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 how prayer and meditation is helpful as a focus for the solutions to problems in our lives. The writer describes that having continuous communication with God was not an issue. The writer was also able to tune out distractions easily. Yet the writer was still not achieving the sense of tranquility he/she was seeking. Over some time the writer realized that blocking out distractions and going numb, tuning out, were all connected. Even at meetings, the writer began to focus on all of his/her problems so intently that he/she was unable to focus on solutions and recovery. The writer began to dwell on the strength and support felt from his/her HP and at meetings.
Todays words reminded me of the times when I have trouble sleeping. Like many of us who have dealt with this problem, one of the awful things that happens is that the brain will start recounting every problem, negative thought, sad memory, argument etc and riffle through them like a terrible deck of cards! One of the aspects of meditation that I appreciate is the focus on suing present with breathing, a word or mantra, and something positive. Being open minded at meetings, where there is strength and support, being open when in prayer or meditation are both ways to take the focus off of the problems and put it with the solutions in our lives.
Thank you Mary for your service and ESH and all shares. This smacked me back into sanity. I've been sullen-griping about issues that are none of my business. I forgot to let my HP lead. I walked to the gym and recited the Serenity Prayer out loud about a thousand times. My thoughts moved to MIP members that are struggling yet manage to persevere with courage and grace. My lesson for the day is to think of others and to listen and learn. I'm in a much better mood-kind and loving. Prayer/meditation...what a concept! :) Have a lovely day.
Mary, thank you for sharing this page, and all for your experience, strength and hope.
For me, the value of meditation is the strength and ability I gained to choose what my focus would be upon, and the ability to close out what I chose not to.
The quieting of my mind is one of the forms of meditation that I practice, and being able to do this during difficult times frees up valuable headroom for critical tasks.
As with most things, I cannot perform something well under pressure that I have not become proficient at in a time of calm, lacking urgency. the 'practice' of meditation has become an invaluable tool in my life and recovery, bringing benefits both in practice and in 'live' and more urgent situations.
Grateful for the reminders and wisdom of the program
__________________
Paul
"...when we try to control others, we lose the ability to manage our own lives." - Paths to Recovery
