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 shares a concern they had about the love of their Higher Power. They feared that there was not enough love and guidance to go around. One day at the beach, the author noticed that no mater how many people there were, there was enough sun for everyone to enjoy. The author thought the same must be true for the love and guidance of their Higher Power. Now, the author feels closet to their Higher Power when they hear others share about how well a Higher Power has taken care of them.
Today's Reminder: I may not have everything I want, but today I have everything I need. I will look for evidence of abundance and let it remind me that my Higher Power's love is broad enough to touch all who have the courage to place themselves in its presence.
Today's Quote: "I can learn to avail myself of the immense, inexhaustible power of God, if I am willing to be continually conscious of God's nearness." One Day at a Time in Al-Anon
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With readings such as this, I often find myself reflecting on how wonderful it is that there are many pathways to a connection with a Higher Power. In my home group's meeting preamble, we read "your Higher Power may be God, but need not be." This leaves everyone the freedom to find their way to their Higher Power in a way that fits for them. And, when I think of all the cultures and religious on earth, I think how wonderful it is that everyone, despite their differences, can find their way to a Higher Power of their own understanding.
I have started to attend a new group, and that group closes with the Lord's Prayer. At the start of my program, that practice would have encouraged me to find a different meeting. Now, I can stand quietly and enjoy the peace that this shared prayer brings to others without feeling the need to join in myself. And, in these times, I feel my connection with my Higher Power growing stronger as well.
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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
Good morning, Skorpi, and thank you for sharing about Higher Power in our program and in our meetings.
I think that being able to stand quietly and experience peace as other members say the Lord's Prayer is an amazing example of acceptance. I'll have to challenge myself and see if I am "there" yet.
I am so grateful that our program is set up in a way to make space for anyone's religious beliefs or lack thereof, and that it encourages finding one's own higher power. When I hear others share that they refer to their higher power as God, I can be grateful that they have found something that works for them, just as I have found something different that works for me.
Thank you Skorpi for your service/ESH and all shares. I am grateful that Al-Anon encourages me to have a personal relationship with my HP. I cannot describe my HP. I believe mine exists within me and is an unseen force that taps into the goodness of all people/things to live in love and abundance. My HP has perfect timing -placing the right people in my path at the right time. When life throws me a curveball or I'm overwhelmed by circumstances, (even when I forget to ask), help arrives. Sometimes I call it luck, coincidence, or a miracle- but it's HP's work. When I focus on practicing the principles of the 12 steps, I notice I'm graced with more blessings. Being a personalized HP, we engage all day rather than set rigid rules on when to check in. The more reliance I place on my HP, the more I use my skills/talents for "greater good " which results in fulfillment, serenity and joy. I could go on...but I'll spare you...(smile). It's crisp and sunny in Ontario today. Hope all in the Northeast (U.S.) weren't battered by the storms... Have a great one.
