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 speaks about the practicing our program tools and keeping an open mind, with a specific mention of meditationband how restorative that practice can be. The writer compares meditation to checking in with her HP as she hornets through life. When meditation was first suggested by her sponsor, she admitted that she thought of prayer and meditation as some kind of crutch for weak people. Her sponsor quickly reminded her that crutches are simply to help us stand when we need the assistance!
I particularly like the quote from Alateen which reminds us that prayer is asking HP for guidance/direction and meditation is listening for the reply.
I have never had any trouble praying, it's the listening part that I can get stuck on! In my case its not that I think it's trivial or not worthy a practice, I just don't make the time to do it consistently. In the week ahead I will make a conscious effort to keep an open mind while meditating.
Thanks Mary, I love the idea that prayer is talking to HP and mediation is simply Listening.
Since entering program I have practiced both of these tools daily and am please with the results. Learning to be quiet and sit to listen did take a little practice. I do know I am more serene, and feel closer to HP when I have finished this exercise .
Sometimes the answer to my prayers comes immediately and often, I must wait but I know that this tool is a true winner.
Good morning Mary and all - lovely reading and even more lovely share. I was raised to pray but more in a foxhole kind of way. The concept of continuous prayer & meditation was reasonably new to me and agree that it takes practice.
As I practice, I improve. The meditation part for me can be difficult as my mind wonders. I feel it is working though as it no longer wonders to places of worry and repair, but rather happy thoughts or nature or ??? - I will always take any progress I can over perfection.
Before this program, I tended to get frustrated when I could not have results - most often, I was looking for immediate ones. I have learned to now practice patience and trust that the answer will come - a lovely gift from this program and this specific set of tools.
I also love the idea that prayer is talking to HP and meditation is listening. That keeps it simple which works best in my complicated at times brain.
Happy Tuesday to one and all - 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
