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.
Good morning family. Here's hoping you all have a good day planned for yourself with a determination for having it happened.
Mine started out with our literature; ODAT, C2C, HFT and one other from my other program that I came to recognize all held a mutual theme of meditation which is what I have been trying to practice more often lately. I found our literature right on for my endeavor and found also that I was double and triple reading each page as I was getting more out of it in understanding and spirit. I come to understand also that I will be going back to this practice later on in the day and maybe the evening as I prepare to sleep.
I have no doubt that my HP was behind how it was happening as lately I have been finding myself reworking a 5th step on events from way past. Our literature has kept the effort centered and I can see and feel HP abiding with the effort. I feel capable, encouraged, confident and satisfied about what and how it is happening. The absence of negative emotions and thoughts to JADE and keep this process a duplication of attempts from the past that failed strengths every attempt and I am encouraged to carry on.
I now understand more how reading and meditation can work hand in hand to grow my recovery and straighten the path of amends now that I reach the elderlies (lol). My literature library and this MIP site surely assures a Miracle in Progress. Thanks soooo much. (((((hugs)))))
Keep doing you brother - I'm always blessed when I read a share from you! A part of me 'can't wait' to be older, wiser and more aligned with HP simply because my journey today has been so full of wonder, growth, positive change and spiritual rewards I really, really do feel that the best is yet to come.
I do know and accept that our literature grounds and centers me daily - it's not a task I take lightly. I am grateful for a calmer mind to be able to read, reflect, consider and meditate -- that's not always been the case for me. Some days are better than others, yet I feel blessed to be pushed by my HP to give it a try, one day at a time. I find myself often reading a page, feeling as if I've never read it before, knowing that not to be case, but rather 'more is being revealed'. How I 'see' the black/white words in front of me changes as I change, and the journey is well worth it!
Love and light brother - can you do me a favor and stop aging? If you're considering yourself 'elder', it brings direct awareness I am aging too! (((Hugs)))
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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 always feel calmer in spirit after reading your posts.
Mahalo.
&
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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 Sisters...I am always aware of the purpose of our program and it's tools including the fellowship. I know how and why I got here and why I need(ed) a power greater than myself who very often manifested itself thru the women in the program...Yes especially the females when I came into understanding the important differences between male and female. For me and me only had I continued on using my masculine tools only I might not still be alive or allowed the freedom to live my life without other control. It is meditating about the need and the affect of having other controls abiding within my life that I come to understand.
Once after a meeting we went to visit with a female member of the group and when I walked into her kitchen I noticed a baseball bat behind the door. I didn't need to because I knew the size of her alcoholic yet I asked her why it was there and almost cried listening to the story. I related to the story thru my own anger and rage events and came to understand more. "Now when I meditate it is always with me holding on to the clothes of my Higher Power. "....relieve me of the bondage of self that I might better do THY WILL".
I often meditate with the definition of Love given to me by another female member one night after a meeting. "Love is the complete and total ACCEPTANCE OF EVERY OTHER HUMAN BEING FOR EXACTLY WHO THEY ARE". That of course includes all the alcoholics and addicts who are and have been in my life.
Jerry, I want to let you know that I had seen you share this wonderful definition before -- "Love is the complete and total ACCEPTANCE OF EVERY OTHER HUMAN BEING FOR EXACTLY WHO THEY ARE" -- and ever since then it has been my personal motto. It is a good mantra to meditate on. Sometimes I make it the screen saver on my computer. I have shared it with others and they are always amazed and grateful.
I am happy to learn that you received this from another member. I am grateful that we can pass the message along.
That the other member was a lady is continually important to me because it happened in a usual manner. I use to sit in meetings and listen to the fellowship very deeply and when I was moved by their understanding and after the meeting I use to follow them to their cars and ask if they could stand with me and give me more of their ESH. I was never refused and it was always female. I use to think they would resist being "stalked" yet that never ever happened and they would stop and offer me the best they had. This gal who gave me the "Love" wisdom was black and it was at night and she was not afraid. I am and was so glad because the saying changed me deeply. The alter of love to "total acceptance" and then of "every other person" appeared to come right out of my Higher Power's wisdom that I had to have it etched in my mind and heart. It Changed me. What more could I want?. I have no excuses left for not loving anyone alcoholic especially. ((((hugs and thanks))))
Great story, great share and for me one of those telling signs of exactly how recovery works. When we are open, and ask others for their ESH which is given freely with no expectation, advice, etc. it does appear (for me) to be the voice and direction of HP speaking to us and through us!
For me, embracing this definition and concept was a huge step forward in my recovery as well as in my serenity. When I practice loving everyone by accepting who they are, exactly as they are, I feel an enormous amount of inner peace and connection to all that is larger than me and this life.
This is an awesome discussion to arrive at upon my visit today. Thanks to all for sharing!
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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