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.
In today's reading, the author reflects on the spiritual nature of the Al-Anon program. Al-Anon is not based on any particular religion, and no religious belief is required. There is not a specific dogma or philosophy. The important part is believing in a power greater than ourselves. We need this higher power in order to complete step 2, and we need this higher power to rely on throughout our program and stepwork.
The author suggests that recognizing a higher power is a bit like using electricity. It isn't necessary to understand how electricity works to turn on a switch and enjoy the light.
Today's Reminder: I may be seeking a more loving God in whom I can place my trust, or facing a challenge that puts my long-established beliefs to a test, or struggling with the very idea of a Higher Power. Whatever I believe, I can pray for greater faith today. Just that little act of willingness can work miracles.
Today's Quote: "When I have at last realized that my problems are too big to solve by myself...I need not be alone with them if I am willing to accept help from a Higher Power." Al-Anon's Twelve Steps & Twelve Traditions
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I like today's reading. It is a useful reminder to me that I don't have to have any specific faith in order to benefit from the Al-Anon program. This is an important reminder in a program that often draws on the Christian faith and beliefs in readings. It is also a useful reminder when I'm with my home group, as I'm the only non-Christian in the room most of the time. Like one of the examples in the reading today, I grew up with the Christian faith, and experienced so much harm through that experience, I couldn't find my way to my Higher Power through that religion any more. I am a very spiritual person, and I do have a very deep connection with my HP, and I'm glad that the Al-Anon program has room for all.
I'll be leaning on HP a bit more than usual today. I think the not-leaving-the-house-for-months and COVID-numbers-continuing-to-climb situation is getting to me today. I'll turn it over to HP, and hope for a better day tomorrow. I hope you make today 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
Thanks for your service and share Skorpi. I feel lucky in that I had a spiritual experience about 30 years ago which started me on a path of having God in my life. But I know many others who cannot wrap their head around this idea, people both in program and not. What Ive come to believe is that there are many HPs in my lifemany parts of nature seem amazing to me like the ocean and rainbowsthey are entities greater than myself. And lately Ive come to regard alanon itself as a power greater than myits bringing me a centered and much better way to live that I simply could not find on my own. So Im grateful for all the HPs in my life.
I always like these kinds of reminders, b/c it validates my desire for spirituality, yet my need to avoid organized religion. Al-Anon allows for this flexibility, and does not shame me for it!
Hunker down, Skorpi, and allow for some extra TLC. I was where you are at about a week ago... I realized that for me, a good portion of my depression/hopelessness was based on the fact that I couldn't control this virus nor what people choose to believe about the virus. It had seemed all MY best practices were being wasted... the time of Lockdown (where I had to continue to work and be exposed) was wasted time... I found that for me, I had to re-frame this whole thing. I had to accept that all I can do is use my best practices all the time, without fail, and bolster my immune system in any way that I could/can - I could not depend on others. I have accepted that our country bungled this whole mess, and we never really had a chance. We as individuals, are at a point that we need to protect ourselves in the best way we know how, and have faith that we come out the other side. There was never a time that our nation was in control of this virus. So stay vigilant (with best virus-busting practices), bolster your immune system, get plenty of rest, and reconnect to nature (to quiet the mind). Hug your dogs. While your at it, hug them for me too... I miss my doggie!!
Stay safe, everyone! &
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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
Happy Hump Day MIP! Thank you Skorpi for your service and the daily! Thanks to all for the ESH and shares. I was raised with/in religion and was not a fan. What I had to discover and experience in recovery was spiritual life vs. religious life. It took me a while to figure out how this works best for me, and it was as simple as just realizing I am not all powerful or I would cure all with the disease that brought us here.
I did NOT know what I was doing when I arrived and yet, it turned out OK! Others just kept suggesting to trust any power greater than I - the group, the literature, the meetings, etc. There was no wrong answer and that did not compute in my mind - I wanted to do 'it' the right way and really wanted to do it 'perfect'. I was much more able to accept a HP when I became willing to accept my own imperfections as well as those in others.
When I get out of the way, I am amazed daily at the many wonders of my life. Accepting, embracing and living life on life's terms is much easier for me today as I do believe I am not alone and my HP will ensure I always have/get exactly what I need. I've been volunteering all morning, home for a bit and then off to golf shortly. We have rain falling so ... not too sure if golf will be a go/no go. Love and light to all - find/keep your joy!
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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
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