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.
Step 12 begins "Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God..." Today's page reassures any with concerns about meditation that it is nothing mysterious or otherworldly but a way to think thoughtfully, contemplatively in quiet moments.
This is something we often do without thinking even realizing it. With some intentional thought and effort, these moments can be turned into a powerful program tool. It is during these times where we can hear the guidance of our program and higher power.
Reminder: I can take the time to clear the mind and focus on what is essential, just for today; dismiss all thoughts that aren't important, and accept the guidance toward the next best step. With practice, this true voice inside can become a powerful guide.
"Go to your bosom: Knock there, and ask your heart what it doth know." - Shakespeare
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I have heard some express that 'Prayer is when you talk to God, meditation is when you listen'. Meditation has played a very powerful role in my recovery as a time for contemplation of principles and perspectives and opportunity to wrap my head around new concepts.
My first challenge was to be able to quiet the chatter of my mind, the incessant and unhealthy whispers that fed my insanity. Meditation allowed me to quiet those down, making room for the guidance of the program, and ultimately to finding my higher power.
There are additional pages in ODAT and more in C2C that are helpful on this topic. Meditation is a treasured part of my daily routine, so grateful for the gifts it continues to bring me
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Paul
"...when we try to control others, we lose the ability to manage our own lives." - Paths to Recovery
Good morning, Paul. Thank you for your service and bringing this important topic.
Meditation was not new to me in AlAnon, I started practicing meditation when I was in middle school, however the daily dedication to this practice WAS new to me. It seems that when things get busy or overwhelming, my self-care is the first thing to go. I think meditation is something I gave up in the past because I did not want to listen to my inner voice. It might have told me to change my approach or life circumstances before I was ready to do so.
Now, I try to make meditation a more normal part of my day. I've found that focusing on smaller intervals more often is a great way for me to work meditation into my daily routine. My inner voice still tells me sometimes that I am unhappy and I need to change something, but thanks to the tools of the program, I am better equipped to deal with whatever is reviled through meditation.
I hope you have a great day!
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Skorpi
If you are depressed, you are living in the past. If you are anxious, you are living in the future. If you are at peace, you are living in the present. - Lao Tzu
Thank you for your service, Paul, and for both shares. I used to think meditation was something you had to learn from Buddhist monks from the mountains or something, like it was this thing that seemed to make sense to me, from what I'd heard of it, but was not accessible to someone like me. I'm happy to have learned it is not so through Alanon. Now I've got this daily ritual when I think about my past actions and analyze them, my motives behind them. All this goes hand in hand with the step work I'm doing. I would never have imagined BR I would someday dedicate some time to think about my life each day, as part of my routine. I'm grateful to the program for giving me this useful tool. :)
Good morning all - great daily and great ESH above me.....thank you Paul for your service!
I am still at times my own worst critic, and if I were giving me a grade for meditation, it would probably be a D/F. I am embarrassed almost to admit that sitting still and being still are very, very hard for me - I have no doubt that I am an adult with ADD...because of my own history, I've opted to try and manage it naturally - easier some days than others.
What I love about recovery is my grade of me is not what's important. I believe today (resulting from recovery) that my HP, God, know exactly who I am and how I am and loves me deeply all the same. I've been decent over the years at daily prayer and I've gotten better at pausing often during my day to contemplate what's the best next right thing. For me, this is huge growth and enough - even if I can't sit still long enough to 'meditate' formally.
For those who struggle, my mantra about this, exercise, healthy eating, etc. is - Any effort is better than no effort at all. Most of my life, I was an all/nothing and black/white thinker and if I didn't have a full hour, I would not work-out. As I embraced recovery, it became clear to me that my own way was not effective any longer. So, I have gotten better at bursts of action, calm management of interruptions/distractions and just doing the best I can - whatever that may be.
I have been waking up with sinus head-aches for the better part of 10 days. I do not do well with not feeling well, so I've been frustrated about it. Needless to say, I woke up this morning and it's back....today is meeting day and potluck day! I also woke later than usual, so took extra time today to consider best plans.
I have decided to be good to me today. I have stepped away from the meeting and the pot luck choosing instead to take it easy and rest. I had a full day already as out of town company is coming at dinner time tonight and that's what I am going to focus on, just for today. So grateful for the gift of sanity to be able to realize life will go on without me and it's OK to change plans!!
Make it a great day all.....happy Hump 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
Good for you, IAH, from the sound of things you have been on the go for several weeks (months) with extra family duties, service and ball...sometimes you just gotta sit down for a minute!
I had to laugh when I read your comment as I thought of the challenge of walking/chewing gum; I am generally a one activity or the other kinda guy, not such a great multi-tasker. It takes skill to get everything done on the run and you have it, bravo!
Individual differences are fascinating to me, each of us work uniquely, and I completely agree: whatever you do, whenever/however you do it, as long as it gets you there...
Enjoy your deserved 'you' time and entertainment opportunity
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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 for this topic. It is a good reminder to me. I meditated religiously M-TH for many years, maybe for the last 10 or so. I found it a very important part of my day: it rejuvenated me, and I spoke to myself and HP in very positive terms. I retired about a month ago, I am moving into a new home, and my dog has cancer. I spend a great deal of time making and looking for foods that she will eat. I have lost my schedule that was good for me. I want to resume a regular time to meditate more days than not. I actually miss it and feel it provides an assist to my recovery. I will work on this, Lyne
Thanks Paul - I appreciate the support and you are right - a break was a good thing for me....My friends are on the way, we are grilling steaks and the Royals just won!!! Perfect day for me!
(((Lyne))) - so sorry to hear about your dog. Sending you both positive thoughts and prayers.....my dog loves, loves, loves - baby carrots. They are better for her than treats so we munch on them often. Just a thought!
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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
Great topic and shares. Thank everyone. I love to meditate as I walk along and see the beauty of nature or a child or a bird . For me it is a great exercise in staying in the moment and appreciating HP.
Thanks for your service Paul
Reminder: I can take the time to clear the mind and focus on what is essential, just for today; dismiss all thoughts that aren't important, and accept the guidance toward the next best step. With practice, this true voice inside can become a powerful guide.
"Go to your bosom: Knock there, and ask your heart what it doth know." - Shakespeare
******************
My first challenge was to be able to quiet the chatter of my mind, the incessant and unhealthy whispers that fed my insanity. Meditation allowed me to quiet those down, making room for the guidance of the program, and ultimately to finding my higher power.
Oh this is so what I needed to read tonight...Looking within..LOVE the Shakespeare quote..All my life I looked outside of me: For love, validation, guidance, that magical knight to rescue me when all along it is me and my INNER Higher power...and yes..I too have that mind chatter, stupid thoughts or racing thoughts and the only way I know how to "shut me up" is to just make me focus on my breaths..1, 3, 3 or In and out , in and out, and also i ask me..."What do you see?? what do you hear?? smell?? taste?? feel?? that kinda gets me centered so I can just BE
Great topic and shares. Thank everyone. I love to meditate as I walk along and see the beauty of nature or a child or a bird . For me it is a great exercise in staying in the moment and appreciating HP. Thanks for your service Paul
I like to , now that is warm, go outside on my back patio and sit in my chair and just smell and listen, tonight I enjoyed listening to the crickets and smelling my newly mowed back yard, casting all my burdens up into the universe........This thread is awesome
