Fwd: In The Present.....

So.....12 Step wisdom states,"If I live my life with one foot in yesterday, the other foot in tomorrow, then I'm pissing all over today". My spiritual community is a little more new thought, "Stay in the now". MKP says to "stay present". A Native Elder simply says to me, "Be grateful for what you have right here, right now". It is often difficult to not regret the past and worry about the future. This appears to be the work now. For me, the planet.

As I woke up in fear this morning heart beating fast, scrunched up face, breathing erratic, I realize it is all about what will happen next. Expecting the next nail in my foot, as opposed to the next miracle. I am so very used to failings and wailings that I am expecting more of the same. Yet miracles are happening all around me as they always have, and I suspect will continue to happen.

I was in a 12 Step meeting last night sharing my highs and lows, listening to others sharing the same. A young man across from me who walks the sea floor harvesting Goeduck, said he reached out last Sunday for help. He wanted to drink and drug on Halloween, and instead called for help. I teared up as I looked at him and he did the same. Then the others began to feel the sadness and joy of the present, the now.
He then said he struggled with being proud of himself, instead saying he felt good about what he had done. I was reflecting on the words "Native Pride" embroidered on the sweatshirt of the woman sitting next to me.

After he was finished speaking, the Elder next to him spoke his turn. He put his arm around him and told him, "I am so proud of you". He then spoke of all his relapses and not reaching out to his sponsor, or others for help in those times. A very nice way to end the day for me. Then driving home in the rain, as the rains have come. Full speed on the wipers, slow on the driving. Must be careful now as my little car hydroplanes a wee bit, as I sit a couple of feet lower to the ground now. I miss my truck yet I am so very grateful that I have a new car. So very grateful, right here right now.

Loon

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If I can get through the day without condemning, criticizing or complaining, it's been a good day. If I don't give advice, it's been perfect. - Flloyd Ashcraft