How to Obtain a Spiritual Awakening in Recovery
by Mark Parsec(351)
Blogz
A cardinal point in recovery or any self-transformation is that an individual's ego or pride must be demolished if they are to be reconstructed into a new dynamic personality. The ego, however, can be a very tenacious foe, one that is not easily slain. Nevertheless, if an individual's life is to be re-created then the " old person " must die.
This process of dying to self is as old as humankind. In times past, people groups recognized that individuals went through passages in their lives. Hence, many cultures would observe a rite of passage. The most common of which was that of adolescence to adult.
However, other transformative experiences were also recognized, such as motherhood, victory in battle, or feats of endurance or courage. Indeed, the categories of human passages are immense, covering every aspect of life. Nevertheless, some transformative experiences were held in higher regard than others. One such experience, which has been both historically and universally recognized, is the spiritual awakening.
Primitive cultures refer to those who have experienced a spiritual awakening as shaman, the Asians referred to them as Brahman. Cultures that are more contemporary would recognize them as prophets, or priests or even as a person who has been born again.
In any event, the transformative experience was not only recognized but also encouraged and sought after throughout history. It was not uncommon for a person to refer to their pre-enlightened self as being deceased. There are numerous accounts and traditions of people who would change their names subsequent to the transformative experience. In the Judeo-Christian tradition, examples could be found in the changing of a person's name, such as Abram to Abraham or Saul to Paul.
Yet, is it possible in this modern day and age for an individual to be transformed? Absolutely! The results however, as they say in recovery, come " sometimes quickly, sometimes slowly. "
The key to transformation is the same as it has always been. The person must " die " to self. There must be a revolutionary change in a person's self-identity, their thought processes, their feelings and behavior. In recovery they say, " The ego must be smashed. "
Now, this concept of dying to self is fundamentally important and necessary for a transformative experience. But, what is a transformative experience?
The transformative experience may be expressed in many terms: Born again, Conversion, Renewal, Spiritual Awakening, Enlightenment... etc. Nevertheless, the primary defining element of the experience is akin to a metamorphosis. Like the caterpillar that enters into its silky cocoon coffin only to emerge as an entirely different creature.
Now, what the caterpillar does with its cocoon, a person must do with their mind. The old thoughts must end, with the realization that the values, interests, judgments and emotions that we had held so dear, were of no effect. These things must become meaningless.
The problem that many people face in recovery is this " death " to self. As I said earlier, the ego is tenacious and does not want to die. However, our every course of action is determined by our preconceived ideas of what is important to... US. If a person truly wants to change, then they must eliminate their sense of self-importance.
This can easily be accomplished when a person puts their life in proper perspective. After all, the only thing that separates a person from the elements in the dust of the earth is the way that they are arranged. In fact, the word human, comes from the root word which means... earth. As in, God created man from the dust of the earth.
Am I dust? Is that all I really am?
Yes, indeed!
The human body is composed of every element that one might find in a rock, or a clod of dirt. Yet, why do we have life, and the rock not? Why does a person think, and a rock not? Something or somebody has arranged the molecular structure in such a way as to give life to the person.
Therefore, realizing that one has life, they need to consider from whence they came. Where did YOU come from? The standard answer that a person will give is that they came from their father and mother. OK... but when did YOU decide to be born? When did YOU decide to breathe or think?
You see, none of us decided to be born into this world. We were brought into this world. Life is a gift. We have been given the opportunity to live, and breathe and experience the world that surrounds us. A world that we did not create, any more than we created ourselves.
With the realization that neither you nor I created the world, we can only stand in awe of the Creator. We cannot complain if the weather is hot or cold. We cannot gripe if the wind blows from the east rather than the south. We cannot murmur because LIFE does not go OUR way. Because, we did not create the universe around us.
Therefore, part of smashing the ego, is grasping the concept of humility, with the understanding that there is a God and it is not me. I did not create the world. I do not maintain the world. I am not in control.
Once an individual has arrived at this point, they need to accept life on life's terms. After all, bad things happen. Get over it. People make mistakes... oh well. The world was not arranged to serve you or me. People are not here to please me, or serve me, or tend to my needs, wants and desires.
The world is not about " ME! "
It is not about me . That is the key phrase, which one needs to embrace if they are going to proceed down the road of recovery and transformation.
You see, everything prior to recovery... everything prior to transformation is always all about ... ME. It was what " I " wanted. Self is out to convince the individual that they are the most important person in the world. And… if only other people would do things " THEIR " way then everything would be great. Yea, right!
If you want to become a new person, then you need to stop taking yourself so seriously. You are not that important. At least, you should not be THAT important to your SELF. People, places and things will always let YOU down. Why? Because you are not that important to them either.
Now, this is the part that really upsets people. They MUST be important. Otherwise, life becomes meaningless. Nobody will love them, or appreciate them or get to know how very smart, or beautiful or strong they are. Yikes! Who cares?
If you are living your life to impress yourself or other people get over it. You will be miserable. There is only one way to live... and that is to die to self!
Now, that does not give anybody an excuse to go out and cut his or her wrists. You see, suicide and depression are also tricks of SELF. Poor ME, nobody loves ME. A person becomes so SELF absorbed that they cannot think of anything or anybody else. That is sick!
How's that make you feel? Sad? How's that working for you? Give it up. Let it go. If you want to keep on getting what you’re getting then just keep on doing what you're doing.
If you want to find a new you. If you want to start a new life. If you want to get rid of those emotions of guilt and shame, worthlessness, and self-pity... then you need to let go of who you think you are. You need to stop taking yourself so seriously. Really! Face it; none of us is THAT smart. Just think of where our vast intelligence has gotten us.... hmmmm.
Goodbye self.
Hello God.
You see, there is a Creator. God created you with a purpose. And His purpose is not necessarily your purpose. His ways are not our ways. Maybe, just maybe if we were able to give up our tiny little ideas about how the world is supposed to operate and function and turn it back over to Him... then just maybe things would change.
You know what? They do!
Stop trying to be the god of your own life. Surrender to Him. Ask Him to lead you and guide you. And don't tell Him how to do His job. Don't tell Him, " God, if only you'll give me this man, or this woman, or this job, or this car or yada, yada, yada.... Don't do that. It's still all about YOU when you do that.
Instead approach God and say, " I am nothing. You are everything. I don't have the answers to life. You do! Help me to be the person YOU want me to be. Help me to do those things that YOU would have me to do. Not my will but YOUR will be done. "
Try it... not just once. But, every day. From the time you get up in the morning until the time you go to bed at night. And every time you start to get pulled back to SELF, just whisper it again... " Not my will, but YOUR will be done. "
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Article submitted Thursday, January 21, 2010 & read 454 times.
Leave Your Comments:
» left by Marijo Phelps from mountain meadow (231 days 13 hours ago.)
I wrote you an e-mail.....MarijoRespond to this comment
» left by Mark Parsec from Blogz (231 days 12 hours ago.)
Hi Marijo,
I'll be watching for your email.
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» left by Ella Camp from Texas (231 days 12 hours ago.)
We are not becoming God, God is becoming us. How's that working for God?Respond to this comment
» left by Mark Parsec from Blogz (231 days 12 hours ago.)
Hi Ella,
That works for me! Good to hear from you. Thank you for the comment.
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» left by Hilda Cang (231 days 8 hours ago.)
Thank you Mark for this Awakening message at end time or any time of our life. This is very well written and informing us to do just that , if we want to change, we must first die so that we can be reborn again to live a more spiritual life that pleases God.
Great article!
Hilda
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» left by Mark Parsec from Blogz (231 days 6 hours ago.)
Hi Hilda,
Thank you for taking the time to read and comment on this article.
Be blessed!
Mark
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» left by mike estrada from stockton ca (230 days 21 hours ago.)
very powerful writing did you write this pastor? just what i needed to be reminded of today old behaviors and attitudes, im so glad to have read this today thank you, have you considered doing a daily devotional book?Respond to this comment
» left by Mark Parsec from Blogz (230 days 18 hours ago.)
Hi Mike,
Yes, I wrote this... and much more. I've been working on a daily devotional. I'm so glad that it was able to help bless your day.
God bless you!
Mark
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» left by Scott Cofer(2) from Massachusetts (230 days 19 hours ago.)
Excellent post, Mark. VERY difficult aspect of recovery, but once embraced and internalized it changes everything for the good. When we start living for Him and discarding the obsession with'me', life takes on a whole new meaning and purpose.Best to you ...Respond to this comment
» left by Mark Parsec from Blogz (230 days 18 hours ago.)
Hi Scott,
It is good to catch up with you. I'm glad you benefited from the article. The Apostle Paul said, "I die daily." Oh... Lord, help me to die daily also, if it means His presence and power will grow in me!
Bless you,
Mark
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» left by Jean Purcell (230 days 17 hours ago.)
It is sublimely wonderful that when we reach the end of ourselves there is God. He only is all-powerfully able to help us and all-knowing about how we got there and what we need. He gives salvation to all who call upon Him and faithfully helps us grasp why His Son is essential to life. God bless you and His favor upon you every time you point others to His Word and Life. He is the One who opens our spiritual eyes. Praise to God forever!Respond to this comment
» left by Mark Parsec(351)
Hi Jean,
Thank you for expressing the essence of true transformation. Your comments are always appreciated.
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» left by Anonymous (230 days 12 hours ago.)
Wow!! This is really good. You certainly do have a way of putting things in perspective as well as putting things into words.Respond to this comment
» left by Mark Parsec(351)
Thank you, Anonymous! God bless you.
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» left by Anonymous (229 days 17 hours ago.)
Mark,Once again a fine piece of writing. Yes it is always about me. You are right let's let it go.AnthonyRespond to this comment
» left by Mark Parsec(351)
Hi Anthony,
It is good to hear from you again. Thank you for your comments.
God bless you.
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» left by herdeep mann from england (228 days 17 hours ago.)
Hi mark, I am not a very religious person,but i found your article quite interesting,and informative,keep them coming
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» left by Mark Parsec(351)
Hi Herdeep,
Thank you for your comments. I'm glad you enjoyed the article.
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» left by Dick B. from Kihei, HI (228 days 13 hours ago.)
Regrettably, both the Oxford Group and later A.A. adopted this term as a substitute. The original concept was conversion--salvation--the new birth. Then came "vital religious experience" via Sam Shoemaker, but his words were: You need to find God. You need a vital religious experience. You need Jesus Christ." Then came "spiritual experience." For Bill Wilson, this was a two-fold affair. First came Bill's decision for Christ at the altar at Calvary Rescue Mission, after which he declared he had been born again. But the new birth is just the beginning--it's Christ in you the hope of glory. It's power, the love of God, forgiveness,completeness. But then comes the rest--coming unto a knowledge of the truth, the Word. Followed by renewing your mind to that you can prove what the will of God is. This Wilson did in the second phase (Romans 12:1-2). He turned to God for help out of the depths of his despair. And then he had his "white light" spiritual experience in Towns Hospital after which he sensed the presence of "the God of the Scriptures," never again doubted the existence of God and was cured of his alcoholism. Again: (1) Romans 10:9-10 - the salvation which marks the new birth. (2)Romans 12:1-2 - the transformation that comes with the RENEWING OF THE MIND. (3) The cry for help which God assures His kids is there for the asking and on its way. 1 John 5:14-15. Too much Bible? Not for the early A.A. pioneers. These were the rudiments of their astonishing successes. God Bless, Dick B.Respond to this comment
» left by Mark Parsec(351)
Hi Dick,
Thank you for shedding light on the spiritual awakening experience. I recently completed your book, A New Light on Alcoholism, which examined Sam Shoemacher's priceless contributions to the development of Alcoholic's anonymous. It would seem, that Sam emphasized the need to begin with as much of God as you understand. No doubt, conversion is a process which is commenced, maintained and completed by God, through the sacrificial atonement of Jesus Christ and the sanctification provided through the Holy Spirit. Paul made it clear that if we walk in the Spirit we will not fulfill the lusts of the flesh.
In any event, I believe it is important for those who do not understand the Bible and Christian theology and terminology to focus upon the initiation into the regeneration process which was so wonderfully stated by Jesus himself when he said, "If any man will follow me let him deny himself, pick up his cross and follow me." Self-centeredness is the essence of sin, and when this can be addressed through self denial and an effort to approach God with as little as we understand about God, immense changes can follow.
By the way, I enjoyed your book very much and hope to be providing a review for you soon. Hope all is well with you and the family. Please let me know if you will be in Northern California any time this year because I would love to talk with you about some very important matters, the substance of which are not appropriate for this medium.
God Bless You right back!
Mark
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» left by Linda DeWitt (221 days 9 hours ago.)
Great article Mark. Thanks for sharing. Linda DPS Do I really have to stop nagging and complaining?Respond to this comment
» left by Mark Parsec(351)
Hi Linda,
Hey, glad you found the article. Thank you for your kind comments. Nagging and complaining, of course, are optional.
You're the best!
Love ya,
Mark
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