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.
Tomorrow's reading is about Step 11 - where we seek to improve our conscious contact with God through prayer and meditation. How this happens is individual - maybe we look for signs from people around us or in events and unexplained coincidences. Perhaps we seek this power through our feelings, instincts, or dreams. Maybe we pursue a more traditional spiritual path. Better yet, maybe we decide to stay open to all of these!
Whatever we decide, what's most important is that we just keep trying as often as we can to follow the course offered by our HP. By doing so, we become confident in our actions and find courage to change!
Reminder: I will take 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.
Quote from The Dilemma of the Alcoholic Marriage: "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."
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From the very beginning of my recovery experience, it's been suggested to me to pray in the morning and at night and at any point in-between where I am troubled, conflicted, uncertain or 'other'. I arrived with enough pain that I was willing to do/try anything to feel better. My prayer efforts were very limited, and clearing my mind was virtually impossible!
Yet, I kept at it, simply because others who had thoroughly followed the program as suggested had genuine serenity and joy. They were able to laugh at themselves and laugh in general - in spite of the presence of the disease. They wore life like a loose garment and I felt as if my life had me pinned down like by a straight-jacket. By example, I was willing to do what was suggested simply because I had the gift of desperation.
Practice, practice, practice has brought me to a place where I fully trust in a power greater than I, and have no issues praying and meditating. I still struggle to clear my mind at times yet keep trying. I do feel blocked at other times, yet keep trying. At any point that I feel I need to 'tweak my routine/program' to fit my 'needs', I resist as what works best for me is practicing this program as suggested vs. doing what I 'want' to do instead.
I visit Step 1, 2 and 3 each morning, and 10, 11, 12 each evening and through-out my day. I feel today that my recovery is a gift from the God of my understanding and I must nurture it and share it in order to free up space within me to keep growing, changing and healing.
Happy Thursday all (for tomorrow) - golfing early, afternoon plans with my parents and softball in the evening! Make it a great 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
I like that this came from "Courage to Change" because in reality, I needed courage to change my ideas and behaviors. I was raised with organized religion. I was used to praying to "ask: God for stuff I needed or wantedt, and to bless others.
I was very disappointed.
Oh, I still have others mentioned in my prayers, but now I try to thank my HP for what I have just that day. I pray to be Open to what my HP gives me. I am finding that this way of doing/thinking is working better for me!
Getting relief from the scorching temps today! Hooray!!
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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
Thanks for your service IAH and your share. I also am doing well with prayer and meditation, but clearing my mind can be a challenge at times. I do rely on the Serenity Prayer at those times. As you mentioned, I plan to continue to practice, practice, practice. It's worth it! I'm worth it! Lyne
Thank you, IAH and those who posted before me. Today, prayer takes on a whole different meaning and value than the prayer from my childhood....how we were taught to pray. I start with gratitude and then ask for blessings on my loved ones, followed by asking for guidance and the ability to listen for that guidance.
I prayer several times a day....many times it is a thank you. Some days I need the Serenity Prayer more than other days, but it certainly has a calming effect and I immediately know I am not alone. HP is there with me and for me.
IAH, so glad to hear that things are going well with your parents' visit!
