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.
I wouldnt typically start with the Thought for the Day at the end of todays page, but it is such a powerful statement Im thinking about it like bookends for each day, a morning and evening reflection. It reads: In Al-Anon Ive learned to savor the tiny, specific, beautiful moments of my life.
The writer describes noticing the movements of some birds outside the window while the usual preparations for the morning are underway. He/she keeps returning to bird-watching, in spite of the morning routine that usually gets the day off in a rush. After some time the writer notices that what he/she was able to do was step back from the frenetic pace of life and absorb the natural movement and activity of the birds. The writer describes realizing how many times the inside life with all of its details would blur out all of the wonder taking place in the outside world. A few minutes watching the behavior of the birds was enough to know that we can stop and sit in wonder of nature, and know that all of the details in our lives will continue to play out.
One of the reasons the thought for the day resonates with me is the word savor. I think about savoring moments when Im watching my kids, all three at different stages in their lives. Im savoring the milestones like graduations and first apartments with the same feeling as when I savor a nice conversation or a comfortable silence on a car trip somewhere. I also think about savoring moments when I notice something that has grown in the garden, or when a hummingbird stops by. I savor the times I can sit and take in the majesty of the ocean. All of the smallest details make up the greatest and most consequential parts of our lives, sometimes.
I hope on this peaceful Sunday we can all savor the tiny, specific, beautiful parts of our lives.
Whether it is because COVID-19 has us all in this weird time-warp, or I am just too focused on work, my life seems to be flying by!! Lately I have been trying very hard to stop and relish these little moments you/the author speaks of.
What is that saying? "It's all in the details"
Hope you enjoy your Sunday! &
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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
Thank you Mary for your service and the daily. Love the shares & ESH ladies. Savoring moments and memories for me has been a learning experience. I have always been a high-active person and somewhere, I learned to finish up and move along. I am not a huge fan of birds, yet marvel at the way they fly especially if/when there is wind. It's such a grand, beautiful event to watch - up close, I am a bit frightened. I got charged by some geese on the golf course a couple years ago and also had a bird in my apartment once - both experiences were far from pleasant!
What recovery has taught me is that I can be adaptable. I may not be a big fan of birds up close yet can find beauty and solace in their flight. This is an example for me of how to focus on the many good things in my life in spite of those moments/events that are hard, sad, scary, overwhelming, etc. Taking time to just 'be' present is so, so helpful. I am grateful for the knowledge that changed attitudes and outlooks aid my recovery and certainly help with serenity and sanity. I am volunteering @ the golf course until close tonight - brought my laptop along. I was able to golf this morning - rained out yesterday. I do agree that 'Covid brain' is a real thing!! Love and light all!
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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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