MycoolFitz

In working on the spiritual end of my many facited recovery road I came across this quote from the Buddha (a very practical and down to earth fellow).

"Know for yourseves that certain things are unwholesome and wrong. And when you do, then give them up. And when you know for yourselves that certain things are wholesome and good, then accept them and follow them."

Duh. It only took me 3 failed marraiges (along with 3 houses, 3 dogs, and a parcil of cats), a DUI, loss of a job, loss of self-esteem, loss of my stomach lining, loss of (fill in the blanks)____________________________________
to finally figure that simple truth out. Maybe drinking breeds stupid? Well for me, now, its all about acceptance and follow through. And its a beautiful summer Saturday here on the home front. Namaste to all of you all.

Elphaba

Namaste

sugarbear1

Thanks, I appreciate your honesty. You give me great hope.

BodhiTree

That is beautiful, Fitz. Thanks for sharing. One of the aspects of Buddhist thought I appreciate most is the emphasis on personal experience, rather than faith.

Soberpotamus

Yes, I appreciate your honesty as well. You're inspiring, MyCoolFitz And I can't help but think you must have had some really good times with all those women, dogs and cats... LOL It sure couldn't have been all bad.

MycoolFitz

I don't remember :-)

Soberpotamus

Zencat

'Getting it' is way better than still getting got.

stanleyhouse

I love it. I'm so glad the Buddhists monks brought their teachings to the western world. They are very helpful in my recovery.
SH

Anna

I'm a slow learner too, but am so very grateful to be where I am now.

TenYearsGone

Great quote, Buddhist thought is incredibly inspiring & comforting! I'm glad that after 45 years, you "got it" Some never "get it"...

MycoolFitz

Thanks all, it means a lot to me. Another passage that I read over and over talks to me of my recovery and my need not to get distracted in it by thoughts of "normal" drinking again--a problem in the past.

"We are what we think.
All that we are arises with our thoughts.
With our thoughts we make the world.
Speak or act with a pure mind
and happiness will follow you
As your shadow, unshakable.
For how can a troubled mind
Understand the way?

Your worst enemy cannot harm you
As much as your own thoughts, unguarder,

But once mastered,
No one can help you as much,
Not even your father or your mother."

Symmetry

God speaks to each of us in the language we understand. As long as you're on a path, stay on that path for surely all rivers lead to the same ocean.

Sensible people will not always wait for bitter experience to teach them. They will learn from scripture and from others' experiences.

-BHAGAVAD GITA

Thank you MCF:ghug3

Boleo

I knew that when I was 13 years old watching my parents drink. I forgot it a few years later and it took 30 years to jog my memory... LOL!

1undone

Add me to the slow learners!

Reset

Buddhist philosophy helped me a lot when I first quit. Still does.

Hevyn

Slow learner here too - and almost lost my life insisting I could manage my drinking.

Thank you for the wise words you quoted. So glad you are on the mend, MCF.