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 December 25 speaks about the slogan. 'Think." The reading points out that before we react to angry outbursts and drunken accusations, we must learn to not react but to hold our tongue when we are tempted to react in anger or to interfere in something that is a business and to value silence.
The reading points out that we must also be careful with silence as it can be more cutting and cruel than sharp words. So if we do are deliberately ignoring someone's attempt to communicate that is no better than engaging in a argument with the person. If we are engaged in NON VERBAL communications of cold looks and slamming doors this is still where we need to examine our motives and recite the serenity prayer.
The Reading points out that if there is something we need to say and are yet unable to say it in a constructive manner we can go to a meeting, call our sponsors and release some of the explosive feelings always remembering that our aim is to be ourselves
. The quote is from the ODAT "If the silence has in it even a trace of anger or hostility, it loses all its power. True quiet has the quality of serenity, acceptance and peace "
.
I pray that the peace of the season, remain with everybody and that we all have a blessed and Happy holiday .
Thank you Betty for your service and Daily,
What a blessing it is today to know that silence can be peace within ourselves,
Just what I needed to hear today........hugs lu
Thank you for your service, Betty, and to all for your shares. Powerful page!
I have had many opportunities to practice this topic in this past, very challenging week. I am grateful to see progress from my early days! For me, my first stage involved shutting my mouth period, regardless of my reasons or feelings inside; that was a major victory as I always had something to say about everything, and when dealing with alcohol it often was not loving.
This allowed me to step away and then process my anger, frustration, etc using program tools and get my mind and spirit in line. At times, I went back to my qualifier to smooth over my abrupt departure, sometimes explaining what I was working on, that it was me I was trying to harness, not punish them.
I have been able to make progress to the point that I am much more often able to remain in the situation and process 'on the spot', without having to physically remove myself. Much of this has been made possible by working through my feelings during my meditation and study times, and working to replace my feelings of anger and frustration with love and understanding.
Progress, not perfection, is my path, and I am so grateful for the opportunity. I am enjoying much more 'true' quiet, and noticeably more serenity, acceptance, and peace... Merry Christmas
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Paul
"...when we try to control others, we lose the ability to manage our own lives." - Paths to Recovery
Thank you Betty for the daily and your service. Thanks to all for the ESH. I am just about 'done' with this season and ready for the next....I am sicker than a dog and so is both my sons. My mother began to tell me today that I could stay home if I didn't feel good and that she could and then ......la.la.la.la...m
This was of course after a coughing fit that just about made my eyes pop out. I have no voice so am trying to respond and she raises her voice...I responded and not very kindly. She then decided that I was the mean one - *sigh*.
It will be fine when they return as she will be fine with plenty of wine. I should have stopped by here first - THINK - especially when I am not in a good place.
(((Hugs))) to all and Merry Christmas!
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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
