This blog currently has literally zero people viewing it. I wonder why I'm even posting to it, but then I just keep going because I like the idea of posting a more philosophical post every so often (once a month, is how I have the reminder set.)
Most of my philosophical rantings and ramblings are rather long, and I don't have time for that, as I mentioned last time. But I'd like to keep current, if I can.
I'm slowly getting better at having a constant awareness of the divine. Still a long ways off, but the habit is building, with considerable attention and reminders. Excellent. Also, I have more focus and will-power than ever. I can't see any logical reason for the change, when I'd tried changing so often in the past. Perhaps there is a reason, some simple profound thing that I could apply to other people and cure them of addictions in a trice. But I don't think so. I think it was kind of just working on it, trying different things, over a long period of time. Oh, there was one thing, I guess, that does seem to be the magic ingredient:
FAITH. Faith in God. My faith in the existence, benevolence, and active involvement of God in my life has given strength to my resolutions to follow dharma. (And addictions are decidedly not dharmic.) But can I give that to others? No. But I can share how I found it for myself: long search, and steady steps, trusting God as much as I could, experimenting, dipping my toes in the water, so to speak.
Like one of my favorite teachers says, when you're getting directions from a gas station attendant, you have at least enough faith in them to follow their directions. That's all that God is asking for. If the directions lead you astray, then don't have faith in that source of information anymore. But see the directions through to the end, at least, before giving up. Otherwise you'll never know if the gas station attendant is trustworthy or not. And unlike a gas station attendant, God is always showing up to give advice. You will see him(/her) again and again. So it's worth giving some initial faith. Enough to try things out.
Though it should be noted that there are lots of different sources claiming to be the word of God. You need to first find some that seem reliable, then test them, and if they aren't working, then perhaps they're not a good source of directions. But keep looking, because there are good sources. Should I tell you about mine? I don't know how helpful it would be, and I don't want to seem like I'm advertising, so I won't, unless someone specifically asks. me. Which currently is unlikely, as I'm the only person seeing this blog.
A translated quote from the Veda:
"Dharma supports those who support Dharma"
Ergo, in my mind:
"The universe supports those who follow their conscience."
Mind you, this is over the LONG run. Your short-term results may vary. This is one of the reasons Faith is very helpful.
