cultures that seem to "have it right"

The Italian Lifestyle: library.thinkquest.org
The Italians take a lot of pride in their cooking. They usually eat their main meal at midday. They have big meals, such as a pasta meal, which
is followed by the main meal of either meat or fish. Another popular meal is risotto, a rice plate with vegetables. The most popular meats are veal and pork. Cheeses are also important. They are either eaten alone or used in other meals. Pizza is a popular snack and is also eaten as a light meal. Fresh fruit is a popular desert. Traditionally, wine is served with every meal except breakfast.


Not only is food important - but so is a laid back lifestyle with the importance of family stressed. Italians can be passionate with greetings and arguements. Being expressive and living life to the fullest are charactaristics found in an Italian lifestyle.

Image via Wikipedia

Now let's turn to Mediterranean way of life:
Paraphrased from  Mediterraneanlifestyle.blogspot.com
Mediterranean lifestyle is all about how to enjoy the simple things in life- the sea, sun and fresh air.They also like to eat well and after centuries of cooking they have developed unique delicious tastes..The main ingredients are olive oil,fresh fruits and vegetables and lots of fresh herbs.All that is well complimented by wine.What people are really talking about is a lifestyle based on the lives and eating habits of the people based on the north coast of the Mediterranean coast.From Spain in the West to Greece and Turkey in the East, the various cultures have developed diets based on using large quantities of olive oil, fresh vegetables, fish and the unstinting consumption of wine. You would be surprised to know that the first cook book was written for the ancient Athenians,where mealtimes were pleasurable affairs where the spirit as well as the body was nourished.They have continued this mealtime philosophy of relaxation and enjoyment amongst family and friends.
The Mediterranean diet lengthens our lives. A Mediterranean lifestyle is something that is not just about the diet but also nature.The weather is fully enjoyed by the people while sitting and talking in the Mediterranean sunshine,while sipping coffee or having a meal.The long gatherings around the table lead to long philosophical conversations about life.
Mediterranean lifestyle is simple, vibrant,colurful,sunny and tasty."

Image by rogersmj via Flickr

French lifestyle:
from http://www.frenchliving.co.uk/   
The French genuinely do live for their food. They plan their day around mealtimes and look forward to those moments around the table with family and friends.


A French lifestyle is a relatively easy and healthy way to live – it’s all about choosing good quality, fresh ingredients and taking time to enjoy them. This may mean spending a little more but the flavours are far superior. Also, everyone knows that a freshly cooked meal rather than a processed ready-meal is a far healthier option, and considerably more enjoyable."
The French take time to "get it right", and enjoy life to the fullest as well.

Image by sophiecarnay via Flickr

These cultures have these things in common;
A love of good quality food and wine
A love for family
A love for enjoying life (taking the time to relax)


I think I have been approaching life in too regimented a fashion.
I want to spend more time doing things I enjoy with and for the ones I love the most -- My family.
I also want to eat better, move more,and pray when moved to.




The key is probably letting go and doing what fulfills you and gives you pleasure.
These things guide you to naturally do for others and to stop stressing so much about goals and expectations.
Just live life and really enjoy the moment.




Looking at a beautiful sunrise as I am writing this :-) 

Image via Wikipedia

Slowing down - sipping coffee and enjoying the morning. I hope you start to "let go and let God" more often too.

Image by Indy Kethdy via Flickr

Let it Be : the BEatles

When I find myself in times of trouble, mother Mary comes to me,


speaking words of wisdom, let it be.

And in my hour of darkness she is standing right in front of me,

speaking words of wisdom, let it be.



Let it be, let it be, let it be, let it be.

Whisper words of wisdom, let it be.



And when the broken hearted people living in the world agree,

there will be an answer, let it be.

For though they may be parted there is still a chance that they will see,

there will be an answer. let it be.



Let it be, let it be, .....



And when the night is cloudy, there is still a light, that shines on me,

shine until tomorrow, let it be.

I wake up to the sound of music, mother Mary comes to me,

speaking words of wisdom, let it be.



Let it be, let it be, .....

Body/Spirit: Thanksgiving thoughts and poem

Image by RunnerJenny via Flickr

Thanksgiving is quickly approaching, and I am feeling a strange mixture of sadness and hope. I enjoy seeing everyone in my family and I look forward to the great food. I also know having gratitude is important part of observing the holiday. I do feel grateful for a refreshed feeling in the mornings (when God gives a fresh start). I feel grateful for my home and my furnishings (heat and air, and all the creature comforts that I have become accustomed to). I feel grateful for my general health and the health of my children. I am grateful for my friends and all those people that care for me. I am grateful for delicious food prepared with love and kindness. I intend to think about all these things. I love the simplicity of the following poem and how it captures the beauty of this upcoming holiday:

 Thanksgiving-


For each new morning with its light,


For rest and shelter of the night,


For health and food,


For love and friends,


For everything Thy goodness sends.





--Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-1882)

spirit: Prayer for living beyond yourself

Image by kelsey_lovefusionphoto via Flickr

Dear Lord
*Please help me be aware of my influence over my family.
*Please help me think before I speak.
*Please help me be aware of the things I am doing for man's approval and help me do only the things that please you Lord.
*Please help me remember to spend more alone prayer time with you Lord.
*Please help me trust you God and your promise (help me feel "clothed" in Jesus).
*Please help me see you God as "Daddy"- meaning the most loving, nurturing, parent who wants what is best for me.
*Please help me look inward for guidance, refer to the word more and strive to live Your will -- not my own.
*Please help me realize that the Holy Spirit is "in me" and is powerful. Help me connect wth and be more in tune with the Holy Spirit that is inside me.
*Please help me remember that the Holy Spirit only can defeat the desires of the flesh- I cannot with out YOU Lord.
*Please help me know living without the connection to the Holy Spirit is fruitless - the results are always negative.
*Please help me surrender to the Holy Spirit so I can live beyond myself.

If we live by the [Holy] Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit. [If by the Holy Spirit we have our life in God, let us go forward walking in line, our conduct controlled by the Spirit.]
(Galatians 5:25 AMP.)


If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. (KJV)

Mind- We can learn things about our emotions through our Dreams

I have read some stuff on dream interpretation sites this morning because I had an unusual dream (that I have had before incidently). The dream goes like this: I feel a knot in my neck (left hand side), and press on it and something is sorta poking out - so I get a grip on it and pull it and to my surprise the object easily begins to pull out. As I get about an inch of it out I realize that it is a chain (bigger than a typical necklace but not a large work chain). A chain that is metal and shiny and I am amazed that it pulls out without causing any pain. then when I get the foot long chain out (I notice that my neck looks like it is bulging out on that side) I see more sticking out of my neck--- I pull it out but it is a pink shiny metal chain, and this continues; I pull out about 5-7 chains of various sizes and colors. When I am finished -- I am relieved.

weird right--?

So here is an example of  what I found to be the most consistent interpretation:
 Pulling is a very physical kind of human action and suggests thoughts and stressors that are exerting influences on you. Often pulling something out  links with conclusions that you have drawn from some situation and particular thoughts that you are focusing on.
KEY WORDS :  realization, overcome, frustrated, hasty, conclusion, premonition, ideas


Also here is what chains represent:
Chains


To see chains in your dream, signify your need to break free from a routine, old idea, or a relationship. If you are being chained, then some part of you is being forcefully put in check.You are being held back from what you really want to do.

I have found that pulling these objects out of my neck symbolizes that I am trying to make a special effort to calmly deal with a big stressor and the stressor I am wanting to "get rid of by pulling it out of me" is represented by the chains - the chain represents emotional pain that I have felt from a recent continued betrayal. I just want to get rid of the pain but I know I am going to have to continue to deal with it and find ways to improve my life in spite of an unhappy relationship.

I want to find ways to free myself from the pain I am currently feeling in a way that is pleasing to God. I want to pull the pain out and replace it with the joy that God intended for His children to have.

spirit: too much self-analysis results in a lack of peace

Image by Funky64 (www.lucarossato.com) via Flickr

Have you ever felt like you can't bare to look at yourself?
I mean really analyze your wants/desires and your actions or lack of resistance to the worldly pull that is everywhere?

Maybe that is a good thing --- Perhaps too much self-analysis can damage your self image!
 I have been on that track lately. I so desperately want to keep improving and moving in a positive direction that I think I am guilty of not enjoying the present moment or my
strengths.

Following excerpt from Joe Robinson author of "Don't Miss Your Life":
Direct experience gets you out of the thought factory and into the life-participant column, alive to the moment.



That's a good place to be, since most anxieties stem from the two tenses we're not in. Experiences are the nexus of Now, the choice of anyone who wants to make an immediate beeline to engaged presence. The road to life satisfaction runs straight through engagement, not status. It's not the money. It's not what's on the business card. It's not the popularity. It's the experience.




I want to start experiencing my life unapologetically!  The present moment and not feel bad about what I want or desire to do! I am ready to find some peace and stop causing my self to experience mind made problems.

Mind: Christian life seems so boring but...

Cover of Chris Farley

I am always feeling like being "good" is a chore instead of a joy. I can go so long and then I get a "wild hair" to have some fun. Which for me usually means over-doing food and/or alcohol and making an idiot of myself for the amusement of others--- which usually is very fulfilling at the time (I call this whole ritual "pulling a Chris Farley"). I love being social and center of attention. I will say a lot of dumb stuff to get a laugh. I always wonder why I feel the need to go a little crazy and get loud and obnoxious. I know that I have accepted Jesus into my heart and spirit-- sometimes when I know better I ignore the sensible direction and say "let's get out of the house and have some fun". I have to say most of my shenanigans are harmless, but I know my respect level sinks a notch or two every time I have had a few too many. It is a cycle that I very much want to put to an end. I feel the need to find a way to "have fun" and not have to go out and over-do alcohol to fill up whatever emptiness I am feeling. My struggle intensified approx. 2 years ago and this makes me wonder if it does not have something to do with problems in my marriage. I will not utter the words here in this forum but you smart individuals will figure out the jest when I say I  was wronged -- really done wrong!  Enough said. This plus my children are growing up and do not seem to need or frankly want me very much (inevitable but still painful). Now on top of that I feel like living a Christian lifestyle seems so boring! I cannot come up with anything fun about doing chores and sitting at home by myself -- or even going shopping or any other mundane activity. This is a problem that I want to start to attack by meditating on the following 3 scriptures -

John 10:10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life and have it to the full.

Romans 12: 1-2 Therefore, I urge you, brothers in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God-- this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is - His good pleasing perfect will. 

& 1 Corinthians 13:11 When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me.

Excerpt from Christian Lifestyle.com

When we truly practice a Christian lifestyle, the inward evidence becomes obvious. God’s glory and power pours out upon all those around us. Our faith in the midst of turmoil flows from a heart given to a loving Father. Every breath carries words of compassion and affirmation to a hurting world. Those who live the Christian lifestyle live a confident life on the inside and outside.

“This High Priest [Jesus Christ] of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same temptations we do, yet he did not sin. So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it” (Hebrews 4:15-16).

Spirit- Move down the road away from regret

Image via Wikipedia

-regret and guilt
 Like guilt, regret involves  the sense that you could have and should have acted differently. They find, for example, that short-term regret is focused on things we did rather than did not do, whereas long-term regret shows the reverse pattern. Why do we feel regret in the first place, and should we?







Regret springs from the wish to undo an earlier decision. Why? Typically, we feel regret when-and because-we have obtained new information. I ate the ice cream at midnight. At 3 a.m. I threw up. At 3.05 a.m. I felt regret. I (feel I) know that I could have acted differently; I could have chosen the fragrant French herb salad as a late-night snack. Alas, I cannot undo an earlier decision. Time travel remains the stuff of science fiction. Regret is a form of hindsight.


From: (paraphrased)Forget Regret (psychologytoday.com)


Filled with regret today;
Regret and guilt do not seem to do anything positive for us.
These feelings weigh you down and make you consider yourself to be "less than".
I am sure that - just deciding to change and set about doing just that is what we should do when faced with regret.
I have to say, I do want to move forward and put the regret behind.
I am convinced that my weakness has to do with the emotional toll I have endured in the past year and 1/2. I have gone down a road of self-destruction at times and tried to pull myself out with several tools.
I have found myself reaching for the comforts of food and alcohol too often. 
I am hoping that expressing my regret and admitting truthfully that I am not living an abundant life but instead have fallen short too often will be motivational for you!
That is right motivational--
Because:

I am not giving up -- I am still looking for ways to build my self-control and relationship with Jesus.
I am writing in a journal, and currently reading/discussing the book The Shack. I am once again trying to commit to prayer and bible study time.
 
Regret is a feeling that has to be felt and absorbed as a message from your spirit to teach you not to make the same mistake again---- Then moved on from.....


Own it and then let it go and let God!