La Hacienda

Have you heard of The Daily Love?  Mastin is the author and creator and writes about walking a spiritual path similar to the one we walk in AA the only difference is he uses the word “Uni-Verse” rather than Higher Power.  The topics are empowering and inspirational.  Check it out….who doesn’t want a little love daily??

The BEST part of lunch at La Hacienda!!!

Good morning, spring is starting to say hello at La Hacienda!

Here are some words of wisdom from Clayton Sponhaltz, LCDC.  He has been with La Hacienda for 3 1/2 years and works with our male collegiate patients.  They love him, he rocks (no pun intended).

Truth Rock

Addiction takes many faces and carries many unwelcomed burdens. However, one of the most glaring and sometimes invisible factors may be dishonesty. In working with collegiate men looking towards beginning a life in recovery, many extreme and delusional thoughts are entertained vs. taking the needed action to move forward.

Therefore, let me introduce you to the ‘truth rock’. The exact origins of the truth rock are somewhat mysterious. It is known that this volcanic rock was given to a previous Collegiate case manager at La Hacienda well over 10 years ago. I was glad to inherit it along with its superficial power to allow the opportunity for others to get honest. There is a practice used with this ‘truth rock’ every now and then which, on the surface, is just another mechanism in group. I will explain that the only essential factor needing to be implemented while holding the ‘truth rock’ is to be rigorously honest with one’s self and the group. I then place the rock back down on the table and allow for the group to determine whether they have anything they need to share. I have been fortunate to watch a number of young men open up to the process of recovery by getting honest with themselves and others. Somehow, while group patients know this is just a rock, it can break the barrier well constructed over years of addictive thinking/behavior. It’s pretty cool—a simple reminder of how often we can benefit from somebody or something guiding  us in the direction of getting transparent with others about how we are doing and what we are thinking.

“We can only clear the ground a bit. If our testimony helps sweep away prejudice, enables you to think honestly, encourages you to search diligently within yourself, then, if you wish, you can join us on the Broad Highway. With this attitude you cannot fail. The consciousness of your belief is sure to come to you.”  BB pg. 55

To me, there is no “spiritual side” to the program of Alcoholics Anonymous; the entire program is spiritual.  In my view, some of the evidences of a spiritual awakening are: maturity; an end to habitual hatred; the ability to love and to be loved in return; the ability to believe, even without understanding, that Something lets the sun rise in the morning and set at night, makes the leaves come out in the spring and drop off in the fall, and gives the birds song. Why not let this Something be God? 

c. 1973 AAWS,  Came To Believe …, p.48

With permission, Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc

Feeling the love in February with

TWO ways to WIN a

Jambox by Jawbone!

“Jam Out With Jambox™. It’s simply the smallest, best sounding wireless speaker and speakerphone on the planet!” 

First, for every NEW person that likes the La Ha fan page, your name will be entered into the drawing.

Already a fan?  Like or comment up to 3 times on any of our posts and your name will be entered into the drawing each of those times.

Let’s have some fun!!

Meet Knox, as in Fort Knox.  He stops by several times a month to sniff around if you know what I mean.   He’s taking a break here; there is a lot of ground to cover at La Hacienda! 

Remember the rain post from last week??  Well, this is where most of it went, our rain catchment tanks.  Gutters are attached and feed into these huge barrels.  We then use the rain to water our campus!  So, not only are we helping alcoholics but we are also helping the environment!