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”
Category Archives: Poems
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”
What Is Priceless About Our Struggles – Poem You, Too, Must Weep By Anonymous
I recently attended the funeral of a friend who lived a life filled with giving unconditionally to those in need, often in desperate situations. His family found many copies of this poem in his home. I had never heard it before and found its message piercing, moving, powerful. It offers a perspective on the valueContinue reading “What Is Priceless About Our Struggles – Poem You, Too, Must Weep By Anonymous”
The “Felt Sense” Prayer – Author Unknown
This prayer/poem describes the many ways in which we attempt to avoid all sorts of physical and emotional pain. It also highlights how recognizing our pain and accepting it can increase self-knowledge and improve self-care. It further suggests how our response ability and relationship with pain has impacted our addiction, our recovery, and our livesContinue reading “The “Felt Sense” Prayer – Author Unknown”