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 July 26 speaks about identifying illusions that can make our lives unmanageable.
One of the illusions. that the meditation speaks about is that we act" as if" we have the power to control others--. once we accept. our powerlessness-as is suggested in the first step., we can see easily let go of the illusion of control...
The reading then goes on to state that we also have many other illusions that should be looked at. Most importantly: That we have a big hole within and must fill it with something from outside ourselves. We then proceed to compulsively shop,obsess about a relationship, try to fix everyone else's problems. Etc.--These are some of the ways we've tried to fill this imaginary hole.
The real problem is a :"Spiritual Emptiness :" that must be filled from within. Alanon tools are great way to begin to fill that emptiness.
. The reading suggests that once we see that it is only an illusion. that we are deficient and need to look outside myself for completeness- that is when we begin to heal.
The thought for today. reminds us that once we find ourselves thinking that we are not good enough or that we need something outside ourselves to be complete, then we must acknowledge that this is an illusion. Review our assets and gratitude lists and then -pick up another Al-Anon tool , so we are able to come back to reality.
The quote is from William James:; ".Human beings., by changing the inner attitudes of their mind., can change the outer aspects of their lives.."
I do believe that prior to program, I had many illusions, not only of being all powerful, or deficient, or not enough,-- I also had many, misconceptions on how the world worked, what constituted love,compassion or kindness- as well as my responsibilities in a relationship.
I am so happy .to have found this program, had the courage to work the Steps so that I could be restored to sanity. One .day at a time.
Thanks Betty as always for the daily. Before the program, I felt like hamster on a wheel - churning and churning and churning and going absolutely no where. It was so very exhausting of the mind, spirit, body and soul.
As I embraced the program, literature, tools, steps, etc. I found some level of relief and inner peace. I too thought I had some level of control over things which were not even close to my circle of influence. I did try many different ways to affect changes in everything around me, except me.
It is only when I completely surrendered and let it go that I was able to find a power greater than me who helped me see my side of it as well as what needed to change.
The courage came from seeing others have success and happiness in spite of what was going on around them. I too am grateful for this program, all it offers and those who are willing to help me grow up in public!!
Make it a great day!!
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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
Hi again, understanding that" spiritual emptiness" :was the cause of much of my unhappiness and that by picking up the alanon tools to fill the" void:, was the best gift I could give myself in a lifetime.
Thank you Al-Anon for teaching me how to keep the focus on myself, pray, meditate, live one day at a time trusting HP and being kind and courteous to others while making a gratitude and asset list. All these small actions filled what appeared to be that enormous hole within and keeps it that way one day at a time.
