Increasingly I am learning that I can’t solve my own problems.

As I stare at the preceding statement, I am aware of 3 simultaneous reactions within me. The first is shame. As I allow it up, I can hear from a critical voice saying: “How can you say that? You can and must be able to handle all problems that come your way. By yourself. On your own. That is what being strong is all about.” The second reaction is fear. The voice which accompanies this says: “What the hell are you doing? Don’t be a fool. The people reading this will think you’re losing it, that you’re incapable! Isn’t one of the points of sending out a newsletter to show these people how capable you are?” The third reaction though is very different. It is relief. It is the relief which comes over me when, no matter how unflattering or painful, I have spoken the truth about myself. A certain

physical release occurs in my body as if a nasty bug I have been carrying has just been expelled from my system.

I am learning that the use of psychology is a beautiful and necessary aid in gaining self-understanding and self-acceptance, personal power and healthy and harmonious relationships. It’s just that, by itself, it’s not enough. I have relied on it more than most, and with it alone, I still can’t solve my own problems! In my experience it is only spirituality that can do that. I define spirituality as having access to the experience of a consciousness or Power which is greater than myself. A consciousness which transports me above the spin cycle of my life; which allows me to step aside from the constant battle of having to prove that I am good/successful and not bad/ failing. It is a soothing stillness, an endless source of love

and renewal and gentle guidance for any problem with which I may be confronted.

I am starting to believe that there is a spiritual solution for every problem. Without spirituality, all of the psychology I know can never take root in my being. Without it, I am dead in the water no matter how much I may learn about swimming.

I have meditated each morning of my life for the past 30 years. Like a certain well known credit card, I would “never leave home without it.” May you have or find something in your life which gives you access to your own spirituality.

I hope that you enjoy the cherry blossoms outside and the summer to come.

Warm regards and blessings to you.