Alcoholic Anonymous – Daily Ponderables –
Together We Trudge the Road of Happy Destiny – Monday, 25 November 2013
Daily Reflections
A POWERFUL TRADITION
In the years before the publication of
the book, "Alcoholics Anonymous," we had no name. . . . By a narrow
majority the verdict was for naming our book "The Way Out." . . . One
of our early lone members . . . found exactly twelve books already titled
""The Way Out." . . . So "Alcoholics Anonymous" became
first choice. That's how we got a name for our book of experience, a name for
our movement and, as we are now beginning to see, a tradition of the greatest
spiritual import.("A.A. TRADITION: HOW IT DEVELOPED," pages 35-36)
Beginning with Bill's momentous decision
in Akron to make a telephone call rather than a visit to the hotel bar, how
often has a Higher Power made itself felt at crucial moments in our history!
The eventual importance that the principle of anonymity would acquire was but
dimly perceived, if at all, in those early days. There seems to have been an
element of chance even in the choice of a name for our Fellowship.
God is no stranger to anonymity and often
appears in human affairs in the guises of "luck," "chance,"
or "coincidence." If anonymity, somewhat fortuitously, became the
spiritual basis for all our Traditions, perhaps God was acting anonymously on
our behalf.(From the book Daily Reflections © Copyright 1990 by Alcoholics
Anonymous World Services, Inc.)
Twenty-Four Hours A Day
A.A. Thought for the Day
I am not so envious of other people, nor
am I so jealous of other people's possessions and talents. When I was drinking,
I was secretly full of jealousy and envy of those people who could drink
normally, who had the love and respect of their families, who lived a normal
life and were accepted as equals by their friends. I pretended to myself that I
was as good as they were, but I knew it wasn't so. Now I don't have to be
envious any more. I try not to want what I don't deserve. I'm content with what
I have earned by my efforts to live the right way. More power to those who have
what I have not. At least, I'm trying. Have I got rid of the poison of envy?
Meditation for the Day
"My soul is restless till it finds
its rest in Thee." A river flows on, until it loses itself in the sea. Our
spirits long for rest in the spirit of God. We yearn to realize a peace, a
rest, a satisfaction that we have never found in the world or its pursuits.
Some are not conscious of their need, and shut the doors of their spirits
against the spirit of God. They are unable to have true peace.
Prayer for the Day
I pray that I may feel the divine unrest.
I pray that my soul may find its rest in God.(From the book Twenty-Four Hours a
Day © Copyright 1975 by Hazelden Foundation)
NA - Just for Today
Meditation
"Quieting the mind through
meditation brings an inner peace that brings us into contact with the God
within us."(Basic Text, pages 46-47)
As our recovery progresses, we often
reflect on what brought us to Narcotics Anonymous in the first place and are
able to appreciate how much the quality of our lives has improved. We no longer
have to fear our own thoughts. And the more we pray and meditate, the more we
experience a calm sense of well-being. The peace and tranquility we experience
during our quiet times confirms that our most important needs-our spiritual
needs-are being met.
We are able to empathize with other
addicts and strengthen our conscience in the process. We learn to avoid judging
others and experience the freedom to be ourselves. In our spiritual reflection,
we intuitively find "the God within us" and see that we are in
harmony with a Power greater than ourselves.
Just for Today: I will reflect upon the
gift of recovery and listen quietly for my Higher Power's guidance.(From the
book Just for Today © Copyright 1991-2013 by Narcotics Anonymous World
Services, Inc.)
Thought for Today
"Decide to forgive: For resentment
is negative; resentment is poisoning; resentment diminishes and devours the
self."(Robert Muller)
God, please teach me to laugh again, but
never let me forget I cried
Buddha/Zen Thoughts
"Stay centered by accepting whatever
you are doing.
This is the ultimate."(Chuang-tzu)
Native American
"People and nations who understand
the Natural Law are self-governing, following the principles of love and
respect that insure freedom and peace."(Traditional Circle of Elders,
NAVAJO-HOPI Joint Use Area)
The Natural Laws work hand-in-hand with
the circle. Each part of a circle will look to the center and will see
something different. For example, if you put an irregular shaped object in the
center of a circle and you have people standing in a circle around the object,
each one will describe it differently. Everyone in the circle will be right.
Only by honoring and respecting everyone's input, can the truth about the
object be revealed. We need to learn to honor differences.
My Creator, let me honor all differences.
Keep It Simple
Love is the reward of love.(Johann von
Schiller)
When we used alcohol and other drugs, we
shared little as possible. There was little love in our hearts. We had become
selfish. This caused us to be lonely.
Then something happened to change all of
that. Remember the first time you walked into a meeting? You were met by people
who shared. Maybe they shared a smile, their story, or just a cup of coffee
with you. The sharing that goes on in a Twelve Step program is great. We learn
that the more we give, the more we get. We get well by giving to others.
Helping others is a great way to hold on to sobriety. Love is the reward of
love.
Prayer for the Day: I pray that I will be
there when others need me. I pray that service will become a big part of my
program.
Action for the Day: Today, I’ll think of
friends who could use my help. I’ll talk to them and offer to be there for
them.
Big Book
"Many of us keep liquor in our
homes. We often need it to carry green recruits through a severe hangover Some of
us still serve it to our friends provided they are not alcoholic. But some of
us think we should not serve liquor to anyone. We never argue this question. We
feel that each family, in the light of their own circumstances, ought to decide
for themselves."(Alcoholics
Anonymous, 4th Edition, Working With Others, page 102)
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If you're not enjoying your sobriety it's
your own damn fault
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