POWERLESS (0)
Posted 2 April, 2008 in Daily Reflections
We admitted we were powerless over alcohol - that our lives had become unmanageable
TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS P. 21
It is no coincidence that the very first Step mentions powerlessness; An admission of personal powerlessness over alcohol is a cornerstone of the foundation of recovery. I’ve learned that I do not have the power and control I once thought I had. I am powerless over what people think about me. I am powerless over having just missed the bus. I am poweress over how other people work (or don’t work) the Steps. But I’ve also learned I am not powerless over my attitudes. I am not powerless over negativity. I am not powerless over assuming responsibility for my own recovery. I have the power to exert a positive influence on myself, my loved ones, and he world in which I live.
THE REALM OF THE SPIRIT (0)
Posted 7 January, 2008 in Daily Reflections
In ancient times material progress was painfully slow. The spirit of modern scientific inquiry, research, and invention was almost unknown.
In the realm of the material, men’s minds were fettered by superstition, tradition, and all sorts of fixed ideas. Some of the contemporaries of Columbus thought a round earth preposterous, Others came near putting Galileo to death for his astronomical heresies.
Are not some of us just as biased and unreasonable about the realm of the spirit as were the ancients about the realm of the material?
<<<>>>
We have found that God does not make too hard terms with those who seek Him. To us, the realm of spirit is broad, roomy, all inclusive, never exclusive or forbidding to those who earnestly seek. It is open, we believe, to all men.
ALCOHOLICS ANONONYMOUS
1. P. 51
2. P. 52
WHEN THE CHIPS ARE DOWN (0)
Posted 10 December, 2007 in Daily Reflections
When we developed still more, we discovered the best possible source of emotional stability to be God Himself. We found that dependence upon His perfect justice, forgiveness, and love was healthy, and that it would work where nothing else would. If we really depended upon God, we couldn’t very well play God to our fellows not would we feel the urge wholly to rely on human protection and care.
TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, P 116
It has been my experience that, when all human resources appear to have failed, there is always One who will never desert me. Moreover, He is always there to share my joy, to steer me down the right path, and to confide in when no one else will do. While my well-being and happiness can be added to, or dimished, by human efforts, only God can provide the loving nourishment upon which I depend for my daily spiritual health.
“ACTIVE GUARDIANS’ (0)
Posted 10 December, 2007 in Daily Reflections
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.
ONLY TWO SINS (0)
Posted 10 December, 2007 in Daily Reflections
. . . there are only two sins; the first is to interfere with the growth of another human being, and the second is to interfere with one’s own growth.
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p.542
Happiness is such an elusive state. How often do my “prayers” for others involve “hidden” prayers for my own agenda? How often is my search for happines a boulder in the path of growth for another, or even myself? Seeking growth through humility and acceptance brings things that appear to be anything but good, wholesome and vital. Yet in looking back, I can see that pain, struggles and setbacks have all contributed eventually to serenity through growth in the program.
I ask my Higher Power to help me not cause another’s lack of growth today - or my own. (more…)
Vital Sustenance (0)
Posted 15 November, 2007 in Daily Reflections, Meetings
Those of us who have come to make regular use of prayer would no more do without it than we would refuse air, food, or sunshine. And for the same reason. When we refuse air, light or food, the body suffers. And when we turn away from meditation and prayer, we likewise deprive our minds, our emotions, and our intuitions of vitally needed support.
TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS p. 97
Step Eleven doesn’t have to overwhelm me. Conscious contact with God can be as simple, and as profound, as conscious contact with another human being. I can smile. I can listen. I can forgive. Every encounter with another is an opportunity for prayer, for acknowledging God’s presence within me.
AN INDIVIDUAL ADVENTURE (0)
Posted 8 November, 2007 in Daily Reflections, Meetings
Meditation is something which can always be further developed. It has
no boundaries, either of width or height. Aided by such instruction and example as we can find, it is essentially an individual adventure, something which each one of us works out in his own way.
TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 101
My spiritual growth is with God as I understand Him. With Him I find
my true inner self. Daily meditation and prayer strengthen and renew my source of well-being. I receive then the openness to accept all that He has to offer. With God I have the reassurance that my journey will be as He wants for me, and for that I am grateful to have God in my life.
AA Daily Reflection
(c) Copyright 1990 ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS WORLD SERVICES, INC.
I CANNOT CHANGE THE WIND (0)
Posted 1 November, 2007 in Daily Reflections, Meetings
It is easy to let up on the spiritual program of action and rest on our laurels. We are headed for trouble if we do, for alcohol is a subtle foe.
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 85
My first sponsor told me there were two things to say about prayer and
meditation: first, I had to start and second, I had to continue. When I came to A.A. my spiritual life was bankrupt; if I considered God at all, He was to be called upon only when my self-will was incapable of a task or when overwhelming fears had eroded my ego.
Today I am grateful for a new life, one in which my prayers are those of
thanksgiving. My prayer time is more for listening than for talking. I know today that if I cannot change the wind, I can adjust my sail. I know the difference between superstition andspirituality. I know there is a graceful way of being right, and many ways to be wrong.
AA Daily Reflection
(c) Copyright 1990 ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS WORLD SERVICES, INC.
A.A.’s HEARTBEAT (0)
Posted 25 October, 2007 in Daily Reflections, Meetings
Without unity, the heart of A.A. would cease to beat; . . . .
AS BILL SEES IT, p. 125
Without unity I would be unable to recover in A.A. on a daily basis. By practicing unity within my group, with other A.A. members and at all levels of this great Fellowship, I receive a pronounced feeling of knowing that I am a part of a miracle that was divinely inspired. The ability of Bill W. and Dr. Bob, working together and passing it on to other members, tells me that to give it away is to keep it. Unity is oneness and yet the whole Fellowship is for all of us.