Gratitude is not a passive response to something we have been given, gratitude arises from paying attention, from being awake in the presence of everything that lives within and without and beside us. Gratitude is not necessarily something that is shown after the event, it is the deep, a-priori state of attention that shows weContinue reading “Gratitude – Consolations By David Whyte”
Category Archives: Disturbance
Make Use Of Mistakes, Failures, Losses And Sufferings – August 22nd Twenty-Four Hours a Day
A.A. Thought For The Day “Those who do not recover are people who are constitutionally incapable of being honest with themselves. There are such unfortunates. They are not at fault. They seem to have been born that way. They are naturally incapable of grasping and developing a manner of living which demands rigorous honesty. TheirContinue reading “Make Use Of Mistakes, Failures, Losses And Sufferings – August 22nd Twenty-Four Hours a Day”
Frank Buchman and Alcoholics Anonymous – An Apology That Inspired A Million Amends By Jay Stinnett
When we read in the Big Book that “resentment is the number one offender. It destroys more alcoholics than anything else” (BB p.64) ; we may not have a real perspective on how fundamental the amends process has been to AA’s success in enabling us to stay sober one day at a time. You mightContinue reading “Frank Buchman and Alcoholics Anonymous – An Apology That Inspired A Million Amends By Jay Stinnett”
The Rabbi, Equanimity & The Serenity Prayer By Rav Carl Kinbar
G-d, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, Courage to change the things I can, And wisdom to know the difference. The Serenity Prayer, Kosher Version The Riverton Mussar’s definition of equanimity begins, “Equanimity is about having balance, level-headedness and calmness of spirit.” Equanimity is a middah, the ability to maintainContinue reading “The Rabbi, Equanimity & The Serenity Prayer By Rav Carl Kinbar”
Victory In Defeat – As Bill Sees It #135
Convinced I never could belong, and vowing I’d never settle for any second-rate status, I felt I simply had to dominate in everything I chose to do: work or play. As this attractive formula for the good life began to succeed, according to my then specifications of success, I became deliriously happy. But when anContinue reading “Victory In Defeat – As Bill Sees It #135”
Humility Is Living In Reality – A Spiritual Principle A Day September 9th
In early recovery, we often find ourselves going from unrealistic, grandiose self-perception to believing we are the worst person in history. It’s that familiar addict pendulum swing–from one extreme to the other (with an optional sound effect): I’m a spiritual giant deserving of high praise–WHOOSH!–I’m a worthless piece of trash. I’m the hottest person here–WHOOSH!–I’mContinue reading “Humility Is Living In Reality – A Spiritual Principle A Day September 9th”
Forgiveness & Resenting The Painful Side Of Life – Forgive For Good Recovery Workbook By Fred Luskin
I believe the movement from being a pain killer to becoming a pain healer is at the heart of recovery. This article helps us understand the crucial role forgiveness can play in this healing movement. It’s extracted from a recently published workbook specifically designed for integrating forgiveness with the Twelve Steps. The author, Dr. FredContinue reading “Forgiveness & Resenting The Painful Side Of Life – Forgive For Good Recovery Workbook By Fred Luskin”
Those Other People – As Bill Sees It #268
Just like you, I have often thought myself the victim of what other people say and do. Yet every time I confessed the sins of such people, especially those whose sins did not correspond exactly with my own, I found that I only increased the total damage. My own resentment, my self-pity would often renderContinue reading “Those Other People – As Bill Sees It #268”
Emotional Sobriety In Relationships – Recovery Today March 2015 By Allen Berger
In the Twelve & Twelve, we are presented with this possibility that we are not clear on how to practice partnering with others. On page 53, we read: “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 stupidContinue reading “Emotional Sobriety In Relationships – Recovery Today March 2015 By Allen Berger”
Emotional Equilibrium Welcoming But Not Clinging – Daily Meditation August 17th 2025 By Father Richard Rohr
Father Richard Rohr describes the necessity of attending to our emotions while not clinging to them. You may also find his reflection on how the Twelve Steps address our Stinking Thinking helpful. Emotions are necessary weathervanes, in great part body-based, that help us read situations quickly and perhaps in depth. But they are also learned andContinue reading “Emotional Equilibrium Welcoming But Not Clinging – Daily Meditation August 17th 2025 By Father Richard Rohr”