Serenity Prayer

Every day after each group (so like 5 times per day) we huddle up in a circle with our arms around each other, and we say the Serenity Prayer.  Very powerful.  Also we say "Keep Coming Back, Cause it Works when I work it", again powerful.  Today we had our 'spirituality' group and it was AWESOME, and a real eye opener.

 Here is some of what I learned:
Spirituality is NOT the same thing as religion.  Although religion may be a valid way of expressing and experiencing spirituality they are not the same thing. 

Spirituality is personal.  Your experience or journey is not necessarily like that of others.  What works for you to get in touch with your spirit or Higher Power may not be what works for someone else. 

Spirituality is about accepting that we, others, and life is both good, and bad.  We will miss the journey, it's benefits, and the opportunity to experience the divine if we are seeking perfection.

Spirituality is that which keeps you grounded and connected, it may be nature, being with animals, something that truly makes you feel at ease.  God will give me strength if I ask for it.

We have become Human Doers, Humane Havers but have forgotten to be Human Beings and just be Minful of our environment and what is around us.  My therapist talked about being mindful the other day, that I should be mindful of what is going on around me and mindful of my meals and how they taste etc. 

I know this will be long but I really liked her suggestions, here were some of how she recommended becoming more spiritual:
Slow Down: Try to find time to not be busy doing anything but to just BE present to yourself, your spirit, your heart, your Higher Power.
Solitutde:   Find some time daily to be alone
Silence:  In your time alone find peace in being quiet and just listening
Surrender: Surrender yourself to the moment and to your Higher Power listening for guidance and direction, have a journal where you write down your worries and let them go.  When you shut the journal, you let go and let your Higher Being or the Universe handle it.  Also not caring what others think of you, this is who I am and I love me
Spirit of Gratitude:  Think of at least three things you are grateful for each day and express this in thanks through prayer, mediation or affirmation
Self Esteem:  Start looking and finding your self-esteem.  Find the value of yourself.  You are loved by your Higher Power just because you were born, just because you exist, just because you are!!  Identify positive things about yourself that maek you loveable and make others want to have you in their life.
Spiritually Feed Yourself:  Read or listen to something that is uplifting to your spirit.  Participate in activities that encourage spiritual growth.  Spend time in nature.  Watch animals or insects
Self Awareness:   Who am I, How did I get here?  Who do I want to become?  Everything starts in your mind, Everything doesn't have to be perfect to be okay.
Service: Gets yourself outside of self
Sense of Wonder:  Remember how enthralled little kids get with everything.....bring that back to yourself.

Everything doesn't have to be perfect to be okay. 
Shame:  Is 'think' you are a bad person, nobody likes me etc

Guilt: is you have made mistakes, make amends and make it better

She was talking about a book, and how this lady aimed to make a perfect pot, well she spent months and months trying to make the perfect pot, when she went to pick it up from firing it had a crack down the side.  She of course was upset, but the firer told her that when a pot is cracked and is mended it is stronger than before, but nobody knows but you. 

I don't have kids, but I know I had a security blanket as a child, she recommended having like a 'bauble' or when the AA people get their coins, something you can put in your pocket to remind you of what you've been through or something to rub when you get anxious etc......I came home and found my 'bauble' it is a glass rock from Rob and I's wedding from the centerpiece.  It was the happiest day of my life and I look forward to carrying a piece of it with me wherever I go.