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.
The C2C reading for today, June 13 reflects on my favorite step-- Step 11.
I know it is suggested that these steps be worked in order, however when I entered program Steps four and five seemed so overwhelming that I jumped immediately to Step 11, which suggests that we:"Seek through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God( as we understood him), praying only for knowledge of his will for us the power to carry that.
I knew how to meditate and I have identified a power greater than myself. so each day I would attempt to improve my conscious contact and to believe if I acted by the guidance I received it I would be given the power to carry it out.
I then began to work step 10 out of sequence, because I had the courage to look one day at a time, at my actions and myself objectively.
I think this step was a huge bridge to my recovery. Just trusting that HP would not only ask me to do His will, butwould also provide the power to do it was huge.
The last sentence in the reading states. I know I must keep trying to follow the course offered to me by my HP for only in this way can I find the Courage to Change and my changing is what program is all about.
The quote is from the Dilemma of the Alcoholic Marriage. "The spiritual exercise suggested by the 11th step is a powerful force for good in our lives. Let me not ever think I have no time for it "
Thank you Betty for your service and your share ;) I work the steps as I need them and step 11 is one I need every day. When I first came into alanon I could not bear to be alone or to sit in silence. I had to have constant outside interaction, I was very other and outer focused, in constant analysis and could not for the life of me sit with myself or be with myself. Alanon changed my life in that now it's the opposite I need alone time, quiet time to let my mind rest ;) it helps me accept life on life's terms and it helps me accept others as is. It also helps me listen to my intuition and what my higher power wants for me.I believe we work some of the steps as soon as we come into the program. Even the newest member is doing twelfth step work by just sharing. Every alanon member contributes to the greater good. Thank you for letting me share and again for your service. I'm blessed to be here.
__________________
I needed these behaviors in my past they helped me survive I'm finding new and better ways to not just survive but thrive
Me being a newbie, I have taken time to feel my way around the message boards, so this is my first appearance . Need to say that since attending Al-anon f2f meetings and working through the steps, Step 11 has been my favourite and continues to be. For me even though the other steps are really important for a good life, I think they all hang on Step 11, daily conscious contact with my higher power gives me the motivation I need.
Thank you, Betty, for sharing this. I have been on this board for three weeks now, and am very grateful to be able to gain support from this resource.
I am practicing self care, and paying attention to myself. My brother seems to be doing better, but I am working hard to remember Debb's great D.E.T.A.C.H. post and focus on me, not him.
I know that I cannot be a good mother, wife, daughter, sister, niece or friend if I do not take care of myself. My anxiety level has been so high and chronic that I knew recently that I was depleted. I also knew it was time to start actively focusing on my own recovery again. I started simply with doing one practice every day to improve my physical health and one to improve my spiritual health. We joined the Y and have gone seven times in three weeks. I walked outside (even for ten minutes) on the days I couldn't get to the gym. The most centering practice for me through the past few months has been through praying. While I am a Catholic, I utterly respect all faiths and spiritual practices. I find the simple prayers that I have been saying since childhood are very helpful in establishing a meditative state and also soothingly familiar in times of anxiety.
Thanks again for your posts. This is a very generous community.
Sand Martin - Welcome to MIP - so glad you are here!!
I love this step as well and I have to really focus to meditate - being still is not one of my strengths.
I practice thinking/focusing on my breathing which helps me clear my mind to better allow a blank slate for my HP to speak to me.
It's not always perfect - but it's progress we are after.
Praying comes much easier for me and feels good. I feel an instant calm and almost feel as if my HP is with me in the process!
__________________
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
Betty - so much so that I try to come each morning to see what you've written!!
PS - can you tell I am a creature of habit? LOL!
__________________
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
