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.
Todays reading is about the power of prayer, and the idea that we have the ability to pray in many different ways, in different places, and at any time. The writer begins with a description of how sleeping patterns have changed for him/her. The writer describes the inability to sleep through the night, often waking very early in the morning. At the suggestion of another alanon member, the writer begins using this time of awake ness to pray.
I can relate to this reading in that, I find myself saying a prayer when I am having difficulty with sleep. I go through a specific roster of prayers when I run, and have noticed the prayers in nature when a trees branches are rustling, or clouds are drifting by, or a rainstorm.
About 5-6 weeks before Covid struck I had found a place of worship that was a good fit for me. I began attending services consistently. Of course going to church in person became impossible, so having other ways to communicate with the God of my understanding has been more important than ever. I appreciate how this is summed up with the quotation at the end of this page : In Al-Anon, I learned that God meets me where I am.
Happy and peaceful Sunday to you too Mary! I truly embrace the concept that I can pray anywhere, anyway at any time...Out of tons of practice, I am truly amazed at how quickly I turn to prayer through-out the day. I am grateful that those who came before me explained that I did not have to accept of embrace anyone else's concept of a Higher Power - I could figure this out, personalize it, change it and roll as best suits me!
The spiritual aspect of my recovery is where my serenity, joy and acceptance come from. At any point where I am restless, irritable or discontent, my best tool for balance in the moment is prayer. My aunt always said, "If you are worrying, you aren't praying." I thought this super silly until it made perfect sense to me one day - and is so, so true!
Love and light to all - make it a great day! I'm almost giddy that we started our day in the 60s and got to golf in lovely temperatures! I'm off to cook brunch and then possibly a nap....I also pray when I can't sleep - it seems to calm my body from head to toe!
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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
As usual, there are bits of Iamhere's share that I can really relate to! Grateful for the ESH!
Praying still holds some uncomfortable connotations for me. So I prefer to "Lift up my thoughts." But saying the word "Prayers" to others I can do, b/c it is the word they can relate with. I find that my closest contact with my HP is in nature... not in a building. I used to get my hackles all raised when "my" religion told me that I wasn't pious enough b/c I didn't go worship in a House of God. Now if anyone tells me that, If I feel particularly snarky, I just respond with, "The God of my understanding loves me, no matter where I am, too bad yours doesn't." But honestly, most times now I ignore... b/c now I know I do not have to JADE to anyone!
I am self-isolating, waiting for my co-worker to get her COVID test back... so I am getting loads done in the house... which is not my ideal, but it is too darn hot to enjoy the outdoors now anyway. So I will be grateful to get the "opportunity" to accomplish these indoor tasks.
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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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