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 focuses on our perception of conscious contact with a Higher Power. The writer describes spiritual life being condensed to: quiet the mind; open the heart. The writer experiences this in this way: anything quieting the mind=meditation, anything that opens the heart=prayer. In addition, the writer explains that over time a sense of conscious contact with a HP changed. Sometimes choices were made based on a strong feeling, sometimes contact with a HP came from a source that didnt feel explainable. For the writer, needing to explain the source of contact became less important as involvement and growth in Al-anon developed.
Some of us may have had our first awareness of a spiritual connection in a place of worship. My connection to that is familial and cultural but also infused with strong memories of being near people who were a source of love and comfort. Some of my earliest memories include morning church services with a beloved aunt, for example. Over time, in addition to feeling that spiritual connection in religious services of some kind, I have felt it in nature, being near the power of the ocean, or witness to a sunrise, or the first reappearance of flowers in spring. Through al-anon, I have become more aware of the spiritual connection present when people gather (which brings me back to my initial experience as a young child in church). The power of music has often felt like a direct spiritual message as well. As the writer states, knowing where the contact will come from or in what form it might be is not nearly as important as opening our minds and hearts to meditation and prayer.
The quotation from As We Understood(p.227):
I think Ive developed an understanding of God that I don't fully understand.
I used to believe that connection with my HP had to be in a specific place or at a specific time. That I had to do specific things,be a specific way and if I didn't do all these things perfectly there was no hope or chance for a connection or contact.
That's sure changed for me. I can have access at any time,any place,even while taking a shower if I simply choose to. That connection is within me and there's no rules of engagement.
Thank you Mary for your service. I appreciate the shares as well!
SunnyFrog: I like how you roll: "That connection is within me and there's no rules of engagement." Perfectly said!
All my best this Sunday. It is sunny (if not warm) and I am going to get some outdoor chores done before the rain comes tonight! So happy to get my bare feet on the grass and my hands in the soil! Just one of the things I am grateful for today!
__________________
"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
Good Afternoon Everyone. Thank you Mary for your service and all the shares. Music always nurtures my soul. I was able to feel a variety of emotions that I could not identify the last few days from a limitless supply of songs . After lingering a little too long with sad songs, I created playlists that calmed/relaxed or pumped up my mood to get outside and connect with people/nature. Today I am focused on accepting reality-even though I don't like some parts of it. By staying connected to my HP, somehow I manage to persevere and treat myself and others with dignity and compassion. Looking forward to baseball this afternoon...think I'll have a " hope and a smile" :)
