
I recently had lunch with one of my closest friends who is a knowledgable and respected counselor. Our discussions are always stimulating and inspirational, as is our friendship and kinship in Christ.
Part of our recent discussion was focused on new research that my friend has come across that shows that the affects of PTSD on soldiers can be effectively treated and cured, if these courageous warrior-heroes can learn to focus on living in the present selectively holding on to the hope of healing peace.
This research is also showing a high percentage of healing and recovery for other maladies such as addictions and unresolved pain and sufferings.
I am not surprised to learn that there is success in treating PTSD and addictions by encouraging those suffering to transform their thinking and focus on being fuilly present in the here and now. The premise of living "in the moment, one day at a time" is truly freeing.
Do you know the story in the Bible about Lot's wife? This story means a lot to me and it has served me well throughout my life. When Sodom and Gomorrah were gonig to be destroyed by God, because of the overwhelming evil and there was not a single righteous person in either of these cities, Lot (Abraham's nephew) was told to leave the cities and to not "look back." This was to be true for Lot and his family, but as they were leaving, Lot's wife looked back and she was turned to "stone."
If I were to focus on looking back in my life, I know that I would surely be like stone, too. As one of my best friends says,
"We aren't looking back, because we're not going that way!"
I absolutely agree that the "art of living" is to possess the ability to live and appreciate the moment, creating beauty along the way. Can we imagine a world (our world) where we are consciously focused on "letting go and holding on" to what matters most. This has been my focus since the loss of our son, Kevin, his death has been instrumental in setting me on the path that leads me to the here and now, embracing what is and letting go of what is no longer.This new way of living is definitely an art form that must be embraced, cultivated and a conscious and constant choice.
Are you living artfully? I would enjoy hearing and sharing how you have become skilled in the "art of living." And, if you need some help with your artistry, I'm always here to help fellow artisans.
Focused on Living Artfully,
Angie "a mom like you"
www.amotherlikeme.info
amotherlikeme@gmamil.com