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 reminds us of the power we have as stated in Step 11: "Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God...". The level of access to the love, guidance, and strength of a higher power is entirely in our control.
Prayer and meditation connects us to our higher power and away from worries about our problems or what anxiety about what awaits us tomorrow. By making these a constant in our lives, we will find it easier to turn things over rather than struggling under the weight of finding all solutions on our own.
"God is present in all His creatures, but all are not equally aware of His presence." **************
Meditation has played a very large role in my recovery and an important part in developing a relationship with my higher power. It is incredible to be able to reach for that connection whenever I want or am able.
Before AlAnon, peace was rare and serenity nonexistent. I felt they were both dependent on things outside of myself, and only felt when everything went the way I wanted and I had everything I needed/wanted.
Fortunately, I was wrong. As Step 11 highlights, we have someone/thing that is always there for us, allowing us to experience peace and serenity despite less than perfect conditions around us. We are powerless over much, yet have access to great power through prayer and meditation.
So grateful
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Paul
"...when we try to control others, we lose the ability to manage our own lives." - Paths to Recovery
Hello Paul Step 11 is indeed a powerful Step and this reading pure gold. I love the following quote:
"God is present in all His creatures, but all are not equally aware of His presence."I know I was one of those"creatures" that refused to acknowledge HP's presence because I wanted to force my will and not surrender.
Finally when I accepted life on life's terms (after much prayer and meditation )and found this Step, I delighted in the wording as it prompted me to pray only for HP' will and the "Power to carry it out " How great is that!!
I just read this page and was coming here to post about the line that really struck me! "Prayer will turn my thoughts away from my problems. As I meditate and pray, I am letting go of them and learning that their solution does not depend on me alone." I grew up as the only child with two alcoholic parents and I often believed that everything depended on me alone. That was survival skill (with the distorted thinking of a child) that I brought into my adult life. I'm learning in al-anon that I can let go of that belief system. God's hand is in everything, and there are also so many other factors involved in every situation. My part is so small and my own wishes/input is minimal. This tool in today's reading is really really helpful for me today in my progress towards letting go of my false sense of control/responsibility.
I also love that many of us can read the same passage and take away just what we need. The daily readers are so rich and such a big tool in my recovery. Thank you both for taking the time to share and post.
Good morning Paul and thank you for your service and the daily. Thanks to both you and Betty for your ESH. I agree also that Step 11 allows me the freedom to grow as close as I want to my HP, God. I too rarely had serenity prior to this program, and no peace of mind stole my joy - in just about everything. That statement about not seeing the forest for the trees was me - I was so used to looking for what's wrong in my life and around me that I missed out on tons of blessing that were staring me in the face.
I'm grateful that it was suggested I practice prayer and meditation each day. I admit I felt foolish in the beginning, as I felt I was unworthy of God's love, grace and direction. Slowly, with practice and an open mind, I was able to feel his presence in my life and my heart.
Have a great day all - I am grateful it's a bit cool/rainy here today. I played way too much softball, strained my quad muscle and it kept me bothered all through the night. Going to do a bit of R&R today and skip ball tonight. Everything ball related wraps up this week for the year and I am ready for winter break!!!
Make it a lovely day...grateful for all of you and MIP!
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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
Thank you all for your shares! I agree eim, there are many things to take away from the readings; I find that my takeaway changes even within myself depending on what is going on within and around.
I realized that in my old life with my original higher power and old beliefs, I even used prayer in an attempt to control, asking for specific outcomes from god, thinking that I knew what those should be. Hilarious, eh? Humbling accepting that I know very little, and nothing about what is best for others, has helped me in so many ways, but certainly with my willingness to turn things over to my hp.
I used to feel weak when I had to ask for the help of an hp, now I realize it is an indication of strength and a sign of my recovery. So many reasons for gratitude, including the ESH of the group Rest and recover, IAH, it sounds like you earned it this season!
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Paul
"...when we try to control others, we lose the ability to manage our own lives." - Paths to Recovery
Great share e_i_m - we must have been posting at the same time....today's reading is full of many thought-provoking statements that help me in more ways than I know.
What I always enjoy about the daily readers is each time I read a page, no matter how many times I read it, something different/new pops out at me.
Paul - I napped for about 25 minutes....pfffft - I've been having sleep issues lately and just not sure why - I know it will resolve itself but was hoping for a nice long nap today and it was shorter than I hoped for!
__________________
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
