ADDICTED TO OUR OWN THINKING

I remember the first time I heard someone say that he was addicted to excitement. That's heard more often today, but to me forty years ago, it was an Oh No and a WOW at the same time...and doesn't that perfectly prove the point?

Recently, Fr. Richard Rohr wrote in his Daily Meditation, "Spiritual traditions at their higher levels discovered that the primary addiction for all humans is addiction to our own way of thinking."  That fairly well states the same point. Only, now, "spiritual traditions" give it legitimacy...or hubris.

I suspect that addiction is the source and the proof that we're only as sick as our secrets. Addicted to our own way of thinking can keep us from sharing our own thinking if and when we feel selfish...or superior. By not sharing those "less than/better than" thoughts with others, we lock our self down...bringing ego on the run to do our thinking for us.

I'm a believer that telling one other person our secrets is just the first step toward free from ego...we must needs keep that door open by sharing with another and another. It is through sharing that we get clarity of our self, of our own motives...and the more we share, the clearer we become.

That came to me in a blinding flash of the obvious many years ago when a doctor prescribed some medication for my anxiety. I knew then, and know today, that popping a pill to lift me over any anxiety, depression, or other sideways feelings, is not the path for me. That instance probably was my first break into complete acceptance of myself. It mattered not what anybody else needed to do for himself or herself...I did not condemn them then and do not today. For me, I try to keep my focus on God and seek still more spiritual growth. I feel anxious when I feel anxious and freely talk about it to God and others.

That's what still more spiritual growth is all about, according to me...learning to keep our focus on God's will and not fight the ego-thoughts...which only gives them new life.

We can bring those thoughts back to God with a giggle, a grin and a thank you...then, best part, share them with friends with that same giggle and grin and thank you.

Thank you.