THE TEACHING IS NEVER OVER
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 ~
These words put a lump in my throat each time I read them. In the beginning it was because I felt, “Oh no! The teaching is over. Now I’m on my own. It will never be this new again.” Today I feel deep affection for our A.A. pioneers when I read this passage, realizing that it sums up all of what I believe in, and strive for, and that—with God’s blessing—the teaching is never over, I’m never on my own, and every day is brand new.
Copyright © 1990 by Alcoholics Anonymous World Services Inc
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TEACHING
“The art of teaching is the art of assisting discovery.”
~ Mark Van Doren ~
I need a “sponsor” in recovery. A sponsor is someone I turn to when I have problems, when I am confused or in pain, when I need to talk, when I feel lonely, or when I am about to make a major change. I greatly benefit from someone with whom to share ideas, especially ideas that affect my actual living, because the disease of alcoholism pervades my life!
My sponsor guides, suggests, and gently leads me in the right direction. He or she does not demand, dictate, or try to be a fixer. My sponsor is a friend I can trust. My sponsor does not allow me to escape into his or her life or become addicted to our relationship.
God, let me always be free enough to discover You in my life.
© 2008 Leo Booth
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JESUS’ TEACHING
Jesus explains what the nature of God is, and what your own nature is; tells us the meaning of life and of death; shows us why we make mistakes; why we yield to temptation; why we become sick, and impoverished, and old; and, most important of all, he tells us how all these evils may be overcome, and how we may bring fulfillment into our lives, and into the lives of others.
Jesus warns us, not once but often, that obstinacy in sin can bring very severe punishment, and that a man who parts with the integrity of his soul—even though he gain the whole world—is a tragic fool. but he teaches that we are only punished for—and actually punished by—our own mistakes; and he teaches that every man or woman, no matter how steeped in evil and uncleanness, has always direct access to an all-loving, all-powerful Father-God, who will forgive him, and supply His own strength to him to enable him to find himself again.
If ye know that he is righteous, ye know that every one that doeth righteousness is born of him (1 John 2:29).
© 1931 by Emmet Fox
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WHAT DID JESUS TEACH?
Jesus Christ is easily the most important figure that has ever appeared in the history of mankind. This is true whether you choose to call him god or man. His life and death and teachings have influenced the course of human history more than those of any other man who ever lived. There can hardly, therefore, be a more important undertaking than to inquire into the question of what Jesus really did stand for.
What did Jesus teach? What did he really wish us to believe and to do? How far does the Christianity of today present his message to the world? What did Jesus teach?
…for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you (Luke 17:21).
This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you (John 15:12).
If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it (John 14:14).
© 1931 by Emmet Fox
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“Ultimately, nature will do the teaching.”
~ Tom Porter, MOHAWK ~
There are things man has control over, and there are things man does not have control over. No matter how smart we get, whether it be in technology or science, there are things we will never control. The Great Spirit carefully protected and hid the control over certain things in the Unseen World. There are forces in the Unseen World that make sure humans don’t mess things up. The bottom line is, no matter what we do, nature will have the last say. Nature is the teacher, we are the students. May we honor and respect our teacher.
Great Spirit, today, help me to live in harmony with people, principles, and life.
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Worship by cultivating nine fields :
Diet. Herbs. Clothing. Recitation.
Movement. Meditation. Creativity. Teaching.
And most important : Compassion.Worship is not a matter of making an obeisance to a god. It is a matter of achieving godlike qualities in yourself. This is done through the cultivation of nine areas :Diet should be moderate, healthy, and of living foods. If you want to be sustained, eat things that themselves sustained life.Learn to use herbs, for they heal and maintain healthBe moderate in your clothing; wear natural fibers. What you wear is an expression of your state of mindRecitation includes prayer, song, chanting, and finally, the practice of silence. What you say becomes realityStretch, move, and exercise every day. The universe moves; so too should the energy within your bodyMeditate every day — once in the morning and once in the evening, if possible. Only then will you attain tranquility and triumph over your dilemmasBe creative. Thus we contribute, and thus we elevate our soulsAcquire a good education. Treasure what you learn, and preserve it so that it may be passed on to others. Never be selfish with what you knowAbove all, be compassionate. This is a stand against all evil, and it opens your spiritPeople ask, “How can I worship properly?” Cultivate these nine fields
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TEACHING
“To teach is to learn.”
–Japanese Proverb
The more I learn the more I know that I do not understand. Life is full of new and wonderful information; paradoxes and confusion abound; every new idea leads to a further truth – and the journey seems endless.
In a sense we are all disciples; we are all learning from each other and the role of teacher and student is forever being exchanged. In my sobriety I am able to see how many wonderful “things” exist in the world – so many fascinating and interesting places to visit, so many loving and insightful people. God has given me so much, I am so grateful to be able to learn in His garden.
Teacher, may I never stop learning and being a student in Your world.
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THE TEACHING IS NEVER OVERAbandon 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 ~These words put a lump in my throat each time I read them. In the beginning it was because I felt, “Oh no! The teaching is over. Now I’m on my own. It will never be this new again.” Today I feel deep affection for our A.A. pioneers when I read this passage, realizing that it sums up all of what I believe in, and strive for, and that—with God’s blessing—the teaching is never over, I’m never on my own, and every day is brand new.Copyright © 1990 by Alcoholics Anonymous World Services Inc
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TEACHING“The art of teaching is the art of assisting discovery.”~ Mark Van Doren ~I need a “sponsor” in recovery. A sponsor is someone I turn to when I have problems, when I am confused or in pain, when I need to talk, when I feel lonely, or when I am about to make a major change. I greatly benefit from someone with whom to share ideas, especially ideas that affect my actual living, because the disease of alcoholism pervades my life!My sponsor guides, suggests, and gently leads me in the right direction. He or she does not demand, dictate, or try to be a fixer. My sponsor is a friend I can trust. My sponsor does not allow me to escape into his or her life or become addicted to our relationship.God, let me always be free enough to discover You in my life.
© 2008 Leo Booth
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“You have wandered away from your teachings. You must concentrate on your spiritual teachings…Don’t be sidetracked.”~ Henry Quick Bear, LAKOTA Why are the Elders always telling us to know The culture and listen to the teachings? When We go off track, why do the Elders say, return to the teachings? The teachings tell us how to live in harmony with the Laws and principles of the Great Spirit. Living means Life – a good life, a happy life. Many of us have grown up without the teachings and the culture, that is why we don’t know how to live. To improve on relationships, to treat our children with honor and to respect our Elders, we need to live by the old teachings again.Great Spirit, today, show me how to live.
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JESUS’ TEACHINGJesus explains what the nature of God is, and what your own nature is; tells us the meaning of life and of death; shows us why we make mistakes; why we yield to temptation; why we become sick, and impoverished, and old; and, most important of all, he tells us how all these evils may be overcome, and how we may bring fulfillment into our lives, and into the lives of others.Jesus warns us, not once but often, that obstinacy in sin can bring very severe punishment, and that a man who parts with the integrity of his soul—even though he gain the whole world—is a tragic fool. but he teaches that we are only punished for—and actually punished by—our own mistakes; and he teaches that every man or woman, no matter how steeped in evil and uncleanness, has always direct access to an all-loving, all-powerful Father-God, who will forgive him, and supply His own strength to him to enable him to find himself again.If ye know that he is righteous, ye know that every one that doeth righteousness is born of him (1 John 2:29).© 1931 by Emmet Fox
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It is very noticeable that most of the great religious teachers or prophets prescribed nothing but a code of morals and ethics. All their teachings were characterized by an almost complete lack of formal religious observances.They have pointed out the direction but never the path. If we follow other men’s paths we fall over the same stones they fell over and we got lost where they got lost. Each of us must carve out his own path and the progress we make will be determined by our own efforts to advance.Published by Hazelden
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“Ultimately, nature will do the teaching.”~ Tom Porter, MOHAWK There are things man has control over, and there are things man does not have control over. No matter how smart we get, whether it be in technology or science, there are things we will never control. The Great Spirit carefully protected and hid the control over certain things in the Unseen World. There are forces in the Unseen World that make sure humans don’t mess things up. The bottom line is, no matter what we do, nature will have the last say. Nature is the teacher, we are the students. May we honor and respect our teacher.Great Spirit, today, help me to live in harmony with people, principles, and life.
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As soon as you get some sense of contact, you want to be teachers of others. This is a big mistake.-Ta-sui
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TEACHING
“To teach is to learn.”
–Japanese Proverb
The more I learn the more I know that I do not understand. Life is full
of new and wonderful information; paradoxes and confusion abound;
every new idea leads to a further truth – and the journey seems
endless.
In a sense we are all disciples; we are all learning from each other and
the role of teacher and student is forever being exchanged. In my
sobriety I am able to see how many wonderful “things” exist in the
world – so many fascinating and interesting places to visit, so many
loving and insightful people. God has given me so much, I am so
grateful to be able to learn in His garden.
Teacher, may I never stop learning and being a student in Your world.
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Or Follow Us On Twitter #essentialsofrecovery
Reflection for the DayThese days, if I go through an experience that is new and demanding, I can do so in a spirit of confidence and trust. Thanks to the Program and Twelve Steps, I’ve come to know that God is with me in all places and in all endeavors. His Spirit is in me as well as in the people around me. As a result, I feel comfortable even in new situations and at home even among strangers. Will I continue to flow along and grow along with the Program, trusting in the power and love of God at work in me and in my life?Today I PrayMay God’s comfort be with me in all situations, familiar or new. May He rebuild the sagging bridge of my confidence. May I acknowledge God in me and in others around me. May that mutual identity in God help me communicate with people on a plane of honesty. If I can learn to trust God, I can learn to trust the ones who share this earth with me.
Today I Will RememberGod teaches me how to trust.© 1989 by Hazelden Foundation
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TEACHING
“I hear and I forget. I see and I remember. I do and I understand.”
~ Chinese Proverb ~
The best way for me to learn a thing is to do it, practice it, demonstrate it, and make it real. Spirituality must be experienced, not simply talked about. I cannot learn spirituality; I cannot get it from a guru or the latest self-help book.
Spirituality can only be discovered in the actual experiences of my life. It is found in my body, sexuality, sweat, anger, morning exercise, and kneeling in prayer and gratitude at the end of the day.
I am not an island. I cannot intellectualize recovery and expect it to grow. Spirituality is action. It is my experience of God in relation to myself and among other people. Today I rejoice in the gift of connection.
God, may You be real in my life.
© 2008 Leo Booth
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“The teachings are for all, not just for Indians… The white people never wanted to learn before. They thought we were savages. Now they have a different understanding, and they do want to learn. We are all children of God. The tradition is open to anyone who wants to learn.”
~ Don Jose Matusuwa, HUICHOL
In the summer of 1994, a white buffalo calf was born. This means that now is the time for all races to come together. The Elders say that at this time a voice from within will speak to everyone. It will say now is the time to forgive, now is the time to come together. Are we willing to do this? Are we willing to quit judging other people? The Elders say, He will be talking through people of all races and gender. We need to open our hearts and welcome our brothers and sisters.
Great Spirit, let my ears be open as I walk the path You have chosen for me.
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Give back what you’ve learned.
Share your experience.If you are in the position of teaching others, then you should teach without reservations. What need is there to hold back? You could tell the secret of life ten times over, and it would still be safe. After all, the secret is only known when people make it real in their own lives, not when they simply hear it.In the past, masters were selfish. They had only learned with extreme difficulty, and so they in turn made it difficult on others. In addition, they were afraid of being surpassed by their students, and so they always held back some key. How foolish this attitude was! How can a student ever challenge a master, unless the master allows his or her abilities to decline? You should teach dispassionately and without holding back.When you cultivate internal power, it begins to accumulate within you. But there is one odd thing. You cannot hold it in forever. If you try to do that, the spiritual energy will destroy you. But if you use it prudently — to heal others, to teach others, to comfort others — then the energy will surge back stronger and stronger, like a well that always replenishes itself. The more you give, the more you gain in return. The more selfless you are, the more the self benefits.
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"If we learn to open our hearts, anyone, including the people who drive us crazy, can be our teacher."
~Pema Chödrön
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