Self-pity is one of the most insidious obstacles to lasting sobriety. Both Dr. Bob Smith and Bill Wilson, the co-founders of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), frequently discussed the detrimental effects of self-pity on alcoholics. In the pages of the Big Book, “Dr. Bob and the Good Oldtimers,” and various articles in the Grapevine, they highlighted howContinue reading “Self-Pity: A Barrier to Lasting Sobriety – A.A. District 2 Alabama June 2024 By Anonymous”
Category Archives: Attitude
Step 11: The Contemplative Mind – Daily Meditation December 3rd 2015 By Richard Rohr
We sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God, as we understood [God], praying only for the knowledge of [God’s] will for us and the power to carry that out. The word prayer, which Bill Wilson rightly juxtaposes with the word meditation, is a code word for an entirely different way of processingContinue reading “Step 11: The Contemplative Mind – Daily Meditation December 3rd 2015 By Richard Rohr”
Honesty, Open-Mindedness, Willingness – October 14th 2021 Reflection By Andy F
Not long after coming to A.A., the alcoholic fog began to clear. I kept hearing people at meetings sharing about something called the H.O.W. of the program. Buddies in the fellowship told me that H.O.W. is an acronym for Honesty, Open-mindedness, and Willingness. They said these three principles were the only way to get well. The warped logicContinue reading “Honesty, Open-Mindedness, Willingness – October 14th 2021 Reflection By Andy F”
Those Old Time Feelings – Language Of Letting Go April 7th Reflection By Melody Beattie
I still have bad days. But that’s okay. I used to have bad years.–Anonymous Sometimes, the old feelings creep back in. We may feel fearful, ashamed, and hopeless. We may feel not good enough, unlovable, victimized, helpless, and resentful about it all. This is a condition some describe as soul sickness. Many of us feltContinue reading “Those Old Time Feelings – Language Of Letting Go April 7th Reflection By Melody Beattie”
A Prayer That Transforms – Daily Meditations July 25th 2024 By Father Richard Rohr
Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God, as we understood [God], praying only for knowledge of [God’s] will for us and the power to carry that out. — Step 11 Father Richard connects prayer and meditation to a deepening acceptance of the will of God: The word prayer, which Bill W. used inContinue reading “A Prayer That Transforms – Daily Meditations July 25th 2024 By Father Richard Rohr”
Nine Attitudes Of Mindfulness By Jon Kabat-Zinn
In the article ‘How GUGOGS Meditation Works’, our friend Wayne S describes mindfulness as a “wise companion” that we can take with us into the realities of our everyday life. Wayne suggests our “goal is not to become a great meditator” but rather “for there to be no difference between the clarity and freedom youContinue reading “Nine Attitudes Of Mindfulness By Jon Kabat-Zinn”
Living In The Now – Each Day A New Beginning April 5th
I came to the conclusion then that “continual mindfulness” …must mean, not a sergeant-major-like drilling of thoughts, but a continual readiness to look and readiness to accept whatever came. —Joanna Field Resistance to the events, the situations, the many people who come into our lives, blocks the growth we are offered every day. Every momentContinue reading “Living In The Now – Each Day A New Beginning April 5th”
Not Self-Affirmation But Self-Acceptance – Extract Chapter 44 From ‘The Courage To Be Disliked’ By Ichiro Kishimi and Fumitake Koga
PHILOSOPHER: First of all, let’s look at what you were just saying, about your self-consciousness putting the brakes on and not letting you behave in an innocent way. There are probably many people who experience this trouble. So let’s go back to the source again and think about your goal. What could you be tryingContinue reading “Not Self-Affirmation But Self-Acceptance – Extract Chapter 44 From ‘The Courage To Be Disliked’ By Ichiro Kishimi and Fumitake Koga “
Facing Our Darker Side – The Language of Letting Go By Melody Beattie April 2nd
“Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.” – Step Four By the time we get to the Fourth of the Twelve Steps, we are ready to face our darker side, the side that prevents us from loving others, from letting others love us, and from enjoying life and ourselves. The purpose of StepContinue reading “Facing Our Darker Side – The Language of Letting Go By Melody Beattie April 2nd”
The Peace Of Wild Things – Recovery Poem By Wendell Berry
I love this poem. It’s simplicity, honesty and hope. It’s about finding solace in nature to combat despair, anxiety, and fear for the future. It highlights the contrast between human overthinking and the instinctive, present-focused existence of wild creatures, encouraging a return to the natural world to find rest, grace, and freedom. It’s now included inContinue reading “The Peace Of Wild Things – Recovery Poem By Wendell Berry”