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 27 speaks about the habit of gossip and criticism. It points out that Al-Anon suggests that there be "no gossip or criticism of one another" and that we leave our judgmental attitude outside the doors. When we" practice these principles" in the meetings.it is important to try to practice them outside the rooms as well.
By "practicing these principles in all our affairs",we can obtain the benefits of unconditional love. We cannot keep thoughts from coming into our heads however we do have a choice about whether or not to entertain them .
A change of attitude means changes in our thinking. We can look at what principles, I am practicing today.
The quote is from William law; "we must alter our lives in order to alter our hearts, for it is impossible to live one way and pray another."
What a gift it is to be able to stop gossiping and judging others I found when I stopped this negative practice I heard all the negative voices in my head- judging and blaming myself I turned this over to HP and thanks to program and the Steps they have also stopped. Gossip and judging others are a destructive waste of my time
Great reading today - thank you Betty for the summary and your ESH (and always....your service to MIP)! Before the program, I was good at taking inventory of others, criticizing others and gossip were almost sport to me at times. The program showed me that keeping the focus on me and not the disease, the diseased or any other person was the only path to true serenity. I had spent countless years focused on all that was broken outside of me, looking to blame anyone or everyone for the condition of my spirit. I have since learned that not only was that a huge waste of time, energy and spirit, it caused me to give my power away!
I believe we are each born as we are supposed to be. Life and life events mold us into who we become. Many of us (me included) spend years searching for who we are and happiness, only to find out (in recovery) that happiness is an inside job and we are who we are supposed to be when we are doing the next right thing. Talking about my qualifiers, their actions, words, disease, etc. just keeps me from spiritual growth and peace of mind/heart/spirit.
I love the quote - that's been so true to me. Aligning my choices with my path & HP's will for me makes my heart healthy and at peace. When I change things up by distraction, control, negativity or projection, I feel it - in my heart first which begins a cycle of debate between my head and heart.
Make it a great day - I've been to a meeting, walked with my puppy and am considering a nap! Got some bad news yesterday regarding a dear friend and didn't sleep as well as desired. (((Hugs)))
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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
I would like to share my esh on gossip.
I used to love it. Found it exciting. Then a few years ago I started working my program odaat.
I suddenly noticed that my interest in other people's business and gossiping had gone. Completely gone. Held zero interest to me.
I will share that I was rather upset when I realised. I think I had wanted to pick the character defects that HP would lift from me! Haha. It doesn't work that way!!!
I am very grateful now that it is gone. I did pout about it for a little while though.
