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 in Courage to Change is about Step 11: seeking to improve my conscious connection with HP through prayer and meditation. The author reminds us that how we go about improving this connection is up to each of us individually, and mentions some different approaches, including: looking for signs of guidance in the people around us, in events and unexplained coincidences, through our feelings, instincts and dreams, by pursuing a more traditional spiritual path, or by keeping ourselves open to all these possibilities. By improving our conscious contact, the author suggests that we can identify the course of action offered by HP, and be confident in our actions.
Today's Reminder: I will take the time to clear my mind of unnecessary hurried thoughts. There seems to be a limited amount of space in my mind until I do. But when I clear this clutter away, the space becomes limitless and the guidance I am truly willing to accept comes through.
Today's Quote: "The spiritual exercise suggested by the Eleventh 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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I like today's reading because it suggests that there are multiple paths to seeking conscious contact with HP, and this allows us each to follow the path that works for us.
The second half of the quote really spoke to me. I often put off my own self-care, including program work at times, to handle some crisis or vital issue. Today's quote reminds me that I, too, am important and that paying attention to my own self-care and program is also a vital issue. I've been getting better with establishing a routine for myself, and this helps me to ensure that I have a bit of time each day set aside to focus on myself and my needs. I know I am my best self when I take this time to take care of myself, and I know that everything is more manageable when I do take this time. I still struggle at times with the thought that I'm doing ok, and I can put off my needs until x is done, or until tomorrow, or until things settle down. That I have a strong enough connection with HP to "skip" meditation just this once. I am aware of this tendency and I disagree with it when the thought pops up, because I know what a destructive cycle of self-neglect it can lead to for me. Consistency in the practice of step 11 is what I need to ensure that I can be my best self, and to know that I am making the right changes.
I'm off to the woods again tomorrow, and looking forward to some time unplugged. I hope you make today great!
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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
Good Morning Skorpi Thank you for sharing your thoughts on this important Step. This is my "go to "Step as it assures me that if I pray for HP's will, I will be given the power to carry that will out.
Working this Step does not guarantee that I will be given an easy road nor that I will sail though life, however it does assure me that I am not alone and will receive the guidance and support i need to live life to the fullest.
Today I practice this Step often and trust the inner voice to the fullest.
Even though I am far, far away from the 11th step, I too, like the idea that there are multiple ways to connect to HP and that no one way is the "right " way. Many times I have said, "The forest is my cathedral" (I used to camp a lot!), so I am envious that you will have some time in the woods!
Thank you for your service, Skorpi... and enjoy the woods!
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"The wolf that thrives, is the one you feed." - Cherokee legend
"Hello, sun in my face. Hello you who made the morning and spread it over the fields... Watch, now, how I start the day in happiness, in kindness." Mary Oliver
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