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 C2C, an AL-Anon member who is agnostic shares about doubt and their struggles with belief. Sometimes, this member doubts the existence of anything that cares about what happens in the world, let alone the author's life.
Then, the author remembers how they were guided to Al-Anon when their life was at its darkest. There are words in certain songs that have given the author courage. Other AL-Anon members share their inner-most thoughts in meetings each week, year after year. Deep down, the author knows that there is a part of themselves that wants what is good for them, that pushes for peace, happiness, direction, and wholeness. And at that point, the author doubts their own doubts.
Today's reminder: When I feel far away from a Higher Power, I have to listen very carefully. I listen at meetings, I listen to music, I listen to the wisdom that comes through our literature, and I try to be open to what I hear. I never know from where a message will come.
Today's Quote: "Every now and again take a good look at a star, the turn of a stream. There will come to you wisdom and patience and solace and, above all, the assurance that you are not alone in the world." Sidney Lovett.
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I like today's message about listening carefully. One of the things I like most about our program is that we are each able to hear the messages we need to hear in different ways. Sometimes it is through the readings, sometimes it comes through the ESH, sometimes it is the meeting before the meeting, sometimes in conversation with a sponsor, and sometimes in the quiet company of others.
One of the ways I connect with my higher power is by listening to the trees in the woods. Especially where I am from, the birch trees are very chatty as they sway in the summer winds. There are squeaks, pops, the rustle of leaves, all coming together to create a symphony of trees. I don't understand the messages rationally, but something in me feels the peace, hope, and love that that symphony conveys.
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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
Thank you Skorpi for your service and ESH. I feel fortunate that I do not struggle with belief in an HP, however I did for many years. A spiritual experience changed me about 30 years ago. What I enjoy about my HP is that it does come in a form I will call God and/or Jesus, but I also feel an HP with our program, the woods, the ocean, etc. I feel it all around me, and I want to have all the help I can get.
Thank you Skorpi for your service and the daily. I didn't know when I arrived that my listening skills were lacking. I had spent so much time and energy in a defensive state, reacting to this disease and the diseased 'as if' the world was against me. There's no doubt my faith was also lacking when I hit my bottom.
I (thankfully) had a kind and gentle sponsor who just kept nudging me towards recovery suggestions. One of the first that caused me discomfort was to keep my mouth closed and my ears open. Listen for content and stop assuming intent. Just listen, at meetings, at home, everywhere. This was so, so hard for me to do as I was so used to speaking up and out all the time, asked or not.
What I've learned is that my HP speaks to me often/always. I am guided by a power greater than me when I can remain open/willing. Meetings, music, nature, others are all in my life by design and I will continue to grow/learn/change so long as I remain humble (teachable) and open. With my mouth closed and my mind/ears open, I have managed to gain more peace of mind and heart and absolute gratitude for the priceless gift of serenity.
I am off to golf this afternoon. I hope all of you find and keep your joy for this day and know that I am grateful for each of you! 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
"Especially where I am from, the birch trees are very chatty as they sway in the summer winds. There are squeaks, pops, the rustle of leaves, all coming together to create a symphony of trees. I don't understand the messages rationally, but something in me feels the peace, hope, and love that that symphony conveys."
Your words touched my soul, Skorpi! Thank you for your service.
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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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