Sunday 30 November 2014

Native American #essentialsofrecovery.com #Elders #Miwok #NativeAmerican

Yosemite (Miwok) Tribe Legend

Hundreds of years ago, in the shelter of the Yo Semite valley, lived Tu-tok-a-nula and his tribe. He was a wise Chief, trusted and loved by his people, always setting the right example by preserving crops and game for the winter.

While he was hunting one day, he saw the lovely guardian spirit of the valley for the first time. His people called her Ti-sa-yac. Tu-tok-a-nula felt she was the most beautiful creature he had ever seen. Her skin was like milk, her hair was golden as the afternoon sun, and her eyes were bluer than the sky. Her voice, as sweet as the song of the thrush, drew him toward her. But as he reached out to her she rose up toward the heavens and vanished.

From that moment, the Chief knew no peace and he no longer cared for the well-being of his people.

Without his guidance, Yo Semite became like a desert. When Ti-sa-yac came again after a long time, she broke into tears. Bushes were growing where corn had once flourished, and bears foraged where the huts had been. On a mighty dome of rock, she knelt and prayed to the Great Spirit above, asking him to restore virtue to the land.

The Great Spirit granted her pleas. Stooping from the sky, he spread new life of green on the valley floor. He struck a thunderous blow against the mountains and broke a pathway for all the melting snow to flow. The water ran and danced downward, collecting in a lake below and flowing off to gladden other land.

The birds returned with their songs, the flowering plants began to blossom once more, and corn soon grew tall. When the Yo Semite people returned to their valley, they gave the name of Ti-sa-yac to what is now called South Dome, where the guardian spirit had knelt and prayed.

Then the Chief came home again. When he heard what the beautiful spirit maiden had done, his love for her became stronger than ever. Climbing to the top of a rock that rose thousands of feet below the valley, he carved his likeness into the stone with his hunting knife. He wanted his tribe to remember him after he departed from the earth.

Tired from his work, the Chief sat at the foot of Bridal Veil Fall. Suddenly he saw a rainbow arching over the figure of Ti-sa-yac, who was shining from the water. She smiled and beckoned to him. With a cry of joy, Tu-tok-a-nula leapt into the waterfall and disappeared with his beloved.

The rainbow quivered on the cascading water, and the sun set.


Principles Of The Twelve Steps Explained #essentialsofrecovery.com #recovery #AA #Priciples

The principles of the 12 steps 

This is an effort to simplify the meaning of the principles of the 12 steps for those who may be having difficulty. These are the principles that are incorporated into our daily lives as ‘we walk the walk’. Employing each of these behaviors will help to rebuild a life of increased self esteem and self confidence. So, in my never ending quest to keep it simple, here are the action principles behind the twelve steps:

1. Honesty - The operative principle behind step 1 is honesty. If you cannot get honest about the scope of your problem, and honest about a sincere effort to resolve it you will not succeed. How about a definition of honesty as the absence of the intention to deceive? Who do we try to fool? Ourselves

2. Hope – In order to engage in a course of addiction recovery, we must have hope of success. If there is no hope, why try? Perhaps we have failed on our own, how about enlisting some help? A way to instill hope is to realize recovery is not a question of ability; after all there are millions in recovery, but rather persistence and application.

3. Faith – This stage of action is to begin to employ the recovery skills being learned. You can seek out help, but it is also necessary to utilize it. Our job is to become willing to do the right thing. A simple way to view the ‘next right thing’ is don’t engage in your behavior. Have faith it will work.

4. Courage - This step is really about courage to honestly (see step 1) look at ourselves. Take a look at how our behavior has become warped to justify our continued behavior. We are here to take an honest assessment of ourselves.

5. Integrity - If we have truly done a thorough job of introspection and evaluation of our assets and shortcomings do we have the integrity to own up to it? It can be very difficult to be open and honest about our past behaviors. We accept the need for a dose of humility.

6. Willingness – Now that we have accomplished an inventory of the good and no so good aspects of our character and behavior, are we willing to change them? All of them? The important part in this 12 step principle is the willingness to let go of old behaviors.

7. Humility – Here we move further into action, in step 6 we became willing to as let go of our old behaviors, now we ask for help in actually letting go. Can we learn to forgive ourselves?

8. Discipline and Action – We are continuing to remove the barriers that can block forward sober growth. We are getting ready to sweep our side of the street clean. Make a list of all those people we have harmed both through actions and not being present to live up to obligations.

9. Forgiveness – Asking for the forgiveness of those we have intentionally or unintentionally injured is the order of the day. A key point here is to try to correct those injuries through action, not just words. It is highly recommended that guidance and help is utilized here. Asking forgiveness is not a gift to the other person, but rather an act of kindness to you.

10. Acceptance - To be human is to make mistakes. Hopefully our journey has led us to the point where we can readily admit mistakes and accept ourselves for being imperfect. We must also learn not to judge others but accept them for who they are, not our vision of who they should be.

11. Knowledge and Awareness – Here we search and become aware of following our path being aware of our purpose in life and actively pursuing it. I view this principle as just being aware, not being got up in the rush of life, making conscious effort to do the right thing and to be at peace.

12. Service and Gratitude - Having brought about a personality change sufficient to remain in recovery; we are empowered to demonstrate the new principles by which we live, in our daily life through example. We seek out and are available to help others in need.

There you have it. Simple actions you can practice each and every day to improve the quality of your life in addiction recovery and those people you come in contact with. These are the simple one word action principles of the 12 steps.

Unfold The Rose #essentialsofrecovery.com #Spiritual

 30
November


A new minister was walking with an older, more seasoned minister in the garden one day. Feeling a bit insecure about what God had for him to do, he was asking the older preacher for some advice.

The older preacher walked up to a rosebush and handed the young preacher a rosebud and told him to open it without tearing off any petals..

The young preacher looked in disbelief at the older preacher and was trying to figure out what a rosebud could possibly have to do with his wanting to know the will of God for his life and ministry. But because of his great respect for the older preacher, he proceeded to try to unfold the rose, while keeping every petal intact.

It wasn't long before he realized how impossible this was to do.

Noticing the younger preacher's inability to unfold the rosebud without tearing it, the older preacher began to recite the following poem...


It is only a tiny rosebud,
A flower of God's design;
But I cannot unfold the petals
With these clumsy hands of mine.
The secret of unfolding flowers
Is not known to such as I.
GOD opens this flower so easily,
But in my hands they die.
If I cannot unfold a rosebud,
This flower of God's design,
Then how can I have the wisdom
To unfold this life of mine?
So I'll trust in God for leading
Each moment of my day.
I will look to God for guidance
In each step of the way.
The path that lies before me,
Only my Lord knows.
I'll trust God to unfold the moments,
Just as He unfolds the rose.

~  Author unknown

A Day At A Time #essentialsofrecovery.com #meditation #recovery #AA



  30
November

Reflection For The Day


If you’re a negative thinker and are not yet ready to do an about-face, here are some guidelines that can keep you miserable for just as long as you wish to remain so. First, don’t go to meetings of The Program, especially discussion groups. If you somehow find yourself at a meeting, keep your mouth shut, your hands in your pockets, and your mind closed. Don’t try to solve an of your problems, never laugh at yourself, and don’t trust the other people in The Program. Above all, under no conditions should you try to live in the Now.

Am I aware that negative thinking means taking myself deadly serious at all times, leaving no time for laughter—and for living.

Today I Pray

If I am feeling negative, may I check myself in the mirror that is the group for my symptoms of a closed mind; tight lips, forced smile, set law, straight-ahead glance—and not a glimmer of humor. God, grant me the ability to laugh at myself—often—for I need that laughter to cope with the everyday commotion of living.

Today I Will Remember


To laugh at myself.

Father Leo’s Daily Meditation #essentialsofrecovery.com #recovery #spiritual #meditation #FrLeo

   30November 

FATE



“I am the master of my fate; I am the captain of my soul.”
—William E. Henley

Things do not just happen, we make them happen. For years I thought that my getting well was dependent upon my family getting well. I rooted my recovery in the recovery of others. I was the typical co-dependent.

Then somebody said, “Why don’t you start taking responsibility for your own life?” I thought about that remark for weeks. I spent nights dwelling on the implications of those words. I am sure that I had heard similar sentiments a hundred times but that night, that special night, I was ready to hear them. A spiritual moment.

Today I believe that such spiritual moments produce a spiritual process that I must keep alive. I am the deciding factor in what happens to me and what I can achieve. God has created me to be involved in my recovery.

May I always steer my life in the direction of truth and love.

As Bill Sees It #essentialsofrecovery.com #recovery #spiritual #Inspiration #BillW



    30
November

I Am Responsible … p. 332


“When anyone, anywhere, reaches out for help, I want the hand of A.A. always to be there.
And for that: I am responsible.”

—Declaration of 30th Anniversary International Convention, 1965

Bob D. "What Are We Doing Here In Alcoholics Anonymous?" - AA Speaker #essentialsofrecovery.com



#essentialsofrecovery.com #quotes #Bible #Hope

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.
~ Jeremiah 29:11

Daily Zen #essentialsofrecovery.com #Zen #Buddhism #Buddah #Spiritual

  30
November

“When you forget the good and the non-good, the worldly life and the religious life, and all other dharmas, and permit no thoughts relating to them to arise, and you abandon body and mind—then there is complete freedom. When the mind is like wood or stone, there is nothing to be discriminated.” ~Pai-chang Huai-hai

One Day at a Time #essentialsofrecovery.com #Recovery #OA #Spiritual

 30
November

BOUNDARIES


People are lonely because they build walls instead of bridges.
Joseph Fort Newton

When I was growing up I remember always being lonely and I never had many friends. In order to protect myself from the pain of rejection, or perhaps because I didn't have self-esteem or believe in myself, I gave the impression that I didn't need people. I was probably thought of as a snob. I thought that people didn't like me because I was shy and introverted, but I had built up around myself an impenetrable protective wall which didn't invite anyone in. It was small wonder that I spent many lonely nights buried in a book or food or any other solitary pursuit for that matter.

In my adult years I became a people-pleaser in the hopes that people would like me more. That even spilled over to include my children as well, which meant that I wasn't able to say no to them or anyone else unless they stopped loving me. I would say yes when I really meant no, and consequently I was always filled with resentment and felt even lonelier than ever. I didn't know how to set boundaries and was terrified that if I said no, people wouldn't love me anymore.

I now know that when I set boundaries, it is an affirmation of my worth, and in most cases I am respected and liked by those people who are really my true friends. My children, too, have benefitted from my having set boundaries with them, and they have more respect for me than before. I am beginning to realize that it is just fine to do what is right for me, and that it doesn't have to jeopardize any of my relationships.

One day at a time . . .

I am learning that it is right for me
to define my boundaries with those that I love,
knowing that I set these boundaries in love and friendship,
rather than hostility, and that I am still a lovable person.

Sharon S.

Daily Tao #essentialsofrecovery.com #recovery #Zen #Tao #LaoTzu #Buddhism

 30
November

33. Discriminating between attributes

He who knows other men is discerning; he who knows himself is intelligent. He who overcomes others is strong; he who overcomes himself is mighty. He who is satisfied with his lot is rich; he who goes on acting with energy has a (firm) will.

He who does not fail in the requirements of his position, continues long; he who dies and yet does not perish, has longevity.

Twenty-Four Hours A Day #essentialsofrecovery.com #Recovery #AA #Meditation

 30
November

A.A. Thought for the Day


We have slips in A.A. It has been said these are not slips but premeditated drunks, because we have to think about taking a drink before we actually take one. The thought always comes before the act. It is suggested that people should always get in touch with an A.A. before taking that first drink. The failure to do so, makes it probable that they had decided to take the drink anyway. And yet the thoughts that come before taking a drink are often largely subconscious. People usually don't know consciously what made them do it. Therefore, the common practice is to call these things slips. Am I on guard against wrong thinking?

Meditation for the Day
"The eternal God is thy refuge." He is a sanctuary, a refuge from the cares of life. You can get away from the misunderstanding of others by retiring into your own place of meditation. But from yourself, from your sense of failure, your weakness, your shortcomings, whither can you flee? Only to the eternal God, your refuge, until the immensity of His spirit envelops your spirit and it loses its smallness and weakness and comes into harmony again with His.

Prayer for the Day
I pray that I may lose my limitations in the immensity of God's love. I pray that my spirit may be in harmony with His spirit.

From the book Twenty-Four Hours a Day
© Copyright 1975 by Hazelden Foundation

Walk In Dry Places #essentialsofrecovery.com #Recovery #Spiritual

 30
November

Spiritual pride

Seeking humility


Those of us who have found a Higher Power in our lives can feel truly blessed. We know we're on the right path by witnessing the wonderful changes that continue to come into our lives.

One pitfall in this, however, is the risk of becoming "spiritually proud." We sometimes feel that our beliefs are so superior that others should accept them as well. We even become critical of the beliefs of others.

If this happens, we actually will be severing our own conscious contact with our higher power. False pride is a new form will be back in charge. Others will sense this too, and may withdraw from us.

Our best safeguard against this trap of spiritual pride is a reminder that we don't have all the answers. We can share our understanding with others, but we should never imply that we know what's best for them. Spiritual growth should being humility, not more of the pride that was destroying us.

I can leave all outcomes in God's hands today, knowing that everything is being controlled in a spiritual way.

Elders Meditation Of The Day #essentialsofrecovery.com #Recovery #Elders #NativeAmerican #Elders

 30
November

"Someone must speak for them. I do not see a delegation for the four footed. I see no seat for eagles. We forget and we consider ourselves superior, but we are after all a mere part of the Creation." 

--Oren Lyons, ONONDAGA
Whenever we make decisions, we need to look around and see who would be affected by them. If we change the course of a river , who, what will be affected? If we put poison on the gardens, who, what will be affected? If wee cut the trees and too many are cut, who, what will be affected? We need to become aware of the consequences of our actions. We need to pay attention to our thoughts. We are accountable to our children to leave the Earth in good shape.

My Creator, help me make right decisions

Big Book #essentialsofrecovery.com #BigBook #AA #BillW

 30
November


"We avoid retaliation or argument. We wouldn't treat sick people
that way. If we do, we destroy our chance of being helpful."

~Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, How It Works, pg. 67~

Just for Today #essentialsofrecovery.com #Recovery #NA #JustForToday

 30
November

Sharing The Real Me


"Sharing with others keeps us from feeling isolated and alone."
Basic Text pg. 81

Intimacy is the sharing of our innermost thoughts and feelings with another human being. Many of us long for the warmth and companionship intimacy brings, but those things don't come without effort. In our addiction, we learned to guard ourselves from others lest they threaten our using. In recovery, we learn how to trust others. Intimacy requires us to lower our defenses. To feel the closeness intimacy brings, we must allow others to get close to us - the real us.
If we are to share our innermost selves with others, we must first have an idea of what those innermost selves are truly like. We regularly examine our lives to find out who we really are, what we really want, and how we really feel. Then, based on our regular inventories of ourselves, we must be as completely and consistently honest with our friends as we can be.

Intimacy is a part of life, and therefore a part of living clean - and intimacy, like everything in recovery, has its price. The painstaking self-scrutiny intimacy calls for can be hard work. And the total honesty of intimacy often brings its own complications. But the freedom from isolation and loneliness that intimacy brings is well worth the effort.

Just for today: I seek the freedom from isolation and loneliness that intimacy brings. Today, I will get to know "the real me" by taking a personal inventory, and I will practice being completely honest with another person.
pg. 348

From the book Just for Today
© Copyright 1991-2013 by Narcotics Anonymous World Services, Inc.

Daily Reflections #essentialsofrecovery.com #Recovery #AA #Spiritual #Alcoholism

 30
November

PROTECTION FOR ALL

At the personal level, anonymity provides protection for all members from identification as alcoholics, a safeguard often of special importance to newcomers. At the level of press, radio, TV, and films, anonymity stresses the equality in the Fellowship of all members by putting the brake on those who might otherwise exploit their A.A. affiliation to achieve recognition, power, or personal gain.

— "UNDERSTANDING ANONYMITY," p. 5

Attraction is the main force in the Fellowship of A.A. The miracle of continuous sobriety of alcoholics within A.A. confirms this fact every day. It would be harmful if the Fellowship promoted itself by publicizing, through the media of radio and TV, the sobriety of well-known public personalities who became members of A.A. If these personalities happened to have slips, outsiders would think our movement is not strong and they might question the veracity of the miracle of the century. Alcoholics Anonymous is not anonymous, but its members should be.

From the book Daily Reflections
Copyright © 1990 by Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc.

Saturday 29 November 2014

Jimmy K. NA Speaker Santa Monica, CA 1982



#essentialsofrecovery.com #Bible #Quotes #Hope #Recovery

When Jesus saw him lying there and learned that he had been in this condition for a long time, he asked him, "Do you want to get well?
~ John 5:6

Big Book #essentialsofrecovery.com #Recovery #AA #BigBook #BillW

 29
November


"We alcoholics are undisciplined. So we let God discipline us..."
~Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, Into Action, pg. 88~

Daily Zen #essentialsofrecovery.com #Recovery #Tao #Zen #Buddhism #Buddah

    29
November

Zen Thoughts

Meditation is like a single log of wood. Insight and investigation are one end of the log; calm and concentration are the other end. If you lift up the whole log, both sides come up at once. Which is concentration and which is insight? Just this mind.

-Ajahn Chah, "Still Forest Pool"

Daily Tao #essentialsofrecovery.com #Recovery #Tao #Zen #Buddhism #LaoTzu

 29
November


32. The Tao with no name
The Tao, considered as unchanging, has no name.

Though in its primordial simplicity it may be small, the whole world dares not deal with (one embodying) it as a minister. If a feudal prince or the king could guard and hold it, all would spontaneously submit themselves to him.

Heaven and Earth (under its guidance) unite together and send down the sweet dew, which, without the directions of men, reaches equally everywhere as of its own accord.

As soon as it proceeds to action, it has a name. When it once has that name, (men) can know to rest in it. When they know to rest in it, they can be free from all risk of failure and error.

The relation of the Tao to all the world is like that of the great rivers and seas to the streams from the valleys.

One Day At A Time #essentialsofrecovery.com #recovery #OA #Spiritual #AA

 29
November
To Thine Own Self Be True


“Hide not your talents, they for use were made. What’s a sun-dial in the shade?”–Benjamin Franklin

In the cups of my illness I was a chameleon and people-pleaser. I was afraid to stand on my own opinions and be myself. My fear of rejection kept me always looking for ways to fit in. I was running from life because I was afraid that I would be found to be a fraud and a compulsive eater. I played dumb in school and with my friends. I was afraid to be smart. I was afraid to have differing opinions. Shame kept me hiding inside of myself and inside of my suit of fat. I was afraid to be me.

Since coming to the program I am learning more each day that it is okay for me to be me. It is more than okay; it is essential. I can spread my wings and let myself out of my self-imposed cage ~ and I can go for a flight gliding on the breeze with ease. My first steps were wobbly, but this program promises me that the sunlight is there and it is okay to come out of the shade and be whom I really am. I have something to offer the world. We all do. It is up to us to find it in our deepest heart’s desire.

One day at a time…
I can take one small step to match my insides to my outsides.

Lanaya

Elder’s Meditation of the Day #essentialsofrecovery.com #NativeAmerican #Spiritual #MUSKOGEE-CREEK

    29
November


“Life, the circle, a measurement with no beginning and no end.”

–Phillip Deere, MUSKOGEE-CREEK

The circle teaches us how the Creator made things and how to live. It teaches us how we should look at creation. Life travels in a circle.

In the East is the baby, to the South is the youth, in the West is the adult and in the North is the Elder.

Then we return to the Earth Mother to start the cycle again. We observe what is `around us’ from the center of the circle. This develops our point of view. We must be careful not to become self-centered.

Great Spirit, let me observe life from the circle’s point of view.

A Day At A Time #essentialsofrecovery.com #AA #Recovery #Spiritual

 29
November

Reflection For The Day

Contrary to what some people think, our slogan Let Go and Let God isn’t an expression of apathy, an attitude of defeatism, or an unwillingness to accept responsibility. Those who turn their backs on their problems are not “letting go and letting God,” but not, instead, are abandoning heir commitment to act on God’s inspiration and guidance. They neither ask for it all. In seeking God’s guidance, do I realize their the ultimate responsibility is mine?

Today I Pray
May I not allow myself to be lazy just because I think God is going to do everything anyway. (Such apathy reminds me of my old powerless self, the one that moaned that the world was going up in smoke, civilization was going down the drain and there wasn’t a thing I could do about it.) Neither may I use “letting God” do it as an excuse for shrugging off my problems without even trying. May God be my inspiration; may I be an instrument of God.

Today I Will Remember

God guides those who help themselves.

Walk In Dry Places #essentialsofrecovery.com #Recovery #AA #Spiritual

 29
November
None are obligated to us.
Service


Service is considered an essential part of AA. As Dr. Bob said, AA is really love and service.

If this service is delivered in the right spirit….. the true AA spirit…. no sense of obligation is crated. If others feel they are incurring an obligation, they will resent us in time. Moreover, our carrying of the message will be flawed.

The proper way to look at service is to see it as something we perform for our own benefit. While we hope that it will benefit others, that does not have to happen in order for us to benefit. Our good comes from the giving of SERVICE, not the measurement of its results for others. No one is obligated to us; nor does anyone have the right to complain if our services did not help. We serve entirely for our own benefit.

For my own good, I’ll give service today. I want to be effective for others, but I realize my real purpose is to help myself.

Keep It Simple #essentialsofrecovery.com #Recovery #AA #KeepItSimple

  29
November



One is happy as the result of one’s own efforts.— George Sand

Happiness is not an accident. It comes from following the spiritual voice found in each of us.
This isn’t always easy. Sometimes, the voice tells us to do things we’re afraid of. For Example, if we’re lonely and the voice tells us to call someone on our phone list, we may make excuses to not do it. Again, the voice may say, “Just make the call. It will be okay.” If we follow the

voice, we will find happiness. The spiritual voice inside us speaks of care and love. It will never tell us to hurt others or ourselves. It’s our Higher Power’s voice . It’s what Step Eleven calls “conscious contact.” If we follow this guiding voice, it will lead us to happiness.

Prayer for the Day:
I pray that I’ll come to know my Higher Power by listening to the spiritual voice in me.

Action for the Day: Today, I’ll meditate and listen to my higher power gentle voice within.

Father Leo’s Daily Meditation #essentialsofrecovery.com #Recovery #Spiritual #FrLeo

 29
November 
 
TRUST



“Men become civilized, not in proportion to their willingness to believe, but in their readiness to doubt.”— H. L. Mencken

A civilized nation is essentially a spiritual nation. A civilized person is one who seeks the truth and is willing to grow with change.

Sobriety is adventuresome because it is bigger than simply “not drinking”; it seeks to address all areas of life and all situations. An example is trust. When I was drinking, I trusted no one because I felt that everybody was like me out for themselves! Today I know that the real enemy in my life is me; I am the one who brings pain into my life. I am beginning to love myself by my decision not to drink. I can trust today. I am beginning to trust myself and others.

O God, who trusted man with freedom, help me to freely trust.

As Bill Sees It #essentialsofrecovery.com #Recovery #AA #BillW

    29
November
The Great Fact, p. 331


We realize we know only a little. God will constantly disclose more to you and to us. Ask Him in your morning meditation what you can do each day for the man who is still sick. The answers will come, if your own house is in order.

But obviously you cannot transmit something you haven’t got. See to it that your relationship with Him is right, and great events will come to pass for you and countless others. This is the great fact for us.

To the Newcomer: Abandon yourself to God as you understand God. Admit your faults to Him and to your fellows. Clear away the wreckage of your past. Give freely of what you find and join us. We shall be with you in the fellowship of the spirit, and you will surely meet some of us as you trudge the road of happy destiny.

May God bless you and keep you–until then.
Alcoholics Anonymous, p. 164

Twenty-Four Hours A Day #essentialsofrecovery.com #Recovery #AA #Meditation

  29November
A.A. Thought For The Day


The A.A. way is the way of sobriety, and yet there are slips. Why do these slips occur? Why don’t we all accept A.A. and stay sober from then on? There are many reasons, but it has been proven without exception that once we have become alcoholics we can never drink successfully again. This has never been disproved by any case we know of. Many alcoholics have tried drinking after a period of sobriety from a few days to a few years and no one that we know of has been successful in becoming a normal drinker. Could I be the only exception to this rule?

Meditation For The Day

“We are gathered together in Thy name.” First, we are gathered together, bound by a common loyalty to God an to each other. Then, when this condition has been fulfilled, God is present with us. Then, when God is there and one with us, we voice a common prayer. Then it follows that our prayer will be answered according to God’s will. Then, when our prayer is answered, we are bound together in a lasting brotherhood of the spirit.

Prayer For The Day


I pray that I may be loyal to God and my fellow men. I pray that my life today may be lived close to His and theirs.

Just For Today #essentialsofrecovery.com #Recovery #NA #Addiction

 29
November 


Our Higher Power’s Care


“We believe that our Higher Power will take care of us.”Basic Text pg. 55

Our program is based on the idea that the application of simple principles can produce profound effects in our lives. One such principle is that, if we ask, our Higher Power will care for us. Because this principle is so basic, we may tend to ignore it. Unless we learn to consciously apply this spiritual truth, we may miss out on something as essential to our recovery as breathing is to life itself.

What happens when we find ourselves stressed or panicked? If we have consistently sought to improve our relationship with our Higher Power, we’ll have no problem. Rather than acting rashly, we will stop for a moment and briefly remind ourselves of particular instances in the past when our Higher Power has shown its care for us. This will assure us that our Higher Power is still in charge of our lives. Then, we will seek guidance and power for the situation at hand and proceed calmly, confident that our lives are in God’s hands.

“Our program is a set of principles,” our White Booklet tells us. The more consistently we seek to improve our conscious appreciation of these principles, the more readily we will be able to apply them.

Just for today: I will seek to improve my conscious contact with the Higher Power that cares for me. When the need arises, I know I will be able to trust in that care.

Daily Reflections #essentialsofrecovery.com #Recovery #AA #Reflections #Meditations

  29
November


"ACTIVE GUARDIANS"

To us, however, it represents far more than a sound public relations policy. It is more than a denial of self-seeking. This Tradition is a constant and practical reminder that personal ambition has no place in A.A. In it, each member becomes an active guardian of our Fellowship.

— TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 183

The basic concept of humility is expressed in the Eleventh Tradition: it allows me to participate completely in the program in such a simple, yet profound, manner; it fulfills my need to be an integral part of a significant whole. Humility brings me closer to the actual spirit of togetherness and oneness, without which I could not stay sober. In remembering that every member is an example of sobriety, each one living the Eleventh Tradition, I am able to experience freedom because each one of us is anonymous.


From the book Daily Reflections
Copyright © 1990 by Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc.

Friday 28 November 2014

Craig F. Alcoholics Anonymous Speaker #essentialsofrecovery.com #Recovery #Speakers #AA #Alcoholism



#essentialsofrecovery.com #Recovery #Spiritual #Bible #Quote

He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.
~ Isaiah 40:29

Daily Zen #essentialsofrecovery.com #Recovery #Zen #Buddhism #Tao #Buddah

  28
November


“When you do something, you should do it with your whole body and mind; you should be concentrated on what you do. You should do it completely, like a good bonfire. You should not be a smoky fire. You should burn yourself completely. If you do not burn yourself completely, a trace of yourself will be left in what you do.” 

~ Shunryu Suzuki, Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind

Daily Tao #essentialsofrecovery.com #Recovery #Tao #Zen #Buddhism #LaoTzu

 28
November

31. Stilling war
Now arms, however beautiful, are instruments of evil omen, hateful, it may be said, to all creatures. Therefore they who have the Tao do not like to employ them.

The superior man ordinarily considers the left hand the most honourable place, but in time of war the right hand. Those sharp weapons are instruments of evil omen, and not the instruments of the superior man;—he uses them only on the compulsion of necessity. Calm and repose are what he prizes; victory (by force of arms) is to him undesirable. To consider this desirable would be to delight in the slaughter of men; and he who delights in the slaughter of men cannot get his will in the kingdom.

On occasions of festivity to be on the left hand is the prized position; on occasions of mourning, the right hand. The second in command of the army has his place on the left; the general commanding in chief has his on the right;—his place, that is, is assigned to him as in the rites of mourning. He who has killed multitudes of men should weep for them with the bitterest grief; and the victor in battle has his place (rightly) according to those rites.

One Day At A Time #essentialsofrecovery.com #Recovery #OA

   28
November
~ GOODNESS ~



Above all, let us never forget that an act of goodness is in itself an act of happiness.–Count Maurice Maeterlinck
While in the disease, most of the goodness I tried to do was for ulterior motives. It was only in recovery that I learned to give unselfishly and without strings to help another. In doing so, I have found happiness beyond measure. I can create my own happiness in the service of my Higher Power and other compulsive overeaters. I can make the promise of a “new happiness and a new freedom” come true.

One Day at a Time . . .
I will do acts of goodness.

~ Judy N. ~

A Day At A Time #essentialsofrecovery.com #Recovery #Spiritual #AA

 28
November

Reflection For The Day


Our faith in god’s power — at work in us and in our lives — doesn’t relieve us of responsibility. Instead, our faith strengthens our efforts, makes us confident and assured, and enables us to act decisively and wisely. We’re no longer afraid to make decisions; we’re not afraid to take the steps that seem called for in the proper handling of given situations. Do I believe that God is at work beyond my human efforts, and that my faith and trust in Him will bring forth results for exceeding my expectations?

Today I Pray

May my trust in my Higher Power never falter. May my my faith in that Power continue to shore up my optimism, my confidence, my belief in my own decision-making. May I never shut my eyes to the wonder of God’s work or discount the wisdom of His solutions.

Today I Will Remember

Our hope is ages past, our help for years to come.

Father Leo’s Daily Meditation #essentialsofrecovery.com #Recovery #FrLeo #Spiritual

   28
November
CERTAINTY



“The certainties of one age are the problems of next.”— R. H. Tawney

I was a religious bigot. I did not know that I was a bigot, but now I see how closed and narrow my thinking was. I craved for certainty because I felt it would give me security and happiness but it never did. I argued dogmas that I did not believe; the plight of the unhappy hypocrite!

Today I live only in the certainty of the day. Today I know that what worked for me yesterday will work for me today if I am open to love, truth, honesty and change. Change is not necessarily “difference” if I see it as part of a process rather than an event. Yesterday is linked to today, and together they forge tomorrow. The one thing of which I can be certain is change. The God of Truth is revealed in the change; the acceptance of this fact is spirituality.

May I continue to grow in the spiritual life by my continued desire to change and be tolerant.

Walk In Dry Places #essentialsofrecovery.com #Recovery #AA#Spiritual

 28
November
Spaces in Togetherness
Friendship

One of the beautiful aspects of AA is the bonding that develops among members. We truly do achieve a closeness with some people that is unlike anything we ever had before.

The danger in such friendships is that we may become too close in some ways. Without realizing it, we may be making too many demands on others’ time. This can become suffocating to them and eventually detrimental to the friendship.

In such situations, we need to remember the words of Kahlil Gibran; “Let there be spaces in your togetherness.” However, close we feel to others, we must allow them their space.

We should also remember to respect others’ privacy as well as their anonymity. AA should give us close friendships, but not to the point of suffocation.

I’ll remember today not to overstep my boundaries in any friendship. There must be spaces in our togetherness.

As Bill Sees It #essentialsofrecovery.com #recovery #AA #BillW

 28
November 


To Grow Up, p. 330


Those adolescent urges that so many of us have for complete approval, utter security, and perfect romance–urges quite appropriate to age seventeen–prove to be an impossible way of life at forty-seven or fifty-seven.

Since A.A. began, I’ve taken huge wallops in all these areas because of my failure to grow up, emotionally and spiritually.

<< << << >> >> >>

As we grow spiritually, we find that our old attitudes toward instinctual drives need to undergo drastic revisions. Our demands for emotional security and wealth, for personal prestige and power all have to be tempered and redirected.

We learn that the full satisfaction of these demands cannot be the sole end and aim of our lives. We cannot place the cart before the horse, or we shall be pulled backward into disillusionment. But when we are willing to place spiritual growth first–then and only then do we have a real chance to grow in healthy awareness and mature love.

1. Grapevine, January 1958
2. 12 & 12, p. 114

Just For Today #essentialsofrecovery.com #Recovery #NA #Inspiration #Spiritual

 28
November
Being Ourselves

“To be truly humble is to accept and honestly try to be ourselves.”Basic Text pg. 35
Humility is a puzzling concept. We know a lot about humiliation, but humility is a new idea. It sounds suspiciously like groveling, bowing, and scraping. But that’s not what humility is at all. True humility is, simply, acceptance of who we are.

By the time we reach a step that uses the word “humbly;” we have already started to put this principle into practice. The Fourth Step gives us an opportunity to examine who we really are, and the Fifth Step helps us accept that knowledge.

The practice of humility involves accepting our true nature, honestly being ourselves. We don’t have to grovel or abase ourselves, nor must we try to appear smarter, wealthier, or happier than we really are. Humility simply means we drop all pretense and live as honestly as we can.

Just for today: I will allow knowledge of my true nature to guide my actions. Today, I will face the world as myself.

Keep It Simple #essentialsofrecovery.com #Recovery #AA #KeepITSimple

  28
November


The purpose of freedom is to create it for others. ~ Bernard Malamud

Sobriety is freedom. With this freedom, we have a responsibility to help other addicts who still suffer. The program tells us this in Step Twelve. We do this by telling our stories and offering hope.

We must be ready to care, to give ourselves. This is what spirituality is about. When we help others, we prepare the road for those who enter the program after us.

Tradition Five of the Twelve Traditions says, “Each group has but one primary purpose---to carry its message to the alcoholic who still suffers.” It means we get better by helping others.

Prayer for the Day: Higher Power, help me create more freedom. Bring me to where I’m needed. Help me carry the message well.

Action for the Day: Today, I’ll think of ways I can help the addict who still suffers. Then I’ll chose one way I can be of help. I’ll talk with my sponsor about it, and I’ll follow through with my plan.

Elder's Meditation Of The Day #essentialsofrecovery.com #Recovery #NativeAmerican #CHEROKEE #Elders

28

November


"People say that crisis changes people and turns ordinary people into wiser or more responsible ones." 

--Wilma Mankiller, CHEROKEE

There is a saying, conflict precedes clarity. The Medicine Wheel teachings say, in order for something to change it must first go through a struggle. When a crisis enters our lives, other powers are there to help us. We will learn some lessons. Will I honor and respect the next crisis?

Great Spirit, if a crisis occurs today, let me learn the lessons of wisdom.

Twenty-Four Hours A Day #essentialsofrecovery.com #Recovery #AA #Twenty-Four-hours

 28
November

A.A. Thought for the Day

The A.A. way is the way of sobriety. A.A. is known everywhere as a method that has been successful with alcoholics. Doctors, psychiatrists, and the clergy have had some success. Some men and women have gotten sober all by themselves. We believe that A.A. is the most successful and happiest way to sobriety. And yet A.A. is, of course, not wholly successful. Some are unable to achieve sobriety and some slip back into alcoholism after they have had some measure of sobriety. Am I deeply grateful to have found A.A.?

Meditation for the Day

Gratitude to God is the theme of Thanksgiving Day. The pilgrims gathered to give thanks to God for their harvest which was pitifully small. When we look around at all the things we have today, how can we help being grateful to God? Our families, our homes, our friends, our A.A. fellowship: all these things are free gifts of God to us. "But for the grace of God," we would not have them.

Prayer for the Day

I pray that I may be very grateful today. I pray that I may not forget where I might be but for the grace of God.

From the book Twenty-Four Hours a Day
© Copyright 1975 by Hazelden Foundation

Daily Reflections #essentialsofrecovery.com #recovery #AA #Reflections

  28
November

ATTRACTION, NOT PROMOTION

Through many painful experiences, we think we have arrived at what that policy ought to be. It is the opposite in many ways of usual promotional practice. We found that we had to rely upon the principle of attraction rather than of promotion.

— TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, pp. 180-81

While I was drinking I reacted with anger, self-pity and defiance against anyone who wanted to change me. All I wanted then was to be accepted by another human simply as I was and, curiously, that is what I found in A.A. I became the custodian of this concept of attraction, which is the principle of our Fellowship's public relations. It is by attraction that I can best reach the alcoholic who still suffers.

I thank God for having given me the attraction of a well-planned and established program of Steps and Traditions. Through humility and the support of my fellow sober members, I have been able to practice the A.A. way of life through attraction, not promotion.

From the book Daily Reflections
Copyright © 1990 by Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc.

Thursday 27 November 2014

Larcene G. - Family Recovery Speaker - "Choices, Sanity, and Surrender" #essentialsofrecovery.com #Alanon #Speakers #Alcoholism #Recovery




Larcene is one of my favourite Al Anon speakers, and this is one of her best.Poignant, moving, and always inspirational, Larcene has such a wonderful style of relating to the audience and tell her story in a brilliant and very moving way.

#essentialsofrecovery.com #Recovery #Bible #Quotes

Set me free from my prison that I may praise your Name. Then the righteous will gather around me, because of Your goodness to me.
~Psalm 142:7

A Day At A Time #essentialsofrecovery.com #Recovery #AA #Spiritual #ADayAtATime

  27
November

Reflection For The Day


The Program shows us how to transform the pipe-dreams of our past into reality and a true sense of purpose, together with a growing consciousness of the power of God in our lives. It’s alright to keep our head in the clouds with Him, we’re taught, but our feet should remain firmly planted here on earth. Here’s where other people are; here’s where our work must be accomplished. Do I see anything incompatible between spirituality and a useful life in the here and now?

Today I Pray

May my new “reality” include not only the nuts and bolts and pots and pans of daily lviing, but also my spiritual realty, my growing knowledge of the presence of God. May this new reality have room, too, for my dreams—not the drug-induced, mind-drifting fantasies of the past or the presents of my delusions—but the products of a healthy imagination. May I respect these dreams, anchor them in earth’s possibilities and turn them into useful creativity.

Today I Will Remember

Heaven has a place in the here-and-now.

Father Leo’s Daily Meditation #essentialsofrecovery.com #recovery #AA #FrLeo #Spiritual #Faith #Hope

  27
November 

PREVARICATION



“Whenever science makes a discovery, the devil grabs it while the angels are debating the best way to use it.”

—Alan Valentine

Sometimes we can spend so long deciding what to do that we miss an opportunity. We can prevaricate to the point of impotence. Nowhere is this more true than in the science of relationships. We see somebody that we like and we go home thinking about what we could have said or done. We create happenings in our mind that never happened in fact. We miss the spiritual opportunity of risk.

For years I used to be like this. I always thought that I was not good enough, not important, less than other people: the syndrome of low self-esteem.

Today it is getting better. Part of my spiritual growth is reaching out to other people. Today I make a point of saying “Hello.” Today I will ask for a telephone number, invite people to dinner, risk a relationship.

Let me not debate myself into sickness and isolation.

Walk In Dry Places #essentialsofrecovery.com #Recovery #AA #WalkInDryPlaces #Spiritual

   27
November 

Nobody “OD’s” on AA.
Balance


Do people really need daily AA meetings, perhaps even two or three a day? Frequent meeting attendance is usually considered beneficial in AA, but non-members may frown on the practice, especially if a person is neglecting other responsibilities in the meantime.

One thing to remember is that nobody can really “OD” on AA. The worst that can happen from attending so many meetings would be eventual boredom from too much of the same thing. But no harm can come from too much of what is essentially a good practice.

If a person is attending lots of meetings, this schedule may eventually be cut back to allow time for other activities. It’s better, especially in early recovery, to attend too many meetings than too few. We also have to let each person decide how many meetings are required at any stage in his or her recovery.

I know that everyone needs a balanced life, but that cannot happen without secure recovery. Meetings are my best way of staying active in the fellowship.

As Bill Sees It #essentialsofrecovery.com #Recovery #AA #BillW

   27
November

Do It Our Way?     p. 329


In praying, our immediate temptation will be to ask for specific solutions to specific problems, and for the ability to help other people as we have already thought they should be helped. In that case, we are asking God to do it our way. Therefore, we ought to consider each request carefully to see what its real merit is.

Even so, when making specific requests, it will be well to add to each one of them this qualification: ” … if it be Thy will.”

12 & 12, p. 102

Daily Tao #essentialsofrecovery.com #Buddhism #Tao #Zen #Buddah #LaoTzu


27
November


30  A caveat against war

He who would assist a lord of men in harmony with the Tao will
not assert his mastery in the kingdom by force of arms. Such a course
is sure to meet with its proper return.

Wherever a host is stationed, briars and thorns spring up. In the
sequence of great armies there are sure to be bad years.

A skilful (commander) strikes a decisive blow, and stops. He does
not dare (by continuing his operations) to assert and complete his
mastery. He will strike the blow, but will be on his guard against
being vain or boastful or arrogant in consequence of it. He strikes
it as a matter of necessity; he strikes it, but not from a wish for
mastery.

When things have attained their strong maturity they become old.
This may be said to be not in accordance with the Tao: and what is not
in accordance with it soon comes to an end.

Translated By James Legge

Daily Zen #essentialsofrecovery.com #Zen #Buddah #Buddhism #Spiritual

  27
November

CONTRARY WAYS

What we are today comes from our thoughts of yesterday, and our present thoughts build our life of tomorrow: our life is the creation of our mind.
- If a man speaks or acts with an impure mind, suffering will follow him as the wheel of the cart follows the beast that draws the cart.
- If a man speaks or acts with a pure mind, joy follows him as his own shadow.

Many do not know that we are here in this world to live in harmony. Those who know this do not fight against each other.

If a man speaks many holy words but he speaks and does not, this thoughtless man cannot enjoy the life of holiness: he is like a cowherd who counts the cows of his master.

Whereas if a man speaks but a few holy words and yet he lives the life of those words, free from passion and hate and illusion - with right vision and a mind free, craving for nothing both now and hereafter - the life of this man is a life of holiness.

from the book The Dhammapada translated by Juan Mascaro

Big Book #essentialsofrecovery.com #Recovery #BigBook #AA #BillW

 27
November


"At a certain point in the drinking of every alcoholic, he passes
into a state where the most powerful desire to stop drinking is of
absolutely no avail. This tragic situation has already arrived in
practically every case long before it is suspected."

~Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, There Is A Solution, pg. 24~

Twenty-Four Hours A Day #essentialsofrecovery.com #Recovery #AA #Twenty-Four-Hours

 27
November

A.A. Thought for the Day


The way of A.A. is the way of sobriety, fellowship, service, and faith. Let us take up each one of these things and see if our feet are truly on the way. The first and greatest to us is sobriety. The others are built on sobriety as a foundation. We could not have the others if we did not have sobriety. We all come to A.A. to get sober, and we stay to help others get sober. We are looking for sobriety first, last, and all the time. We cannot build any decent kind of a life unless we stay sober. Am I on the A.A. way?

Meditation for the Day
To truly desire to do God's will, therein lies happiness for a human being. We start out wanting our own way. We want our wills to be satisfied. We take and we do not give. Gradually we find that we are not happy when we are selfish, so we begin to make allowances for other people's wills. But this again' does not give us full happiness, and we begin to see that the only way to be truly happy is to try to do God's will. In these times of meditation, we seek to get guidance so that we can find God's will for us.

Prayer for the Day
I pray that I may subordinate my will to the will of God. I pray that I may be guided today to find His will for me.

From the book Twenty-Four Hours a Day
© Copyright 1975 by Hazelden Foundation

One Day at a Time #essentialsofrecovery.com #Recovery #OA #OneDayAtATime

 27
November

~ NEW BEGINNINGS ~


There will come a time when you believe everything is finished.
That will be the beginning.

Louis L'Amour
During my life I've always found it hard to start anything. I don't know whether it comes from being a compulsive overeater, but I do know that I took my time in starting a recovery program. Maybe it was a fear that, if I didn't succeed, I could never start over.

Luckily, this is a very forgiving program. If I slip, I can get up and start over. I don't have to stay down. In fact, I can be down, but I can never be counted out, because all I need to do is begin again. My Higher Power helps me stay on track, and it comforts me to know that, if I fall, I can be picked up and allowed to continue my journey to recovery.

One day at a time . . .
I will remain "higher powered" and start over if I need to.

Jeff

Just for Today #essentialsofrecovery.com #NA #Recovery

 27
November

Seeking God's Help


"At times during our recovery, the decision to ask for God's help is our greatest source of strength and courage."

Basic Text pg. 26


When we take the Third Step, we decide to allow a loving Higher Power to guide us and care for us in our daily lives. We make the decision to allow this guidance and care into our lives. Some of us believe that, once we've made the Third Step decision, God leads us; from that point on, it's just a matter of paying attention to where we are led.

The Third Step decision is an act of faith, and asking for God's help is a way of renewing that act of faith. Putting faith to work in our daily lives gives us all the courage and strength we need, because we know we have the help of a loving Higher Power. We trust that our needs will be met. We can tap into that faith and trust just by asking.

Just for today: I will remind myself that I'm not alone by asking my Higher Power for help each step of the way.
pg. 345

From the book Just for Today
© Copyright 1991-2013 by Narcotics Anonymous World Services, Inc.

Keep It Simple #essentialsofrecovery.com #Recovery #AA #KeepITSimple

 27
November

Life is not lost by dying; life is lost by minute, day by day, in all the thousands, small, uncaring ways.   --- Stephen V. Benet 
Our Twelve Step program promises us a new way of life. But most of us won’t just wake up one day with a new attitude. We only gain this new way of life if we get involved. 

The Twelve Step are tools to build a new life. The more we use a tool, the easier it is to use. The same goes for the Twelve Steps, just as carpenters depend on their tools. If we only wait for the new way of life, it’ll never come. The quicker we get involved, the quicker we’ll get fixed.

Prayer for the Day: Higher Power, help me get involved. Help me build a new way of life.

Action for the Day: Today, I’ll look for ways to use the Twelve Steps. If I have a problem, I’ll first stop and think of how the Twelve Steps can help me solve it.

Twenty-Four Hours A Day #essentialsofrecovery.com #Recovery #AA #Twenty-Four-Hours

 27
November

A.A. Thought for the Day


The way of A.A. is the way of sobriety, fellowship, service, and faith. Let us take up each one of these things and see if our feet are truly on the way. The first and greatest to us is sobriety. The others are built on sobriety as a foundation. We could not have the others if we did not have sobriety. We all come to A.A. to get sober, and we stay to help others get sober. We are looking for sobriety first, last, and all the time. We cannot build any decent kind of a life unless we stay sober. Am I on the A.A. way?

Meditation for the Day

To truly desire to do God's will, therein lies happiness for a human being. We start out wanting our own way. We want our wills to be satisfied. We take and we do not give. Gradually we find that we are not happy when we are selfish, so we begin to make allowances for other people's wills. But this again' does not give us full happiness, and we begin to see that the only way to be truly happy is to try to do God's will. In these times of meditation, we seek to get guidance so that we can find God's will for us.

Prayer for the Day

I pray that I may subordinate my will to the will of God. I pray that I may be guided today to find His will for me.

From the book Twenty-Four Hours a Day
© Copyright 1975 by Hazelden Foundation

Elder Meditation Of The day #essentialsofrecovery.com #Elders #NativeAmerican

 27
November

"The Natural Law is a spiritual law. Its powers are both light and dark." 

--Oren R. Lyons, Spokesman Traditional Circle of Elders
There are some characteristics that are evident in the system which the Creator made. He made balance, harmony and polarity. In other words, every (+) plus has a (-) minus. Every positive has a negative; every up has a down; every problem has a solution. The Spiritual Law is the same-it has light and dark. Both are good, so both need to be honored. Lessons can be learned on both sides.

Great Spirit, teach me the powers of the Natural Laws.

Daily reflections #essentialsofrecovery.com #recovery #meditation #Reflections #AA

 27
November

THE PERILS OF THE LIMELIGHT

In the beginning, the press could not understand our refusal of all personal publicity. They were genuinely baffled by our insistence upon anonymity. Then they got the point. Here was something rare in the world —a society which said it wished to publicize its principles and its work, but not its individual members. The press was delighted with this attitude. Ever since, these friends have reported A.A. with an enthusiasm— which the most ardent members would find hard to match.

— TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 182

It is essential for my personal survival and that of the Fellowship that I not use A.A. to put myself in the limelight. Anonymity is a way for me to work on my humility. Since pride is one of my most dangerous shortcomings, practicing humility is one of the best ways to overcome it. The Fellowship of A.A. gains worldwide recognition by its various methods of publicizing its principles and its work, not by its individual members advertising themselves. The attraction created by my changing attitudes and my altruism contributes much more to the welfare of A.A. than self-promotion.

From the book Daily Reflections
Copyright © 1990 by Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc.

Wednesday 26 November 2014

Big Book #essentialsofrecovery.com #Recovery #AA #Alcoholism #Spiritual #BigBook

 26
November



"If we are planning to stop drinking, there must be no reservation
of any kind, nor any lurking notion that someday we will be immune to
alcohol."

~Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, More About Alcoholism, pg. 33~

AL-ANON IN ACTION



EssentialsOfRecovery.com

Embrace The change..



EssentialsOfRecovery.com

Daily Zen #essentialsofrecovery.com #Zen #Tao #Buddhism #Buddah #Meditation

 26

November

Zen Thoughts


A person of wisdom should be truthful, without arrogance, without deceit, not slanderous and not hateful. The wise person should go beyond the evil of greed and miserliness.

Do not get excited by what is old, do not be contented with what is new. Do not grieve for what is lost or be controlled by desire.

-Sutta-nipata, translated by H. Saddhatissa

Daily Tao #essentialsofrecovery.com #Recovery #Tao #Zen #Buddhism #Buddha #LaoTzu

 26
November



28. Returning to simplicity


Who knows his manhood's strength,
Yet still his female feebleness maintains;
As to one channel flow the many drains,
All come to him, yea, all beneath the sky.
Thus he the constant excellence retains;
The simple child again, free from all stains.

Who knows how white attracts,
Yet always keeps himself within black's shade,
The pattern of humility displayed,
Displayed in view of all beneath the sky;
He in the unchanging excellence arrayed,
Endless return to man's first state has made.

Who knows how glory shines,
Yet loves disgrace, nor ever for it is pale;
Behold his presence in a spacious vale,
To which men come from all beneath the sky.
The unchanging excellence completes its tale;
The simple infant man in him we hail.

The unwrought material, when divided and distributed, forms vessels. The sage, when employed, becomes the Head of all the Officers (of government); and in his greatest regulations he employs no violent measures.


Translation By ~ James Legge

A Day At A Time #essentialsofrecovery.com #recovery #ADayAtAtime #Spiritual #AA

 26
November

Reflection For The Day

During our first days in The Program, we got rid of alcohol and pills. We had to get rid of our chemicals, for we knew they surely would have killed us. We got rid of the addictive substances, but we couldn’t get rid of our addictions until we took further action. So we also had to learn to toss self pity, self-justification, self-righteousness and self-will straight out the window. We had to get off the rickety ladder that supposedly led to money, property and prestige. And we had to take personal responsibility. To gain enough humility and self-respect to stay alive at all, we had to give up our most valued possessions — our ambition and our pride. Am i well rid of the weights and chains that once bound me?

Today I Pray
Ma I give credit to my Higher Power not only for removing my addiction, but for teaching me to remove my old demanding, pushy “self” from all my spiritual and earthly relationships. For all the things I have learned and unlearned, for my own faith and for the grace of God, I am fully and heartily thankful.

Today I Will Remember
Gratitude for the grace of God.

Elder's Meditation of the Day #essentialsofrecovery.com #recovery #Elders #NativeAmerican

 26 
November 

"In our traditional ways, the woman is the foundation of the family."

--Haida Gwaii Traditional Circle of Elders
We must pay attention to the role of the woman in the family. She is the heartbeat of the family. She should be respected and treated in a sacred manner. We should listen to her guidance. We should help make her role easier by helping with chores or just telling her how much we appreciate her.

Great Spirit, I ask you to bless all the moms.




    Father Leo’s Daily Meditation #essentialsofrecovery.com #recovery #AA #FrLeo #Spiritual

     26
    November 

     
    RECOVERY



    “There is a destiny that makes us brothers, none goes his way alone. All that we send into the lives of others come back into our own.”

    — Edwin Markham
    I can remember when I felt so isolated and alone. I used to look at people talking with their friends, families playing in the park, lovers holding hands, and I felt so different and awkward. I always looked at life from the outside. I was the guy without an invitation to the party. The symptoms of addiction!

    Today I know that my actions and behavior around alcohol reinforced these negative and destructive feelings. By my drinking I was perpetuating the painful disease in my life.

    Sobriety led me into fellowship with others; it brought me into the family of recovering people. Today I am not alone. I have over a million brothers and sisters living a day at a time in a spiritual program. I have countless thousands finding joy, peace and serenity in sister programs. Today I belong in this world.

    O God, thank You for giving me the need to give so that I might receive.

    Walk In Dry Places #essentialsofrecovery.com #Recovery #Spiritual #AA

     26
    November 

    Waste Utilization
    Releasing the past


    Today the world faces seemingly insurmountable problems with solid and liquid waste. Communities struggle to find solutions as waste accumulates and space for disposal sites grows scarce.

    As recovering people, we have a similar problem with waste residues from our past. We don’t seem to be able to bury bad memories; like the physical waste in the environment, they come back to poison us.

    The best answer is to use waste, not throw it away. Instead of trying to bury the past, let’s keep it in view but let it be purified by the sunlight of honesty and humility. By admitting past wrongs and forgiving everyone involved…. including ourselves….. we turn waste into useful experience. Nature can do this with much physical waste, over time. we can also let our spiritual nature do that with the emotional and
    mental waste of our past.

    I’ll realize that every past mistake and experience can be properly utilized today for something good and uplifting.

    Keep It Simple #essentialsofrecovery.com #Recovery #AA#Alcoholism

     26
    November

    Love is the reward of love.—Johann von Schiller

    When we used alcohol and other drugs, we shared little as possible. There was little love in our hearts. We had become selfish. This caused us to be lonely.

    Then something happened to change all of that. Remember the first time you walked into a meeting? You were met by people who shared. Maybe they shared a smile, their story, or just a cup of coffee with you. The sharing that goes on in a Twelve Step program is great. We learn that the more we give, the more we get. We get well by giving to others. Helping others is a great way to hold on to sobriety. Love is the reward of love.

    Prayer for the Day: I pray that I will be there when others need me. I pray that service will become a big part of my program.

    Action for the Day: Today, I’ll think of friends who could use my help. I’ll talk to them and offer to be there for them.

    As Bill Sees It #essentialsofrecovery.com #Recovery #AA #BillW

     26
    November
    A New-Found Providence, p. 328


    When dealing with a prospect of agnostic or atheistic bent, you had better use everyday language to describe spiritual principles. There is no use arousing any prejudice he may have against certain theological terms and conceptions, about which he may already be confused. Don’t raise such issues, no matter what your own convictions are.
    << << << >> >> >>

    Every man and woman who has joined A.A. and intends to stick has, without realizing it, made a beginning on Step Three. Isn’t it true that, in all matters touching upon alcohol, each of them has decided to turn his or her life over to the care, protection, and guidance of A.A.?

    Already a willingness has been achieved to cast out one’s own will and one’s own ideas about the alcohol problem in favor of those suggested by A.A. Now if this is not turning one’s will and life over to a new-found “Providence,” then what is it?

    1. Alcoholics Anonymous, p. 93
    2. 12 & 12, p. 35

    Twenty-Four Hours A Day #essentialsofrecovery.com #recovery #AA #TwentyFourHours

     26
    November
    A.A. Thought For The Day


    Continuing our thoughts about the rewards that have come to us as a result of our new way of living: We have found that we have got rid of many of our fears, resentments, inferiority complexes, negative points of view, self-centeredness, inner conflicts, the habits of procrastination, undisciplined sex, wasting money, boredom, false perfectionism, and jealousy and envy of others. We are glad to be rid of our drinking, and we are also very glad to be rid of these other things. We can now go forward in the new way of life, as shown us by A.A. Am I ready to go forward in the new life?

    Meditation For The Day
    “He that has eyes to see, let him see.” To the seeing eye, the world is good. Pray for a seeing eye, to see the purpose of God in everything good. Pray for enough faith to see God’s care in His dealings with you. Try to see how He has brought you safely through your past life so that now you can be of use in the world. With the eyes of faith you can see God’s care and purpose everywhere.

    Prayer For The Day
    I pray that I may have a seeing eye. I pray that with the eye of faith I may see God’s purpose everywhere.

    One Day At A Time #essentialsofrecovery.com #Recovery #OA #Inspiration

     26
    November

    VISION


    “The greatest tragedy in life is people who have sight but no vision.”

    ~ Helen Keller


    The miracle of recovery has given me new vision! I lived for many years with eyes that viewed the world through fear, pain and resentment. These were the factors that shaded the lenses of my eyes. Because they clouded my entire perspective, they prevented me from seeing reality as it was. Instead, I lived in fear of the distorted realities of my world.

    When I took my Fourth Step I began to see with new vision and clarity. It was amazing for me to realize how skewed my perception of life had been all those years. I discovered that my vision hadn’t been focused on the truth! The shades of this illness had cast many shadows upon reality and I had spent my life reacting to those shadows instead of responding to life.

    I had years of experience looking at the world through illness, and I was not sure if I could really keep this new vision which was promised through recovery. I was a little worried that it would soon fade away into those old shadows … as had happened in other awakenings I had experienced.

    As I continued to take the Steps, I found that my new vision not only remained, but grew broader and deeper every day. As I continue to work a daily Tenth, Eleventh and Twelfth Step and to practice these principles in all aspects of my life, I continue to celebrate life with the vision that recovery brings. This vision is one of deep joy, gratitude, serenity, and love!

    One day at a time... .. . .
    I will practice the Steps of recovery in all aspects of my life and I will continue to receive and share the gift of vision that recovery brings.

    Cate

    Just For Today #essentialsofrecovery #NA #Recovery #inspiration

     26
    November

    Responsibility



    “A lot happens in one day, both negative and positive. If we do not take the time to appreciate both, perhaps we will miss something that will help us grow.”

    IP No. 8, Just for Today


    ––––=––––

    Responsibility, responsibility—the responsibilities of life are everywhere. We’re “supposed to” wear seat belts. We’re “supposed to” clean our homes. We’re “supposed to” do certain things for our spouse, our children, the people we sponsor. On top of all this, we’re “supposed to” go to meetings and practice our program as best we can. It’s no wonder that, sometimes, we want to run from all these tasks and escape to some far-off island where we’re not “supposed to” do anything!

    At times like these, when we’ve become overwhelmed with our responsibilities, we have forgotten that responsibility need not be burdensome. When we have a desire to run away from our responsibilities we need to slow down, remember why we have chosen them, and pay attention to the gifts they bring. Whether it’s a job we normally find challenging and interesting, or a partner whose personality we are usually excited by, or a child whom we naturally like to play with and care for, there is joy to be found in all the responsibilities of our lives.

    ––––=––––

    Just for today: Each moment is special. I will pay attention, grateful for my responsibilities and the special joys they bring.


    Don't Be a Discouraged...



    EssentialsOfRecovery.com

    Practising Step 11..



    EssentialsOfRecovery.com

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    EssentialsOfRecovery.com

    Learn From Your Mist



    EssentialsOfRecovery.com

    Face it and Recover.



    EssentialsOfRecovery.com

    Buddha



    EssentialsOfRecovery.com



    EssentialsOfRecovery.com

    Choose wisely... ht



    EssentialsOfRecovery.com

    Create a legacy...



    EssentialsOfRecovery.com

    Be warned...



    EssentialsOfRecovery.com

    Strive for Humility.



    EssentialsOfRecovery.com

    Not Easy But Doable.



    EssentialsOfRecovery.com

    Be Yourself... http



    EssentialsOfRecovery.com

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    EssentialsOfRecovery.com

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    EssentialsOfRecovery.com

    Daily Reflections #essentialsofrecovery.com #recovery #AA #Reflections #Spiritual

     26
    November

    THE HAZARDS OF PUBLICITY

    People who symbolize causes and ideas fill a deep human need. We of A.A. do not question that. But we do have to soberly face the fact that being in the public eye is hazardous, especially for us.

    — TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 181

    As a recovered alcoholic I must make an effort to put into practice the principles of the A.A. program, which are founded on honesty, truth and humility. While I was drinking I was constantly trying to be in the limelight. Now that I am conscious of my mistakes and of my former lack of integrity, it would not be honest to seek prestige, even for the justifiable purpose of promoting the A.A. message of recovery. Is the publicity that centers around the A.A. Fellowship and the miracles it produces not worth much more? Why not let the people around us appreciate by themselves the changes that A.A. has brought in us, for that will be a far better recommendation for the Fellowship than any I could make.

    From the book Daily Reflections
    Copyright © 1990 by Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc.