Changes

I've been thinking about a client that I worked with a few weeks ago. He is in his late 60's and he is a heroin addict. He has been using for about 40 years, and has attempted quitting several times, with limited success. He has been clean, off and on, for a total of about 2 years in the last 40, since he started abusing. His insight is incredible. He works for a department store, as a greeter/customer service person. He is very pleasant to be around, and to converse with. I imagined myself having a discussion with Miles Davis, as this client looks very similar. I am not aware of the personality traits, whether they compare or not. Maybe this was the intrigue. The patient expressed that through all of his struggles for sobriety he has only found one thing to help him, and that is his spirituality. When he attends his church services or speaks with his Creator, he is normally able to be clean for that day. When he gets away from prayer and meditation, he says that he is 'heading for a disaster' that day. Because of his many relapses, he is looking for an alternative to help him get sober. We call this 'minimizing the risk' or lessening harm. For him, there are medications to help. Many alcoholics turn to candy and soft drinks to minimize the harm of their addiction - sugar instead of alcohol. "It's less dangerous to others if I get diabetes rather than be behind the wheel and not be able to control my car." I'm not advocating that we replace our addictions with something that is bad for our health, but look for alternatives to lower the risk and lessen the harm done.

I had another conversation with my HT companion a few weeks ago. We were discussing how, as humans, we use about 10% of our brain capacity. We both believe that the other 90% consists of our knowledge, wisdom, and memories of the pre-mortal life. I think that, at times, we are able to access more than that 10%, and see a little bit beyond the veil, and get a glimpse of what will be after we leave earth. Amazing to think about, isn't it? We also talked about how, as little children, we knew next to nothing concerning the world, universe, spirituality, and many other concepts. As adults, we know much, much more. But there is never a time where we know everything. We could look at ourselves compared to children, and expect that adults are much more educated and wise. But compare ourselves to our spiritual leaders, the general authorities, etc, and we are as infants to them and their understanding of eternal concepts. Interesting to recognize this, and realize that we all have such a long way to go, no matter what our struggles have been, are, or will be. The same can be said for our past, present, and future successes. We are on this seemingly endless journey to gain experience and wisdom. I like to use the word 'hoard' when referring to gathering information. I want it all, no matter if I can understand it all now or not. I can always save it for later, when I can really let it saturate and sink in.

I really, truly hope that you have a terrific rest of the day. Take some deep breaths, and realize a few of the things that are going very well for you in your life. Take a moment to pat yourself on the back. After that, do something simple to make someone else's day. It will rub off, and you will find that the favor will come back to you, someday.

cw