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 c2c refers to step 11, where we seek to improve conscious contact with our HP through prayer and meditation. The reading suggests that how we go about identifying our HP at work in our lives is up to us entirely but it is important that one way or another, we do so if we wish to have the courage to change.
The reading reminds us to take time to clear our mind of cluttered thoughts and allow limitless space for guidance to come through.
"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." (The Dilemma of the alcoholic Marriage).
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Pre al-anon my concept of a HP was, basically, that there probably wasn't one, and if there was, he/she/it hated me anyway so I sometimes prayed for other people, thinking "it's worth a try". Needless to say, it wasn't a very good relationship. Funny that the one thing I had never thought to do was to clear my mind and just listen. For me, one of the most powerful tools i have been given is the concept of being in right now. That is very much what was missing from my attempts to meditate in the past. That for me is the only way I can communicate with my Hp and hear what is being communicated to me. I still only do it when i am feeling upset though; I must try to make time and space to stop and listen each day.
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If I had a world of my own, everything would be nonsense. Nothing would be what it is, because everything would be what it isn't. And contrary wise, what is, it wouldn't be. And what it wouldn't be, it would. You see? (Lewis Caroll)
Hey MissMel - thank you for your ESH & the daily, as well as you service. I was raised with faith, but I had no personal relationship with a HP before recovery. I was one who did fox-hole prayers and asked for my will to be imposed upon those around me while in crisis mode. Needless to say, my thoughts were beyond distorted as well as how I saw things and then my lack of faith multiplied as my prayers for my will went unanswered.....what a poor way of viewing life, faith, spirituality and love.
The program has had me pick apart all areas of me - how I think, how I feel, how I receive, how I perceive and more....with an open mind and an open heart to see the insanity of my way/views/thoughts. With the help of HP and program tools and those who came before me, I can see my part, work to change me and move forward with a completely different way of being, doing and reacting.
It took me a while to believe a HP could and would help me if I would surrender. It took me even longer to accept my will was not the best way. And finally, even longer to actually believe and hold on to a HP who loves me, leads me and forms me when I ask/remain open to truth and change.
Step 11 is so very, very important to me today as a path for my program. When first beginning I kind of looked at it with a yeah, yeah thought. And now, no matter my mood/place, I tend to seek support, assistance and guidance automatically....what a gift the program has given me of a loving HP who will never leave me to walk alone, in spite of how my earthly mind sees and feels things around me.
(((Hugs))) - happy Monday!!
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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
Prayer & meditation are a vital part of my recovery. Anytime I feel alone in this world I turn to my HP for His guidance through prayer. I am finally realizing that I can listen to the still small voice he gives me through the times when I am quiet in meditation. It took me a long time to be able to listen. I couldn't be silent long enough to hear.
Today I focus on the good stuff life has to offer & w/o my HP their would in my opinion be no "good stuff". I would just be wandering around aimlessly lost in this world w/ not much hope.
I am grateful to this program for saving my life many times. & also putting my AH in my life & his sobriety. My AH has helped through the good bad & very ugly.
I am sorry if I got off topic.
Miss M. Thank you for your service & helping those of us who get down, to remember to focus & pray, pray, pray!
