The most paradoxical aspect of neurotic shame is that it is the core motivator of the superachieved and the underachieved, the star and the scapegoat, the righteous and the wretched, the powerful and the pathetic.

Virtue is an inner strength. It expands your nature.

Recovery begins with embracing our pain and taking the risk to share it with others. We do this by joining a group and talking about our pain.

The spiritual quest is not some added benefit to our life, something you embark on if you have the time and inclination. We are spiritual beings on an earthly journey. Our spirituality makes up our beingness.

I know from my own clinical work that when people are beaten and hurt, they numb out so that they cant feel anymore.

Ego is to the true self what a flashlight is to a spotlight.

The feeling of righteousness is the core mood alteration among religious addicts. Religious addiction is a massive problem in our society. It may be the most pernicious of all addictions because it’s so hard for a person to break his delusion and denial. How can anything be wrong with loving God and giving your life for good works and service to mankind?