MedWorm provides a medical RSS filtering service. Over 6000 RSS medical sources are combined and output via different filters. This feed contains the latest medical blog items that have been tagged with 'awakening'. Sat, 03 Sep 2011 02:40:01 +0100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5182229&cid=t_181116_136_f&fid=39016&url=http%3A%2F%2Fturquoisegates.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F08%2Fcalculated-risk.html They clamber up the apple tree, my four and six year olds, all the way to the top where the ripe apples drip like ruby gems from the bowed branches. I catch glimpses of faces through foliage and try to avoid sounding too nervous as I ask them to come down a bit lower in the tree. Rosy is the monkey, clinging and swinging, branch to branch and apples rain down in her wake.Finally the feed bucket is full - half green and half ripe apples for a corral full of horses eager for a bite. The kids get braver, holding hands flat to offer apples to the hungry mouths, only to be grossed out by horse spit on their fingers. And she, the quiet beauty I held moments after birth, 16 now and silent. She knows the sorrow in my soul but instead of talking about it, we dance through the dreamy moments of peac... Turquoise Gates blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5182229 Thu, 01 Sep 2011 00:18:00 +0100 5182229 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5159848&cid=t_181116_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2F8-common-questions-about-sex%2F Alcoholics, addicts and co-dependents in recovery may experience an awakening sexuality. Some of these questions may help. Sex therapist Laura Berman reveals the answers to your most intimate questions and shows you how to spice up your sex life. It happens at my speaking engagements, of course, but also at cocktail parties and PTA meetings, even in department stores: People who’ve learned that I’m a sex therapist have tons of questions for me. Some just want to hear more about what I do, but most are concerned with very specific issues — things they’ve been wondering about but haven’t felt comfortable asking (until they run into me shopping for shoes!). I’m happy to answer, if time and the setting permit. Not only does it keep life interesting, but it als... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5159848 Wed, 24 Aug 2011 02:16:59 +0100 5159848 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5118645&cid=t_181116_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fwhat-do-monks-psychiatric-patients-and-prison-inmates-have-in-common%2F2011.08.10 I’ve always been struck by the similarity between solitary confinement inmates and monks. Historically, monks were kept under the vow of silence. They could only leave their cells to attend religious services. The only visitors they were allowed tohave were their religious advisors. (If any of you have seen the movie Into Great Silence you’ll know what I’m talking about.)  The idea of the modern penitentiary came from this ‘penitence’ process: put someone in a room by himself, give him religious guidance while he’s there and he’ll reflect, repent and reform. This was how prisons were run in the Nineteenth Century too: prisoners were kept under the rule of silence and they could only come out of their cells for religious services or for work. No o... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5118645 Wed, 10 Aug 2011 21:00:00 +0100 5118645 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4841449&cid=t_181116_87_f&fid=36438&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCato-at-liberty%2F%7E3%2FN95MFU-TZlQ%2F By Christopher PrebleThe news media is abuzz with speculation about what President Obama will say in an address this Thursday at the State Department. The topic is the Middle East, and White House Press Secretary Jay Carney explained, “we’ve gone through a remarkable period in the first several months of this year…in the Middle East and North Africa,” and the president has “some important things to say about how he views the upheaval and how he has approached the U.S. response to the events in the region.” The speech, Carney hinted to reporters, would be “fairly sweeping and comprehensive.” If I were advising the president, I would urge him to say many of the same things that he said in his June 2009 speech in Cairo, this time with some timely references... Cato-at-liberty blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4841449 Tue, 17 May 2011 13:44:14 +0100 4841449 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4302976&cid=t_181116_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Fthe-nature-of-spirituality-in-recovery-2%2F Stories of Spiritual Awakening; The Nature of Spirituality in RecoveryAddiction to substances is considered a medical disease, characterized by the continued use of substances despite significant substance-related problems.The heavy use of substances is often related to, and precipitated by, the individual’s need to improve intolerable emotional states.The utility of drugs for making the individual “feel better” or “feel normal” can lead to regular use. In some cases, regular users become addicted to drug use, a transition that is the result of complex interactions of biological, psychological, and cultural factors.Addiction can lead to the loss of family, friends, work, and home. It is often associated with the development of a set of behaviors and thought patterns that enable t... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4302976 Sat, 01 Jan 2011 15:19:00 +0100 4302976 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4266157&cid=t_181116_136_f&fid=39016&url=http%3A%2F%2Fturquoisegates.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F12%2Fi-want-to-spend-post-800-saying.html Today is my 800th original entry. It seems momentous to me...a testament to the fact that the small things we are diligent with become big things that astound and confound us. This 800th entry is something I never envisioned writing when I wrote entry number 1 in May of 2008.That month of waiting, as May turned into June in my first year of cancer, still weighs heavy in my memory. Cancer in some ways seemed like an awakening, as if the Holy Spirit that I had inoculated myself against finally reached critical mass and began stirring inside in ways I could not ignore. Along with cancer awoke a dream for my life, a vision of the person I might become, goals and ideas that I'd never lent time to consider.And when He had said these things, He cried out with a loud voice, "Lazarus, come forth." ... Turquoise Gates blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4266157 Wed, 15 Dec 2010 14:45:00 +0100 4266157 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4143022&cid=t_181116_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Fmaturity-of-mind-through-a-spiritual-awakening%2F Image via Wikipedia Recover Maturity of Mind and Adult Behavior Through a Spiritual Awakening The 12-Step program of recovery from alcoholism / addiction / codependency, in part, takes one through the process to maturity. Maturity is gradually attained through the process of the spiritual awakening which is a result of working the 12-Steps. The 12th Step states “Having had a Spiritual Awakening as the result of these steps …” The Oxford Dictionary defines the word "maturity" as deliberateness of action, mature consideration, due deliberation, fullness or perfection of natural development, ripeness, due promptness, the state of being complete, perfect, ready, and so on. This is the literary definition. What is maturity? Maturity need not necessarily come w... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4143022 Thu, 04 Nov 2010 14:49:13 +0100 4143022 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4077608&cid=t_181116_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Fspirituality-is-an-awakening%2F What is Spirituality? “Spirituality is an awakening—or is it all the loose ends woven together into a mellow fabric? It’s understanding—or is it all the knowledge one need ever know? It’s freedom—if you consider fear slavery. It’s confidence—or is it the belief that a higher power will see you through any storm or gale? It’s adhering to the dictates of your conscience—or is it a deep, genuine, living concern for the people and the planet? It’s peace of mind in the face of adversity. It’s a keen and sharpened desire for survival. From; AA book – Came to Believe, 2004, pg. 5 See also Spiritual Health Blockages SPIRITUAL AWAKENING Spirituality Books Inspirational Books 12 Spiritual Questions Share, print or e-mail this articleWhat About This Spiritual Awa... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4077608 Sat, 16 Oct 2010 14:46:04 +0100 4077608 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3724575&cid=t_181116_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FRecoveryIsSexycom%2F%7E3%2FttkiulAK9WY%2F Epiphanies: Slowly Building Up Life Skills In Addiction Recovery Erin has posted a wonderful experience of a spiritual awakening – the epiphany type – an educational spiritual awakening is happening for her. And, epiphanies remove the mask of denial whether it be for alcoholism, addiction or co-dependency. Erin said; So I’ve talked, almost a sickening amount, about how active addiction keeps us from developing life skills. But what I really haven’t discussed is how being in addiction recovery makes building up life skills possible. There I am driving down the road. I should be concentrating on, oh I don’t know… driving. But I’m not. I’m thinking about what it would take for my husband, my son and myself to be able to move out of where we live now. This train of thought s... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3724575 Sun, 04 Jul 2010 18:35:56 +0100 3724575 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3718701&cid=t_181116_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Fthe-aa-spiritual-experience%2F The terms "spiritual experience" and "spiritual awakening" are used many times in our book which, upon careful reading, show that the personality change sufficient to bring about recovery from alcoholism has manifested itself among us in many different forms. Yet it is true that our first printing gave many readers the impression that these personality changes, or religious experiences, must be in the nature of sudden and spectacular upheavals.    Happily for everyone, this conclusion is erroneous. In the first few chapters a number of sudden revolutionary changes are described.    Though it was not our intention to create such an impression, many alcoholics have nevertheless concluded that in order to recover they must acquire an immedia... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3718701 Thu, 01 Jul 2010 18:55:00 +0100 3718701 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3714450&cid=t_181116_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Fawakening-your-sexuality%2F – A Recovery Book With candor and compassion, Stephanie Covington reminds us that recovery is about living life fully and completely and sexual recovery is integral to the fullness of your life. With comprehensive scope and individual focus, she addresses the following questions: How is women’s sexuality shaped by a male-based society? How do dysfunctional families influence a woman’s sexuality? What did the sexual revolution do for women? How are women affected by alcohol, drugs, and AIDS? What is the connection between sexuality and spirituality? How can recovery groups address sexual issues? Most important, Awakening Your Sexuality gives women the tools to process their sexual histories, understand their sexual selves, and create the sexual lives they want. C... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3714450 Wed, 30 Jun 2010 16:26:00 +0100 3714450 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3691118&cid=t_181116_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Fwhat-about-this-spiritual-awakening-thing%2F New dawn awakens new insight as alcoholic mist clears The phrase “spiritual awakening,” found in the Twelfth Step and throughout A.A. literature, remains daunting to many beginners. For some, it conjures up a dramatic “conversion” experience – not an appealing idea to an alcoholic just coming off a drunk. To others, beaten down by years of steady drinking, it seems completely out of reach. But for those who persevere, ongoing sobriety almost invariably brings the realization that – in some wonderful and unexpected way – they have indeed experienced a spiritual change. Spirituality, A.A. style, is the result of action. Step Twelve begins, “Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these Steps. . .”, and in the book Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions (pa... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3691118 Tue, 22 Jun 2010 16:03:01 +0100 3691118 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3629881&cid=t_181116_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Fspiritual-awakening-for-recovery%2F CONCLUSIONS: The present study provides further evidence that spiritual change contributes to recovery, at least within the context of 12-step fellowship involvement. The study also deepens our understanding of how 12-step fellowship involvement works. Research report; Alcohol Clin Exp Res. 2007 Oct;31(10 Suppl):76s-79s. A role for spiritual change in the benefits of 12-step fellowship involvement. Zemore SE. See also; SPIRITUAL AWAKENING Spiritual Health Blockages Twelve Signs of a Spiritual Awakening Twelve Step Christianity Spirituality Books Hazelden and HCIBooks Online Spirituality Books Inspirational Books Love & Relationships Books Addiction & Recovery Books (Source: Recovery Is Sexy.com) Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3629881 Tue, 01 Jun 2010 15:53:00 +0100 3629881 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3552559&cid=t_181116_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FRecoveryIsSexycom%2F%7E3%2FdxLxuMWM2p8%2F Stories of Spiritual Awakening; The Nature of Spirituality in Recovery Addiction to substances is considered a medical disease, characterized by the continued use of substances despite significant substance-related problems. The utility of drugs for making the individual “feel better” or “feel normal” can lead to regular use. In some cases, regular users become addicted to drug use, a transition that is the result of complex interactions of biological, psychological, and cultural factors. Addiction can lead to the loss of family, friends, work, and home. It is often associated with the development of a set of behaviors and thought patterns that enable the addicted person to acquire drugs whether or not such acquisition causes harm to self or others. The loss of concern for othe... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3552559 Sun, 09 May 2010 17:25:00 +0100 3552559 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3416336&cid=t_181116_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Frecovery-in-marijuana-anonymous%2F The practice of rigorous honesty, of opening our hearts and minds, and the willingness to go to any lengths to have a spiritual awakening are essential to our recovery. Our old ideas and ways of life no longer work for us. Our suffering shows us that we need to let go absolutely. We surrender ourselves to a Power greater than ourselves. Here are the steps we take which are suggested for recovery: The Twelve Steps of Marijuana Anonymous We admitted we were powerless over marijuana, that our lives had become unmanageable. Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity. Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God, as we understood God. Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves. Admitted to God, to ourselves, and to a... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3416336 Sun, 28 Mar 2010 16:51:00 +0100 3416336 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3416337&cid=t_181116_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Fawakening-to-mindfulness%2F - 10 Steps for Positive Change Mindfulness is a state of consciousness that fosters heightened awareness of the self, of the senses, and of the outside world. It is a state of being ‘aware.’ Reaching and sustaining this state is essential to successful recovery, according to Dr. Richard Fields. In this highly engaging and highly practical book, Dr. Fields, a mental health and addictions counselor, ‘awakens’ the reader to new, positive, healthy life changes and possibilities. He clearly explains how mindfulness and meditation practices can help us all to a better, more enlightened life, a life of freedom from our addictions and delusions, a life with compassion for self and others. Book Review ”Mindfulness” is a state of awareness that can be learned... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3416337 Sun, 28 Mar 2010 15:14:00 +0100 3416337 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3370686&cid=t_181116_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FRecoveryIsSexycom%2F%7E3%2FJZHDHIisrO0%2F The drug manufacturing industry has produced a variety of drugs which, to all intents and purposes, alleviate the cravings of addicts. Apart from the fact that the long term effects of the most recent drugs are yet to emerge, it is questionable whether or not any of these drugs will satisfy the psychological and emotional cravings of addicts for the experience of the high or the oblivion that many addicts consciously or unconsciously seek. In the interim Carl Jung’s prescient comments are worth recalling: Science has no answer to this problem, psychotherapy alone is useless, what is required is a spiritual experience (Jung, Carl G. Letters to Bill ‘W’, co-founder of Alcoholics Anonymous. 1961 Jan) The terms ‘spiritual experience’ and ‘spiritual awakening’ are referred to in t... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3370686 Tue, 16 Mar 2010 00:40:00 +0100 3370686 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3354584&cid=t_181116_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FRecoveryIsSexycom%2F%7E3%2FaLk9V9iBG0M%2F What is Spirituality? "Spirituality is an awakening—or is it all the loose ends woven together into a mellow fabric? It’s understanding—or is it all the knowledge one need ever know? It’s freedom—if you consider fear slavery. It’s confidence—or is it the belief that a higher power will see you through any storm or gale? It’s adhering to the dictates of your conscience—or is it a deep, genuine, living concern for the people and the planet? It’s peace of mind in the face of adversity. It’s a keen and sharpened desire for survival. From; AA book – Came to Believe, 2004, pg. 5 See also Spiritual Health Blockages SPIRITUAL AWAKENING Spirituality Books Inspirational Books 12 Spiritual Questions (Source: Recovery Is Sexy.com) Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3354584 Thu, 11 Mar 2010 18:29:39 +0100 3354584 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3271206&cid=t_181116_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FRecoveryIsSexycom%2F%7E3%2FxMdAHd1SWZw%2F Moving into experience a new dawn The terms “spiritual experience” and “spiritual awakening” are used many times in our book which, upon careful reading, show that the personality change sufficient to bring about recovery from alcoholism has manifested itself among us in many different forms. Yet it is true that our first printing gave many readers the impression that these personality changes, or religious experiences, must be in the nature of sudden and spectacular upheavals.    Happily for everyone, this conclusion is erroneous. In the first few chapters a number of sudden revolutionary changes are described.    Though it was not our intention to create such an impression, many alcoholics have nevertheless concluded that in order to recover they must acquir... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3271206 Fri, 12 Feb 2010 20:38:55 +0100 3271206 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1790432&cid=t_181116_151_f&fid=36047&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FADozenSteps%2F%7E3%2Fl4j7UIafavo%2F Discussion No. 3: Inventory and Restitution Part I then Inventory and Restitution Part II, Inventory and Restitution Part III, and now, Discussion No. 4 - Active Work. *************************************** Step No. 12.  Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps, we tried to carry this message to alcoholics, and to practice these principles in all our affairs. This step logically separates into three parts: 1. The Spiritual Experience The terms “spiritual experience” and “spiritual awakening” used here and in the book Alcoholics Anonymous mean (upon careful reading) that the personality change sufficient to bring about recovery from alcoholism has manifested itself among us in many forms. Do NOT get the impression that these personality changes... A Dozen Steps blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1790432 Sun, 14 Sep 2008 00:09:55 +0100 1790432 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1420676&cid=t_181116_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Frecovery-epiphanies%2F Epiphanies: Slowly Building Up Life Skills In Addiction Recovery Erin has posted a wonderful experience of a spiritual awakening – the epiphany type – an educational spiritual awakening is happening for her. And, epiphanies remove the mask of denial whether it be for alcoholism, addiction or codependency. Erin said; So I’ve talked, almost a sickening amount, about how active addiction keeps us from developing life skills. But what I really haven’t discussed is how being in addiction recovery makes building up life skills possible. There I am driving down the road. I should be concentrating on, oh I don’t know… driving. But I’m not. I’m thinking about what it would take for my husband, my son and myself to be able to move out of where we live now. This train of thought so... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1420676 Mon, 05 May 2008 13:15:16 +0100 1420676 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=551441&cid=t_181116_140_f&fid=35440&url=http%3A%2F%2Fspiritualemergency.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F03%2Fguidelines-for-reading-this-blog.html Most of the blogs I've seen are the equivalent of an online journal that discuss the joys and trials of one's daily existence or interests. You should know, this blog isn't organized on that principle. This blog is primarily a means of bringing together specific articles and viewpoints that I've found helpful in understanding and moving through my own spiritual emergency. It's been structured to present entries in chronological order (as opposed to typical blog layout wherein the most recent entry is on "the top") and is currently complete. I won't be adding any more entries to the blog aside from changing out the featured quote from time to time. Depending on why you're here, it might be helpful for you -- the reader -- to follow some brief guidelines to increase your reading satisfaction... Spiritual Emergency blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=551441 Sun, 01 Apr 2007 04:44:00 +0100 551441 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=551445&cid=t_181116_140_f&fid=35440&url=http%3A%2F%2Fspiritualemergency.blogspot.com%2F2006%2F11%2Ftibetan-book-of-dead.html is pragmatically and existentially directed toward the "dead" who are still living, and not especially toward those who are clinically dead. To reveal this less obvious meaning, we need to examine more closely some of the key features of the manifest meaning, for these indicate that both the existence of gods and the existence of an after-death bardo realm are questionable. With respect to the reality of the gods and demons that are experienced in the after-death state, we have noted that the text informs the disembodied consciousness that these deities have no substantial reality of their own. Indeed, this is the central illuminating principle of the text. Two memorable excerpts are as follows:Through the instruction of his guru he will recognize them [the visionary deities] as his own p... Spiritual Emergency blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=551445 Mon, 13 Nov 2006 06:17:00 +0100 551445 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=551454&cid=t_181116_140_f&fid=35440&url=http%3A%2F%2Fspiritualemergency.blogspot.com%2F2006%2F07%2Fprocess-of-individuation-shadow_09.html Image SourceWithin Jungian psychology there is a concept known as The Shadow. Most of us encounter our own shadows in the form of projection. That is to say, we disown the characteristics and behaviors we cannot stand about ourselves and project them onto others. We then insist that they carry our shadow for us and may even punish them for the things we hate about ourselves. One example of this might be a minister who openly despises gays while privately engaging in closeted homosexual activity. Those who cannot accept their shadow will reject it in favor of embracing their Persona. The persona is the idealized image we present of who we really are. And still ... The Shadow Knows when we are lying to ourselves and those around us. The shadow contains our every fear, our every terror, it kn... Spiritual Emergency blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=551454 Sun, 09 Jul 2006 07:08:00 +0100 551454 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=551457&cid=t_181116_140_f&fid=35440&url=http%3A%2F%2Fspiritualemergency.blogspot.com%2F2006%2F07%2Faugust-and-everything-after.html This was one of those songs that got stuck in my head long before August, and Everything After ever arrived...Black Crow Flies Through a Hole in the SkyThe Rain King [*]When I think of heavenDeliver me in a black-winged birdI think of flying ... Down in your sea of pins and feathersAnd all other instruments ofFaith and Sex and God In the Belly of a Black-Winged Bird.Don't try to feed me'Cause I've been here before And I deserve a little moreI belong, in the service of the QueenI belong, anywhere but in betweenShe's been crying, I've been thinkingAnd I am, the Rain KingAnd I said mama, mama, mama, Why am I so alone? I can't go outside, I'm scared I might not make it homeBut I'm alive, I'm alive But I'm sinking inIf there's anyone at home at your place, darlin'Why don't you invite me in? Don... Spiritual Emergency blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=551457 Sun, 09 Jul 2006 07:07:00 +0100 551457 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=551458&cid=t_181116_140_f&fid=35440&url=http%3A%2F%2Fspiritualemergency.blogspot.com%2F2006%2F07%2Fwasteland.html An excerpt from a poem which got stuck early in this process...I. THE BURIAL OF THE DEADAPRIL is the cruellest month, breeding Lilacs out of the dead land, mixing Memory and desire, stirring Dull roots with spring rain. Winter kept us warm, covering Earth in forgetful snow, feeding A little life with dried tubers. Summer surprised us, coming over the Starnbergersee With a shower of rain; we stopped in the colonnade, And went on in sunlight, into the Hofgarten, And drank coffee, and talked for an hour. Bin gar keine Russin, stamm' aus Litauen, echt deutsch. And when we were children, staying at the archduke's, My cousin's, he took me out on a sled, And I was frightened. He said, Marie, Marie, hold on tight. And down we went. In the mountains, there you feel free. I read... Spiritual Emergency blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=551458 Sun, 09 Jul 2006 07:06:00 +0100 551458 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=551460&cid=t_181116_140_f&fid=35440&url=http%3A%2F%2Fspiritualemergency.blogspot.com%2F2006%2F07%2Fshadow-knows.html Image SourceWithin Jungian psychology there is a concept known as The Shadow. Most of us encounter our own shadows in the form of projection. That is to say, we disown the characteristics and behaviors we cannot stand about ourselves and project them onto others. We then insist that they carry our shadow for us and may even punish them for the things we hate about ourselves. One example of this might be a minister who openly despises gays while privately engaging in closeted homosexual activity. Those who cannot accept their shadow will reject it in favor of embracing their Persona. The persona is the idealized image we present of who we really are. And still ... The Shadow Knows when we are lying to ourselves and those around us. The shadow contains our every fear, our every terror, it kn... Spiritual Emergency blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=551460 Sat, 01 Jul 2006 18:11:00 +0100 551460 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=551444&cid=t_181116_140_f&fid=35440&url=http%3A%2F%2Fspiritualemergency.blogspot.com%2F2006%2F01%2Fspirituality-trauma.html Traumatic experiences force victims to face issues lying outside the boundaries of personal and collective frames of reference. As a result they are forced to confront psychological and spiritual challenges that are unfamiliar to the average person. Therapists need to recognise that organisations of self and God are often thrown into question or destroyed by experiences of trauma. The deconstructive power of trauma exposes the lack of substance and cohesiveness that comprises identity and images of God.Initially, trauma is grounded in pain, loss, and fear. Often it leads to breakdowns. Ultimately, with proper support and guidance, it has the potential to transform individuals into compassionate and deeply spiritual beings. Traumatic events expose victims to aspects of life that most would ... Spiritual Emergency blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=551444 Wed, 11 Jan 2006 02:27:00 +0100 551444 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=551443&cid=t_181116_140_f&fid=35440&url=http%3A%2F%2Fspiritualemergency.blogspot.com%2F2006%2F01%2Fspirituality-that-transforms.html In a series of books (e.g., A Sociable God, Up from Eden, and The Eye of Spirit), I have tried to show that religion itself has always performed two very important, but very different, functions.One, it acts as a way of creating meaning for the separate self: it offers myths and stories and tales and narratives and rituals and revivals that, taken together, help the separate self make sense of, and endure, the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune. This function of religion does not usually or necessarily change the level of consciousness in a person; it does not deliver radical transformation. Nor does it deliver a shattering liberation from the separate self altogether. Rather, it consoles the self, fortifies the self, defends the self, promotes the self. But two, religion has also ser... Spiritual Emergency blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=551443 Wed, 11 Jan 2006 02:23:00 +0100 551443