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--Max Ehrmann

Desiderata

Go placidly amid the noise and haste,
and remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible without surrender
be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly;
and listen to others,
even the dull and the ignorant;
they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons,
they are vexations to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others,
you may become vain and bitter;
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your own career, however humble;
it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs;
for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals;
and everywhere life is full of heroism.
Be yourself.
Especially, do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love;
for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment
it is as perennial as the grass.
Take kindly the counsel of the years,
gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline,
be gentle with yourself.
You are a child of the universe,
no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.
Therefore be at peace with God,
whatever you conceive Him to be,
and whatever your labors and aspirations,
in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul.
With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful.
Strive to be happy.

Providence

Acceptance is:full story

"And acceptance is the answer to all my problems today. When I am disturbed, it is because I find some person, place, thing or situation -- some fact of my life -- unacceptable to me, and I can find no serenity until I accept that person, place, thing or situation as being exactly the way it is supposed to be at this moment.
Nothing, absolutely nothing happens in our world by mistake. Until I could accept my humanity, I could not be complete in living; unless I accept life completely on life's terms, I cannot be happy. I need to concentrate not so much on what needs to be changed in the world as on what needs to be changed in me and in my attitudes."

adapted by DonInChelsea

practice acceptance as a key:

Acceptance is a daily task as we live life to our full extent. And the practice of acceptance has many elements we learn as we progress our emotional and spiritual development. Two forms of practical steps to acceptance help us in our daily living.

1. Accepting day to day experiences as they occur, as life offers them to us. When we accept our day, how we feel, why and what we can do about it, we see our part in our daily experiences with others. Acceptance is not blind to our personal choices, merely making sure we respond and not react to what we encounter. Ask how am I feeling, why and what can I do?

2. Accepting long term experiences which affect our daily living is part of daily life. Our past will bring up issues for us, sometimes daily, sometimes less frequently. How we feel about ourselves generally, why and what we can do to let ourselves be free, overcome old denials and just live for this day, this takes time and often support and help from sources we trust.

When I ask myself:

How am I feeling

Why

What can I do

I am asserting my "being here and now", and helps to acceptance of my real situation.

DonInChelsea Blog Global Local
BBC DonInChelsea's A Day in the Life


August 2005

copyright© don oddy

Chronicles August 2005

August 1st 2005

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~ look outwards ~

to make sense of our living, we need to look outwards

in our complicated world looking out is as important as what is going on inside ourselves.

So often we are caught in many notions which support our ego and our view on what life must

provide. We see in our mind’s eye, the world, it is ours for our enjoyment, we might consume

it and find happiness because it is our due.
We become self obsessed if we continue to view this world as a consumer. We need only look

around and find that nature requires participation, mutuality and collaboration. In our

sophisticated and complex view, we often forget how interdependent we are in this evolution

of man.
How do we forget our interdependency? Without doubt anyone faced with the challenges of

modern life learns quickly about self sufficiency. With every advantage of the modern world

we become forgetful of basic principles and fundamentals for our emotional and spiritual

stability. What were the basics of life in consumer society are catered for with labour and

effort, and over and above we work to provide for our leisure and enjoyment. We are taught

to work and be self sufficient, yet in all this self sufficiency, we can forget our

humanity.
We hear less often these days of the seven deadly sins, so deeply rooted in ourselves,

pride, envy, gluttony, lust, anger, greed and sloth. And equally we hear less often about

the seven contrary virtues, humility, kindness, abstinence, chastity, patience, liberality

and diligence. Indeed without discussion or thought to reflect on either the deadly or the

virtuous gifts we are able to develop, modern mankind is forgetful of his heritage, from

inhuman to human. Inhuman, without nurture, human with nurture.
Yet we are a combination all these facets or virtues of human character, and where we find
our personal balance in all these respects, comes from our environment and experience.
No human being is born programmed to be one way or another. Beyond the template of human,

with variation, we all can become gifted with virtues based on our society and our learned

experiences to form our preferences. We might be more gifted and inclined to develop our

virtues based on our primal drives, acquisition, prevention of loss and perpetuation. And so

society develops and complicates our role, our place in it and our outward looking.
Looking outwards, we develop an understanding of how we fit in society, how we make it work

for ourselves. Somewhere in the development of many societies, we have masked the primal

drives and virtues we are born with and have as gifts. We are often confused and persuaded

by the traditions and rules we learn from infancy. We often forget conveniently where

society has an order, to acknowledge our own primal drive and personal virtues. We take on

the drives and virtues societies teach, and so easily miss our own preference. And we are

left with doubtful unfulfilled sentiments which cause deep sadness within.
As we grow and mature, the pattern so deep set, the doubt inside sits without voice or

outlet, a worry, a weight we cannot fathom. When we look outside ourselves, we find our

reflection often in others, our sins and our virtues, for we all have them.
We need to know what drives us, what our capacities are and how we might develop our

outlook. For good or bad, we need take time to understand the impossible, ourselves and our

fellows.
There is no virtue in perfection in the writers view. As with utopia, and other notions we

may idealise, the greatest perfection is in the imperfect, the unfinished work, the

struggle, an understanding of where we are.
For the gift to modern man is the knowledge of drive, of sin or virtue, looking outward and
inward to balance in a heartbeat of eternity, one breath of harmony and swallowed by time.
Our quite new civilisations across this earth, ever changing and often forgetful of the

roots, will tumble in the wind of eternity until our inner deep is shared across humanity.

August 2nd 2005

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~ knowing our right size ~

We forget so quickly our right size. When we are faced with choices in life, we use our

inner thoughts to decide, our own choice. An act of will. When we use our will, our decision

may take account of our family, community and society. We may consider traditions and values

we have learned. We most often take into consideration all elements we know when choices are

being made.
When we work to find our choices alone, without outside or external influence, our decisions
and outcomes may seem to suit us, work for us, maybe or do we find they don’t?
Knowing our right size its also knowing the right size of others in our family and

community. Knowing our interdependency, our connection to others helps provide answers to

our choices. When we realise that we need take account that we are the equal of others,

neither bigger nor smaller, our understanding of choice becomes clearer. We make our

decisions, from idea to action, we work in an informed and collaborative mode.
How often when we act alone, make decisions without sufficient information or without

consideration of others do we find conflict? We have our own answers and our own stories.

Best recollected, best shared, our sizing becomes more equal as we share our endeavours.
With humility we find our right size as we go through life, our seasons of change, just like

our climate, subject to storms and to tranquillity we weather our experiences and learn. Our

learning is most often as harsh as our actions to ourselves and to others. We grow or wither

as we weather these seasons, becoming what we envisage in our informed mind’s eye…

August 3rd 2005

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~ success ~

Always remember, "Neither will I become a problem, nor will I fluctuate on seeing a problem,

but I will become an embodiment of solutions."

The key, is living in the solution and not the problem...

some days more difficult than others, we need keep a weather eye to our circumstances and be

enabled through counsel and outward looking, avoiding isolation and sitting with ones own

thoughts without the benefit of fresh eyes and opinion.

August 4th 2005

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~ moving on & rattle and hum ~

Times are changing, I am moving to a new home, it just happened out of the blue. And all we

can ever do is go with the flow...

August 5th 2005

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~ generosity ~

Generosity of spirit increases everything we have and gives us everything we need.

In an empowering world, we need be mindful of our personal power and the personal power of

others. Generosity is not bestowed, it is an attitude of mind. Generosity is humbly

accepting our fellows as equals, generosity is knowing our equality with others.

Our personal freedoms and choices are often afforded when we see the world as it is, our

openness to this world and all its force defies self will, willpower and notions which make

us different from any other. As this world moves imperceptibly to greater truths and

philosophies, we travel more aware of our present, our impact and how long mankind's journey

may be...

Our gift of knowing is in acceptance of the world as is, the journey and futures we may only

dream. Those dreams becoming reality far away beyond our lifetimes. We make of our days what

we endeavour, when opened we see generosity of spirit, our glue to humanity.

August 6th 2005

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~ endeavour ~

Always remember, "Neither will I become a problem, nor will I fluctuate on seeing a problem,

but I will become an embodiment of solutions."

Eventually we remember, in between we need keep a weather eye to forgiveness, for others and

ourselves, for wisdom is from experience, beyond teaching and being...

August 7th 2005

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~ sagely words sometimes bollox ~

Embrace Change When you are aware and accept that everything around you is constantly

changing, and that you have no control over 99.99% of it, you are able to embrace change

like a close friend! Change is a like a river, constantly flowing and moving things around.

The river of life is constantly bringing you ideas, people, situations - each one is an

opportunity to be enriched or to enrich others, to grow and to learn. Change is the play of

the universe as it entertains us in the biggest light-and-sound show of all time. Why fight

it, why not sit back and enjoy the show?

August 8th 2005

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~ possibilities ~

The power of co-operation makes an impossible situation possible

When we know the solution and the world finds it hard to hear us, how hard are we listening

to others and their views.
Its a fact, we do know the answers to much of our daily lives. Its frustrating when we have

to engage others to ensure outcomes. We need remind ourselves we are the same size as any

other mortal on the planet, neither bigger or smaller. We are the equal of anyone.

To create possibilities and then get to outcomes, we need others and their views, their co-

operation and their agreement. Without approval and unity, we build castles in the skies,

ephemeral fancies only concrete in our own minds eye...

August 9th 2005

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~ Kindness ~

No act of kindness is ever wasted.

August 10th 2005

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~ character ~

When you do not upset yourself thinking about how others must change and instead you

concentrate on your own change, good things start to happen. First, you will feel better

about yourself. Second, you will start to have positive feelings towards others and start to

understand them. Third, others start having a more positive attitude towards you.

August 11th 2005

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~ flow of life ~

When I generate kind and optimistic thoughts, my life begins to flow

August 12th 2005

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~ self and strength ~

when everything is changing in a very intense way the best thing to do is to find strength

and support to go deep within the self and get in touch with your own inner being

And equally important is to include in our outcomes those involved in our lives. Working

together resolves more than the resolution we may find within. So important to know our

meaning and words, like fortitude and determination, their context and understanding..

Intense feelings benefit from "outensing", expression where appropriate is a relief and a

right.

August 13th 2005

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~ go giver ~

it’s been said that you cannot give away what you do not have. One of the most spiritual

important insights or secrets in life is that you already have, and always have had, what

you need to give away! If you impart the message that ‘I am not worthy’ the universe will

send it straight back in many shapes, forms and circumstances. When we say ‘give me’ we are

imparting this message. We are saying we think we need to get something to complete

ourselves or prove our worth. Most of us are taught to live a life of gimmie gimmie gimmie –

always striving, desiring, wanting, struggling. We do so only because we think that when we

get what we want we will be fulfilled and esteemed by others. But it’s an illusion. We are

all already complete and worthy but we cannot know it and experience it, until we give it

away! Only giving allows us to know what we are and what we have within. Ask the question –

how can I serve? The intention to serve will point you towards what you need to give. If the

intention is real it also generates the will. The most successful people in life are not go

getters, but go givers!

August 14th 2005

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~ enthusiasm ~

enthusiasm frees the self from obstacles and brings benefit to all.

August 15th 2005

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~ experience the bliss of self-respect ~

Experience the bliss of Self-Respect and bestow respect on others at all times. When I am

prejudiced against another, my narrow vision and small heart lower my self-dignity and self

-worth

August 16th 2005

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~ a year older and learning to be wiser ~

we are lucky and have the good fortune to get older. Ever more so as each year passes we are

learning about the world, ourselves and others. There is no particular order to what we

learn about. Without others, we have nothing to compare, of others, we may avoid judgement,

as comparison merely informs our preferences.
So what have I learned most this past year? I have a suspicion it’s quite simple and
fundamental...
We are all equal.
This notion of equality was an intellectual proposition for me, yet somewhere in my

emotional state, I guess there was always a part of me which believed I was more than just

another human being. In some way I had the gift of God like perception, the gift of more

knowledge and therefore power others might only imagine.
What I have learned most, is we are all the same with diverse experiences. The attitude of
equality makes good all relationships we have with our family, community and society.
We acknowledge equality in many ways when we accept our true size. Everyone, without
exception is equal. And how we live accordingly is our personal journey and preference.
There are many sayings, ‘how the mighty have fallen’ and others which depict and describe

how, with luck we all find equality. The other element we need recognise especially when

enduring considerable hardship, is that we are never less than anyone else…
So can we acknowledge, we are not bigger or smaller than anyone else in the world? There is

acceptance for me, enabling myself and others to this view, encouraging our world to this

sentiment. We will be a long while as a race, a species developing our true potential and

comprehension of values and principles for living in harmony. Especially as we get to grips

with our similarities and our diversity, the very essence which makes our lives so

worthwhile.
And as we live equally, we grow and develop strength, fortitude and vulnerability. The

paradox in us as human beings is the greater our sensitivity to our world, the greater our

complete range of emotional states. That is if we are lucky enough to experience the

vastness of our world, journeying and accepting our part, the equal of everyone and master

of none.

August 17th 2005

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~ reality ~

You will be amazed what comes from your heart when you make a little effort with your head.
We truly amaze ourselves when we reveal our true feelings. When we reveal our true feelings

to everyone we encounter, our lives become more manageable and our encounters with the world

become more real.
Yet we often mask and hide our true feelings. And we mask feelings for one primary reason,

because we become vulnerable to others judgment. We fear the loss of their acceptance and

love.
As we hide and mask, we become adept and elaborate in our deceptions, or we become

transparent to others for the deception we would wish. Every moment we spend in masking or

hiding our true feelings means we live without truth and we live incomplete.
Why hide and mask? We worry others might view us differently, with a negative view of us. As

we learn in our elaborate society, the negative of our true feelings, we become more

confused and lose sight of real feelings about ourselves and others.
The benefit of truth is we shape our views and understanding as events and encounters with
others happen, rather than planning and contriving outcomes.
Often the strategy of living with others is undone as we try to make our view of the world
and others fit with our will and desire.
Best to share as openly, and candidly with our fellows our community and society. For in

informing them, we inform ourselves about reality and possibilities, we find our true path

as journeymen.
Follow our hearts, follow our feelings and enable ourselves daily to reality and

possibility…

August 18th 2005

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~ boredom ~

the state of being weary and restless through lack of interest

When we examine the definition of boredom we soon recognise the problem. Boredom is to do

with our state of mind, our lack of interest in our surroundings and the outside world.
To be bored, to be weary and restless means we are restless and we have the problem.
So often we have in mind to blame or complain at others about our boredom. Worse we might

consider people, places or things are boring us. Its so easy to suggest the problem is the

worlds and not ours.
Boredom reflects our impatience and our disaffection with our surroundings. It’s a real

situation we are responsible for creating and making worse by expecting something or someone

to fix it for us.
Truly, boredom is formed in our arrogance, a feeling or an impression of superiority

manifested in an overbearing manner or presumptuous assumption that the world revolves

around us and not the other way around…
For all of us who find ourselves in such a hapless state of boredom, we might reconsider our

outlook and sincerity, our relationship with our world and Universe. We might wonder at our

gift of connection to humanity lest we fail to see our part in all its gore and beauty.

August 19th 2005

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~ About God and Higher Power ~

We all have a very personal view regarding faith. We can debate our faith anytime and

anyplace, mainly with ourselves.
These days the belief in God and Higher Powers is continually tested and challenged by our
science and modernity.
For the great master we are of all we survey is based on material science and the laws of
physics.
Yet we are drawn by our thoughts and feelings to metaphysics and belief and faith. And we

have since the dawn of our consciousness wondered at our world and tried to make sense of it

all.
So simply put, we doubt much of what we might perceive unless we can pin down and make sense
through science, and then make it profound as laws of nature.
Often when we look at our gifts and perception we become lost in complexity and doubt.
When we examine our conscience, we meet ourselves most truthfully. And we might wonder where

and how we have a conscience. Most of us do, and we have from nature and nurture a good

comprehension of right and wrong. Most of us accept our conscience as a given.
We talk with our conscience and work much of life out within our own minds eye. And we cross

reference our conscience with others who so surprisingly seem to be like minded we stop

doubting ourselves and ways of living.
When we talk direct to our conscience as we would wish to talk to all mankind about our

truth, we are indeed in touch with a power greater than ourselves, our own and everyone’s

higher power.
The collective conscience of mankind is so similar we would be hard pressed to find much

difference. The only differences we find, ironically is that mankind manufactures to serve

selfish motives.
The selfish motives derived by mankind have no sway with human conscience. Human conscience
is above difference and acknowledges similarity and diversity.
When man lays down Gods Law in words, it is neither Gods Law nor our higher powers words.

Most often Mankind’s Laws segregate and legitimise difference, encourage prejudice and

perversion of spirit. When Man writes of Gods Law or the Higher Power, most likely self

interest and power are at stake, for in all our good conscience, we DO NOT need written tome

or edict, we need only have a conversation with ourselves to find the answer…
and share our truth with all humanity, the testament in time

August 20th 2005

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~ the bliss of self respect ~

Experience the bliss of Self-Respect and bestow respect on others at all times. When I am

prejudiced against another, my narrow vision and small heart lower my self-dignity and self

-worth.

August 21st 2005

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~ contentment ~

Contentment does not come to those whose means are great, but to those whose needs are few.

A view with humility I experience as a gift for in nothing is everything...

August 22nd 2005

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~ do now ~

Procrastination is not only the thief of time, it is the creator of subtle inner tension.

You know you are cheating yourself. There are three secrets to overcoming procrastination.

One, don't wait till you feel like doing it - the feeling will come only when you start

doing it. Two, list all the things you have to do and then prioritise the list. Three,

create a vision of the result and be motivated by the vision of the outcome, not the thought

of the process. And the options to those ideas? One - ask for help. Two - completely forget

about it, you don't have to do anything! Three - if there is anything you can learn from the

process then see it is action learning. Six ways to overcome procrastination...but you may

have other ideas.

August 23rd 2005

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~ keeping our relationships healthy ~

We often find we get breakdowns and differences of opinion with those we trust and care for

in our lives. It is the most difficult situation to find our views on the world and our

opinions challenged. The issue of confidence and challenge will keep our feelings for

friends and acquaintances mixed until we get honest with ourselves and honest with our

fellows.
When we learn it is perfectly acceptable for others to have different points of view and
preferences about almost anything, we start to grow and accept similarity and diversity.
We learn also to respect distance which is created by diversity, and at the same time

tolerance for how others conduct and live their lives. We will also know when diversity is

acceptable and when difference will keep us separate.
Above all, we need learn tolerance in all matters within our principles and values. How we

live openly and honestly. How we are fair in our dealings with others and especially keep

our integrity in all matters.
Principles and values established in our open and democratic societies are liberal and

afford the greatest good to the greatest number. We live in liberal and enlightened times.

We wish it were so all of the time, yet acknowledge the outlook of many is less developed

and certainly laced with prejudice.
How then do we keep our outlook? Open and democratic, honest and fair which engenders our

hopes and wishes for society? In times like now, where we feel under siege it is our

opportunity to keep our society open and keep diversity inclusive, lest we fall back and

exclude those still learning to live with our values and principles.
We learn by example and experience, by inclusion above all. How easy it is to close and

exclude when threat is so near at hand. The world is smaller than ever, as we travel and

view its entirety almost as events occur. This is no time for exclusion, and always the

right time for inclusion.

August 24th 2005

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~ offer opinion - maybe ~

Free yourself from forcing, expecting or wanting someone to receive what you think they

should take - it could be your idea, opinion, or an opportunity you think they should accept

- you can't make anyone take anything - your own experience probably confirms this. Offer

humbly. Offer gently. Offer as if you are a master, and then let go, and retire like a shy

child. When you can dance the dance between being master and child, you'll be surprised how

much more others will accept what you have to say, and how much more they appreciate your

offerings.

August 25th 2005

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~ a bright outlook ~

Always look at the world in the bright, healthy light of optimism.
Even with harsh moments in life, there are ways to move on and let go. We need to find

acceptance, and sometimes acceptance is elusive. As hearts break, most often they mend and

recollections for the past become tempered in time.

There is no value in harsh memories evoking harsh outlooks. There is value in being reminded

of hard times and enabling perspective. We need not forget, we need to find forgiveness for

ourselves and others. For in good conscience, our behaviour would have taken us on the right

path. And a good conscience comes from our broader experiences of life, what we did and how

we do...

August 26th 2005

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~ truth ~

truth will always reveal itself at the right moment and in the right place...

August 27th 2005

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~ dread ~

Anxiety has been defined as a feeling of fear, dread, or apprehension that arises without a

clear or appropriate real-life justification. Some authorities differentiate anxiety from

true fear in that the latter is experienced in response to an actual threat or danger, such

as those to one's physical safety. Anxiety, on the other hand, may arise in response to

apparently ...
Sometimes we experience dread. The dread factor is something we can feel to real situations

we are living, or dread can be imagined as we might a nightmare. The experience of dread is

as profound, whether or not the situation is based on actual events or imagined events.
Dread is compounded by our imaginations, our worst fears being manifested or anticipated.
Nearly all of us get dread from time to time.
If we are living through truly dreadful events, our ability to adapt and cope becomes

apparent. Or we don’t cope and we breakdown, overcome by our situation. With dreadful events

we develop coping behaviour to compensate until matters improve. Sometimes we are caught in

the dread and get stuck. When stuck we need rely on our emotional resilience to return and

the help of others.
Where we get into difficulty with dread is where our imaginations become engulfed and

consumed with fear and anxiety and we find no escape. This dread is desolate and

inconsolable. This dread can occur and keep us stuck for days months and years. These events

happen to some us, most of us and maybe a few never experience the feeling of dread.
What to do with this anxiety and fear?
We may find help. Most likely help is there once we develop an openness to our dread and

anxiety. Dread most often keeps us isolated and fearful of others response to our concerns.

Only as we share do we deal with these difficult events.
Dread is lost in time one way or another, as we open up and share we let go our anxieties,

and with support any experience can be balanced with changes in outlook and behaviour. The

dread we experience is never forgotten, just let go and remembered when life deals us harsh

moments. The solution is always to process and make known our emotions, to develop coping

strategies and support. Dread thrives in us in isolation, and is managed more helpfully in

its expression and letting go. Letting go of some dread experiences may be a lifetime or

never when locked inside without voice or outlet.

August 28th 2005

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~ positive ~

embrace life with the enthusiasm of one who knows there is untold benefit in every scene

Where and when the untold benefit is experienced, it is never clear in the moment, for the

greatest lessons we learn can be the most hurtful of experiences. For in great sadness we

develop equally, the capacity of joy and happiness. Two sides of our feeling, the ying and

yang, the ups and downs of life. We are not immune or different, our similarities and

expression enable greater emotional range, more than we ever imagine until the moment...
fear in isolation, understand in sharing and experience. Life truly is for living...

August 29th 2005

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~ tranquil minds ~

We are gentle souls who can speak to what is in the hearts of others without saying a word.

For the gift of silence enables new perceptions in the minds of others...

August 30th 2005

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~ torment's touch ~

for the truly enlightened, there is torment's touch. We are the gifted, who feel the

complete range of human doings. For in the gift of love, there is hate. In the gift of joy

there is sadness. In all our feelings, we deliver the greatest touch when our experience is

full range. The deeper, the broader, in all respects, in voice and in silence we find

gratitude over time...
Let us hope for enough time in this life to make our contemplation work for our reality and

experience. And be forgiving and forgiven along the way, or eternity will be more hell than

heaven, an impossible balance?

August 31st 2005

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~ truth ~

truth will always reveal itself at the right moment and in the right place.

Copyright © Don Oddy
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--Rudyard Kipling

IF

If you can keep your head when all about you
Are losing theirs and blaming it on you,
If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you
But make allowance for their doubting too,
If you can wait and not be tired by waiting,
Or being lied about, don't deal in lies,
Or being hated, don't give way to hating,
And yet don't look too good, nor talk too wise:
If you can dream--and not make dreams your master,
If you can think--and not make thoughts your aim;
If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster
And treat those two impostors just the same;
If you can bear to hear the truth you've spoken
Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools,
Or watch the things you gave your life to, broken,
And stoop and build 'em up with worn-out tools:
If you can make one heap of all your winnings
And risk it all on one turn of pitch-and-toss,
And lose, and start again at your beginnings
And never breath a word about your loss;
If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew
To serve your turn long after they are gone,
And so hold on when there is nothing in you
Except the Will which says to them: "Hold on!"
If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue,
Or walk with kings--nor lose the common touch,
If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you;
If all men count with you, but none too much,
If you can fill the unforgiving minute
With sixty seconds' worth of distance run,
Yours is the Earth and everything that's in it,
And--which is more--you'll be a Man, my son!


August 14th 2006

A month in Recovery

This link to my birthday, and the start of my diary on "30 days in recovery," this follows my journey over a month in my fellowship, Alcoholics Anonymous.

Unedited and written raw, no revisions or re-writes. Just as it happened and without prejudice.

Obsessions

fear of fear?full story

"I did feel the need to speak to a couple of people after the meeting to allay their fears of some things medical and what it means for me, a person who has some experience strength and hope to share about precisely those medical fears as they come along. And why?

Well because I have had some medical scares along the way and have ongoing medical conditions. I don’t shout or complain too loudly about my medical conditions. For the record they fall into three categories. First I am in recovery from addiction and have been sober for some time, measured now in years. Second, I have clinical depression, an ongoing medical condition which has been around for most my adult life according to professional experts, and is now treated. And third, the one which makes life even more haphazard is Type 1 diabetes."