The material presented
here is not Al-Anon Conference Approved Literature. It is a method
to exchange
information, ideas, feelings, problems and solutions on a personal
level.
Today's reading is about the parts that introspection and meditation play in recovery. Looking inward and assessing our own behaviors and actions-- awareness. Being accountable for what we discover about ourselves-- acceptance. Praying for guidance so that we may work on our next direction-- action.
I have heard it said that prayer is our way of talking to our HP and meditation is our way of listening. The part of the reading that strikes me is: 'When I take action based on introspection and meditation, I push my recovery boundaries further.' What I am taking from this is that there are different forms of work to do. I am introspective and consider my behaviors and actions. I pray (talk) and meditate (listen). I use what I've learned in order to grow. Throughout all of it is the humility necessary to know that my HP is guiding the way.
Today I will think, consider, and pray for guidance.
Great reminder Mary . I do believe that you have summed up all the important components of recovery. Humility, prayer, meditation,acceptance and then the action.
I have found that by examining my motives helped me to finally SEE my part in the insanity.
I like the clarity of praying (talking) and meditating (listening). I have found clarity in doing both, but not at the same time
Have a great day!
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Skorpi
If you are depressed, you are living in the past. If you are anxious, you are living in the future. If you are at peace, you are living in the present. - Lao Tzu
Thank you Mary for your service and the daily. Thanks to all above me for your ESH and shares. I am a work in progress with the meditating - so, so hard for me to be still. What I've realized is my HP already knows exactly as I am and speaks to me in many, many ways! Took me a long, long while to realize this - when I am open, more will always be revealed!
I'm a big believer in B2B - Back to Basics and prayer/meditation were brought forward to me in my first recovery meeting EVER! Others discussed their own HP concepts and suggested my 'future wellness' was totally dependent on my willingness to accept and believe in any power greater than me. Wanting what they had and considering the alternatives (remaining insane, miserable, hopeless, etc.) I opted to humble myself to these folks, this program and a higher power.
I prayed when I didn't want to. I listened for responses when I didn't believe I'd get one. I just practiced all that was suggested and without realizing any change (no burning bush), I did feel an inner peace and calm that I truly do not recall ever feeling before. Over time, I've accepted that my HP loves me as I am, warts and all, and truly wants me to be comfortable in my own skin at all times possible.
Being humble (teachable), willing and open has given me a spiritual gift I did not know was possible. So, so grateful!
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Practice the PAUSE...Pause before judging. Pause before assuming. Pause before accusing. Pause whenever you are about to react harshly and you will avoid doing and saying things you will later regret. ~~~~ Lori Deschene
it's Friday here already... but I will speak to Tuesday's reading...
I still have my blue ODAT and my orange 'Courage To Change'. But I also joy at opening the grey HFT... for me I had to have a conscious contact with my higher power 24/7. I think it was much easier when I was asleep! ...
I was knocked about a fair bit from the drinking days. These were supposed to be my growing up days- filled with joy. I have actually learned to find some joy in the memories- they weren't all bad.
Tuesday was our veterans day- which we share with Australia. Parades, bagpipes, memorials. Latterly I joined our veteran's organisation as a civilian member. Some of the WW II veterans have always been personal friends. My dad was in the movement when he was around.
Had a yarn with one of the Vietnam veterans, he joked that he and my dad would go away and get sloshed after the service.
I always wear my grandfather's military cross at the services. He died before I was born [of heartbreak, I am told] and the medal is a link I have with him. People talk with me about it. It helps me keep connected.
So, what has this got to do with prayer and meditation. Being around and actively involved during Anzac day keeps me connected. It is a religious occasion that people from all walks of life participate in.
Getting to be a longtimer in Alanon I took as my talisman Concept 4. "Participation of the key to harmony."
Being in the thick of it on Anzac Day keeps me connected. It is not just about outward harmony- but inward harmony as well.
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