This short poem has been added to the Recovery Poem section of the website. I think this poem captures the relationship between the hope of Step 2 and the faith of Step 3 … and perhaps how all of these spiritual principles point us back to a humility where we find true independence of theContinue reading “Living With Hope – Recovery Poem By Henri Nouwen”
Category Archives: Poems
I Stand At The Door – Recovery Poem By Sam Shoemaker (Who Bill W Describes As A Co-Founder of AA)
In our monthly speaker meeting, Rachel M. read this powerful poem written by Sam Shoemaker who Bill W describes as an AA co-founder. You may also find Sam’s Grapevine article entitled ‘“The Spiritual Angle of AA” worthwhile. Sam Shoemaker(1893-1963) was an Episcopal priest who was instrumental in the Oxford Group and founding principles of AlcoholicsContinue reading “I Stand At The Door – Recovery Poem By Sam Shoemaker (Who Bill W Describes As A Co-Founder of AA)”
For A New Beginning – Recovery Poem By John O’Donohue
For me , this short poem is full of hope about the limitless expansion (BB p.275) of this new ‘design for living’(BB p.25) the program offers us. Bill W describes it this way in the Twelve £ Twelve (p.15) “A.A.’s Twelve Steps are a group of principles, spiritual in their nature, which, if practiced asContinue reading “For A New Beginning – Recovery Poem By John O’Donohue”
Sideways – Recovery Song By Travis Meadows
As you may know, we now have a section of the website devoted to sharing Recovery Poems, Songs & Quotes. The video below was taken at Eddie’s Attic in Decatur, Georgia. Singer songwriter Travis Meadows talks about what happened on a visit to share his recovery story that inspired this song. He then sings this powerfulContinue reading “Sideways – Recovery Song By Travis Meadows”
Bless My Enemies – Recovery Poem/Prayers By Saint Nikolai Velimirovich
As we attempt to practice the willingness of Step 8 , we are confronted with this dilemma and challenge: “If we are now about to ask forgiveness for ourselves, why shouldn’t we start out by forgiving them, one and all?” – Twelve & Twelve p.78 I find this poem/prayer to be extremely helpful in openingContinue reading “Bless My Enemies – Recovery Poem/Prayers By Saint Nikolai Velimirovich”
Anthem – Song/Poem By Leonard Cohen
One of the most powerful phrases I heard early in AA meetings was ‘where there’s a crack; the Light can shine in’. Accepting our cracks and brokenness and reframing them into perhaps the most authentic and rigorously honest expressions of ourselves is one of the more universal experiences in recovery. I love this song byContinue reading “Anthem – Song/Poem By Leonard Cohen”
Don’t Let Yesterday Take Up Too Much Of Today – Coach John Wooden With A Poem By Vivian Laramore
A short reflection of how the hall of fame basketball coach John Wooden used a poem in his ‘Make Every Day Your Masterpiece’ philosophy. – Bruce M. DON’T LET YESTERDAY TAKE UP TOO MUCH OF TODAY This maxim represents the foundation of Coach Wooden’s approach as a teacher. He often reminded his players of this withContinue reading “Don’t Let Yesterday Take Up Too Much Of Today – Coach John Wooden With A Poem By Vivian Laramore”
The Guest House – By Jalaluddin Rumi
Translated by Coleman Barks This being human is a guest house.Every morning a new arrival. A joy, a depression, a meanness,some momentary awareness comesas an unexpected visitor. Welcome and entertain them all!Even if they’re a crowd of sorrows,who violently sweep your houseempty of its furniture,still, treat each guest honorably.He may be clearing you outfor someContinue reading “The Guest House – By Jalaluddin Rumi”
When I Am Among The Trees – Poem By Mary Oliver
When I am among the trees,especially the willows and the honey locust,equally the beech, the oaks and the pines,they give off such hints of gladness.I would almost say that they save me, and daily. I am so distant from the hope of myself,in which I have goodness, and discernment,and never hurry through the worldbut walkContinue reading “When I Am Among The Trees – Poem By Mary Oliver”
Tis The Set Of The Sail – Poem By Ella Wheeler Wilcox
I love this short poem. When first sober and very defiant in my agnosticism, I was able to find a way of relating to a Power greater than myself as breath and wind. I knew my breath was absolutely essential to my life yet something I was being given each moment of every day unceasinglyContinue reading “Tis The Set Of The Sail – Poem By Ella Wheeler Wilcox”