AA teaches that there is a wholeness in limitation. This understanding echoes an ancient tradition of wisdom, which saw being human as being caught in the middle, containing a contradiction. To be human, according to this tradition, means to sustain the tension of always being pulled in two opposite directions: to be more than humanContinue reading “Shame And The Meaning Of Being Human – Shame & Guilt By Ernest Kurtz”
Category Archives: Laughter
Pray For Those You Resent – More Language Of Letting Go August 11th By Melody Beattie
Years ago, when I spotted the Stillwater Gazette, the oldest family-owned daily newspaper in existence, I knew I wanted to work there. I could feel it– in my bones and in my heart. When I went in to the offices to apply for the job, however, the owner didn’t have the same feeling I did.Continue reading “Pray For Those You Resent – More Language Of Letting Go August 11th By Melody Beattie”
It’s Worth The Work – Grapevine Article August 2024 By Doug M.
Through years of sober experience, good and bad, he learned about love, faith and sharing the fun Relationships are hard. I’m not sure if they are harder for alcoholics, but they certainly aren’t easier. My first day of sobriety was the day after a very messy Valentine’s night [see Doug’s February 2014 story, “My MessyContinue reading “It’s Worth The Work – Grapevine Article August 2024 By Doug M.”
Reframing Pain – From Consolations By David Whyte
I believe a fundamental of my recovery is coming to see and relate differently to my pain. I love the phrase from ‘pain killer to pain healer” as a way of describing this new relationship I can experience using the steps to see and respond differently to my pain. Much of my alcoholism has itsContinue reading “Reframing Pain – From Consolations By David Whyte”
Enduring Loss; Reclaiming Joy – A Spiritual Principle A Day June 16th
“We come to understand that happiness is an inside job, a spiritual experience that can get stronger with recovery. We find that no matter what happens on the outside, joy can still live within us.” Living Clean, Chapter 7, “Love” As far as spiritual principles go, joy is uncomplicated. It can be elusive, however. InContinue reading “Enduring Loss; Reclaiming Joy – A Spiritual Principle A Day June 16th”
Origins of Rule 62 ‘Don’t Take Yourself Too Damn Seriously’ – Twelve & Twelve Tradition 4
When A.A. was still young, lots of eager groups were forming. In a town we’ll call Middleton, a real crackerjack had started up. The townspeople were as hot as firecrackers about it. Stargazing, the elders dreamed of innovations. They figured the town needed a great big alcoholic center, a kind of pilot plant A.A. groupsContinue reading “Origins of Rule 62 ‘Don’t Take Yourself Too Damn Seriously’ – Twelve & Twelve Tradition 4”
How Do I Respond To Failing – Each Day A New Beginning Feb 3rd
When we begin to take our failures non-seriously, it means we are ceasing to be afraid of them. It is of immense importance to learn to laugh at ourselves.–Katherine Mansfield Perfectionism and its control over our lives stands seriously in the way of our growth and well-being, emotionally, spiritually, and even physically. Life’s lessons comeContinue reading “How Do I Respond To Failing – Each Day A New Beginning Feb 3rd”
Release And Joy – As Bill Sees It # 163
Who can render an account of all the miseries that once were ours, and who can estimate the release and joy that later years have brought to us? Who can possibly tell the vast consequences of what God’s work through A.A. has already set in motion? And who can penetrate the deeper mystery of ourContinue reading “Release And Joy – As Bill Sees It # 163”
The Challenge of Sponsorship – Grapevine Article June 1989 by Jim N.
Right from the start, AA spread simply by one drunk talking to another. Bill W. called on Doctor Bob in 1935 in Akron and AA was born. A physician, Dr. William Silkworth, who had worked intensely with alcoholics, was quick to see the possibilities for growth in this approach. But he was also vocal andContinue reading “The Challenge of Sponsorship – Grapevine Article June 1989 by Jim N.”
The Experiment And Experience Of A New Way Of Living – Mashup Of Meditation and Grapevine Article
This mashup may be useful in helping us realize how the truth of our experience is both deeply held and transformed by what we do. The mashup begins with a powerful meditation asking the question of where do those truths we hold deepest in our hearts come from. Next, the Grapevine article may help usContinue reading “The Experiment And Experience Of A New Way Of Living – Mashup Of Meditation and Grapevine Article”