Time is our Higher Power's way of not having everything happen at once. ~Keep It Simple
Today I am grateful...
- that after he spoke, Kevin C introduced the topic of the 'could' in step 2. I immediately associated it with the last line of the How It Works we read at the start of most meetings--God could and would if He were sought. He also spoke about those that criticize the physical (but you had to be there for that) and it occurred to me that if you look long enough, if you pay attention along the path, something will appear that will reflect yourself back to you. That is what I must grab and pay close attention to, because that is my truth coming back to me.
- for some fine ass fellowship lunching after the noon meeting
- that the invitations for my show were ready, but the date (and year) were wrong and have been reordered
- that I don't have to chop firewood or stoke a fire. Bleh. That's quite an effort to keep from freezing to death. Also, that we have mild winters, so not much need for a fire anyway. I used to adore the coldest weather, but now my old self gets cold much easier--especially since I no longer have the fire inside created by massive amounts of tequila consumed on a daily basis. Seriously, sometimes on a Monday folks at work would comment on how cold the weekend had been, and I had no clue. I had been too drunk to notice.
- for a spiritual path that brings so many rewards I cannot keep track, but keeps me on track
You hear all kinds of nonsense. Like: "If you're in pain you're not working the program." "If you're afraid, you're not working the Steps." Believing that nearly tore me apart for years. How can you possibly practice spiritual principles without going through periods, not only of pain, but of suffering and unbelievable agony? It's impossible. Because what I'm doing is uprooting illusions that I've based my very life on; all those old ideas, those lies I believed, and I'm wrenching them out. Like having six teeth pulled with no sedative - And I'm going to feel good? ~Cubby S. from Alkie Speak
11 comments:
keep on keeping on
Thanks for the quoatation from Alkie Speak. I get a bit bristly when I hear anyone tell someone else how they are supposed to feel. When someone has the honesty to share how they are feeling, good or bad, I try to show courtesy and respect. Time to get off my soapbox and go bake cookies.
Spiritual growth involves pain because it is the means of understading our frailties. Sowing your true emotions only shows that you are strong and true to yourself. Living a life in denial is like living a worthless life.
Spiritual growth involves pain because it is a means of understanding our frailties. Showing our true emotions only shows that you are being true to yourself. Living a life in denial is like living a life in denial. And it is correct to say that "you cannot keep track, but it keeps you on track"
I really appreciate your blog. I'm on Step 7 myself.
All the best to you.
stevo
"Fine ass fellowship"??
Is that sober?
thank you for this wonderful blog. beating my addiction to food is easier with wisdom and insight like yours.
blessings
lil - perth western australia
Yeah, that's crazy to think you are going to grow and be healed and there not be any pain. Many years ago when I began to deal with pain from my childhood, I felt like what I would imagine a burn victim going through when they are getting their fresh burn scrubbed out. Instead of physical pain, I experienced deep emotional pain. IT HURT TERRIBLY BAD!! It was literally exhausting, but healing came as I continued to share and seek healing. Thanks for these thoughts, they are so true! Peace to YOU!! jeanne
It's very hard to get spiritually healthy and to forget your past. Lately I've been told that I should move on from my past and be happy. My mother who died 23 years ago would want it that way. But if life were fair my mother would not have been gone half my life.
But I will say that the pain of loss and life makes the happiness and the love of those who are still with you that much stronger. I think me son is a lucky child because a day does not go by when I don't let him know how much I love him and how much I appreciate him.
Somehow that love and that appreciation makes it worth feeling the pain.
Pain is the touchstone of spiritual growth, yes. But our program teachs us not to stay in the pain, or we will not grow.
By the way, Scott, I noticed your blog has been given special recognition in blogsville.
A well deserved honor, i fI may say so myself.
Hi Scott - I stumbled upon your Blog via Blogs of Note, wow! Thank you so much for your honesty & daily Attitude of Gratitude. I am a Recovering Addict and have been clean & sober for 635 days today. Smiles, I will be chairing a Cocaine Anonymous Meeting tonight at an Institution for the In-patients and will be sharing your Blog with the patients.
Hope, Faith & Courage always
L&R
Carmen
South Africa
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