I'm Here Because I'm Not All There!
Monday, June 13, 2011
Words Of Wisdom From His Holiness Dalai Lama
Because of the great differences in our ways of thinking, it is inevitable that we have different religions and faiths. Each has its own beauty. And it is much better that we live together on the basis of mutual respect and mutual admiration.Dalai Lama
Daily Reflection
JUNE 13
LIVING OUR AMENDS
"Years of living with an alcoholic is almost sure to make
any wife or child neurotic. The entire family is, to some
extent, ill."
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 122
It is important for me to realize that, as an alcoholic, I not
only hurt myself, but also those around me. Making
amends to my family, and to the families of alcoholics still
suffering, will always be important. Understanding the
havoc I created and trying to repair the destruction, will be
a lifelong endeavor. The example of my sobriety may give
others hope, and faith to help themselves.
LIVING OUR AMENDS
"Years of living with an alcoholic is almost sure to make
any wife or child neurotic. The entire family is, to some
extent, ill."
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 122
It is important for me to realize that, as an alcoholic, I not
only hurt myself, but also those around me. Making
amends to my family, and to the families of alcoholics still
suffering, will always be important. Understanding the
havoc I created and trying to repair the destruction, will be
a lifelong endeavor. The example of my sobriety may give
others hope, and faith to help themselves.
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Daily Reflection
JUNE 12
FORMING TRUE PARTNERSHIPS
But it is from our twisted relations with family, friends, and
society at large that many of us have suffered the most. We
have been especially stupid and stubborn about them. The
primary fact that we fail to recognize is our total inability
to form a true partnership with another human being.
TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 53
Can these words apply to me, am I still unable to form a
true partnership with another human being? What a terrible
handicap that would be for me to carry into my sober life!
In my sobriety I will meditate and pray to discover how I
may be a trusted friend and companion.
FORMING TRUE PARTNERSHIPS
But it is from our twisted relations with family, friends, and
society at large that many of us have suffered the most. We
have been especially stupid and stubborn about them. The
primary fact that we fail to recognize is our total inability
to form a true partnership with another human being.
TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 53
Can these words apply to me, am I still unable to form a
true partnership with another human being? What a terrible
handicap that would be for me to carry into my sober life!
In my sobriety I will meditate and pray to discover how I
may be a trusted friend and companion.
Saturday, June 11, 2011
Daily Reflection
JUNE 11
FAMILY OBLIGATIONS
. . . a spiritual life which does not include . . . family
obligations may not be so perfect after all.
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 129
I can be doing great in the program—applying it at
meetings, at work, and in service activities—and find that
things have gone to pieces at home. I expect my loved ones
to understand, but they cannot. I expect them to see and
value my progress, but they don't—unless I show them. Do
I neglect their needs and desires for my attention and
concern? When I'm around them, am I irritable or boring?
Are my "amends" a mumbled "Sorry," or do they take the
form of patience and tolerance? Do I preach to them, trying
to reform or "fix" them? Have I ever really cleaned house
with them! "The spiritual life is not a theory. We have to
live it" (Alcoholics Anonymous, p. 83).
FAMILY OBLIGATIONS
. . . a spiritual life which does not include . . . family
obligations may not be so perfect after all.
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 129
I can be doing great in the program—applying it at
meetings, at work, and in service activities—and find that
things have gone to pieces at home. I expect my loved ones
to understand, but they cannot. I expect them to see and
value my progress, but they don't—unless I show them. Do
I neglect their needs and desires for my attention and
concern? When I'm around them, am I irritable or boring?
Are my "amends" a mumbled "Sorry," or do they take the
form of patience and tolerance? Do I preach to them, trying
to reform or "fix" them? Have I ever really cleaned house
with them! "The spiritual life is not a theory. We have to
live it" (Alcoholics Anonymous, p. 83).
Friday, June 10, 2011
Daily Reflection
JUNE 10
IMPATIENT? TRY LEVITATING
We reacted more strongly to frustrations than normal
people.
AS BILL SEES IT, p. I l l
Impatience with other people is one of my principal
failings. Following a slow car in a no-passing lane, or
waiting in a restaurant for the check, drives me to
distraction. Before I give God a chance to slow me down, I
explode, and that's what I call being quicker than God.
That repeated experience gave me an idea. I thought if I
could look down on these events from God's point of view,
I might better control my feelings and behavior. I tried it
and when I encountered the next slow driver, I levitated
and looked down on the other car and upon myself. I saw
an elderly couple driving along, happily chatting about
their grandchildren. They were followed by me—bug-eyed
and red of face—who had no time schedule to meet
anyway. I looked so silly that I dropped back into reality
and slowed down. Seeing things from God's angle of vision
can be very relaxing.
IMPATIENT? TRY LEVITATING
We reacted more strongly to frustrations than normal
people.
AS BILL SEES IT, p. I l l
Impatience with other people is one of my principal
failings. Following a slow car in a no-passing lane, or
waiting in a restaurant for the check, drives me to
distraction. Before I give God a chance to slow me down, I
explode, and that's what I call being quicker than God.
That repeated experience gave me an idea. I thought if I
could look down on these events from God's point of view,
I might better control my feelings and behavior. I tried it
and when I encountered the next slow driver, I levitated
and looked down on the other car and upon myself. I saw
an elderly couple driving along, happily chatting about
their grandchildren. They were followed by me—bug-eyed
and red of face—who had no time schedule to meet
anyway. I looked so silly that I dropped back into reality
and slowed down. Seeing things from God's angle of vision
can be very relaxing.
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Daily Reflection
JUNE 9
LIVING IN THE NOW
First, we try living in the now just in order to stay sober—
and it works Once the idea has become a part of our
thinking we find that living life in 24-hour segments is an
effective and satisfying way to handle many other matters
as well
LIVING SOBER, p. 7
"One Day At A Time." To a newcomer this and other oneliners
of A.A. may seem ridiculous. The passwords of the
A.A. Fellowship can become lifelines in moments of
stress. Each day can be like a rose unfurling according to
the plan of a Power greater than myself. My program
should be planted in the right location, just as it will need
to be groomed, nourished, and protected from disease. My
planting will require patience, and my realizing that some
flowers will be more perfect than others. Each stage of the
petals' unfolding can bring wonder and delight if I do not
interfere or let my expectations override my acceptance—
and this brings serenity.
LIVING IN THE NOW
First, we try living in the now just in order to stay sober—
and it works Once the idea has become a part of our
thinking we find that living life in 24-hour segments is an
effective and satisfying way to handle many other matters
as well
LIVING SOBER, p. 7
"One Day At A Time." To a newcomer this and other oneliners
of A.A. may seem ridiculous. The passwords of the
A.A. Fellowship can become lifelines in moments of
stress. Each day can be like a rose unfurling according to
the plan of a Power greater than myself. My program
should be planted in the right location, just as it will need
to be groomed, nourished, and protected from disease. My
planting will require patience, and my realizing that some
flowers will be more perfect than others. Each stage of the
petals' unfolding can bring wonder and delight if I do not
interfere or let my expectations override my acceptance—
and this brings serenity.
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Words Of Wisdom From His Holiness Dalai Lama
Dalai Lama
Daily Reflection
JUNE 8
OPENING UP TO CHANGE
Self-searching is the means by which we bring new vision,
action, and grace to bear upon the dark and negative side
of our natures With it comes the development of that kind of
humility that makes it possible for us to receive God's help.
. . . we find that bit by bit we can discard the old life—the
one that did not work—for a new life that can and does
work under any conditions whatever.
AS BILL SEES IT, pp. 10, 8
I have been given a daily reprieve contingent upon my
spiritual condition, provided I seek progress, not perfection.
To become ready for change, I practice willingness,
opening myself to possibilities of change. If I realize there
are defects that hinder my usefulness in A.A. and toward
others, I become ready by meditating and receiving
direction. "Some of us have tried to hold on to our old ideas
and the result was nil until we let go absolutely"
(Alcoholics Anonymous, p. 58). To let go and let God, I
need only surrender my old ways to Him; I no longer fight
nor do I try to control, but simply believe that, with God's
help, I am changed and affirming this belief makes me
ready. I empty myself to be full of awareness, light, and
love, and I am ready to face each day with hope.
OPENING UP TO CHANGE
Self-searching is the means by which we bring new vision,
action, and grace to bear upon the dark and negative side
of our natures With it comes the development of that kind of
humility that makes it possible for us to receive God's help.
. . . we find that bit by bit we can discard the old life—the
one that did not work—for a new life that can and does
work under any conditions whatever.
AS BILL SEES IT, pp. 10, 8
I have been given a daily reprieve contingent upon my
spiritual condition, provided I seek progress, not perfection.
To become ready for change, I practice willingness,
opening myself to possibilities of change. If I realize there
are defects that hinder my usefulness in A.A. and toward
others, I become ready by meditating and receiving
direction. "Some of us have tried to hold on to our old ideas
and the result was nil until we let go absolutely"
(Alcoholics Anonymous, p. 58). To let go and let God, I
need only surrender my old ways to Him; I no longer fight
nor do I try to control, but simply believe that, with God's
help, I am changed and affirming this belief makes me
ready. I empty myself to be full of awareness, light, and
love, and I am ready to face each day with hope.
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Daily Reflection
JUNE 7
LONG-TERM HOPE
Since most of us are born with an abundance of natural
desires, it isn't strange that we often let these far exceed
their intended purpose. When they drive us blindly, or we
willfully demand that they supply us with more satisfactions
or pleasures than are possible or due us, that is the point at
which we depart from the degree of perfection that God
wishes for us here on earth. That is the measure of our
character defects, or, if you wish, of our sins.
TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 65
This is where long-term hope is born and perspective is
gained, both of the nature of my illness and the path of my
recovery. The beauty of A.A. lies in knowing that my life,
with God's help, will improve. The A.A. journey becomes
richer, the understanding becomes truth, the dreams become
realities—and today becomes forever.
As I step into the A.A. light, my heart fills with the
presence of God.
LONG-TERM HOPE
Since most of us are born with an abundance of natural
desires, it isn't strange that we often let these far exceed
their intended purpose. When they drive us blindly, or we
willfully demand that they supply us with more satisfactions
or pleasures than are possible or due us, that is the point at
which we depart from the degree of perfection that God
wishes for us here on earth. That is the measure of our
character defects, or, if you wish, of our sins.
TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 65
This is where long-term hope is born and perspective is
gained, both of the nature of my illness and the path of my
recovery. The beauty of A.A. lies in knowing that my life,
with God's help, will improve. The A.A. journey becomes
richer, the understanding becomes truth, the dreams become
realities—and today becomes forever.
As I step into the A.A. light, my heart fills with the
presence of God.
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