The trick is to not believe the anger even when it seems REALLY compelling. Sometimes the best I can do is stay away from conversation with the person I'm mad at till the 'dust settles' and I realize what an idiot I've been.
Restraint of tongue and pen is a VERY powerful practice. highly revered amongst Buddhist monastics. except they call it a 'precept'. their words for it are 'no harmful speech'. it is recognized amongst senior practitioners as being one of THE MOST DIFFICULT aspects of the practice to follow. this is why I have SO much respect for this AA 'instruction'.
If I 'failed' and regretted what I had said..
I would admit it was a foolish and inconsiderate thing to say, regardless of what prompted it, and that I would resolve not to speak in that fashion again.
Justifying 'harmful speech' AFTER the event in an attempt to save face:
Justifying behavior that others find unpleasant (even if you're right) makes others think that you will do it again in future, with a new justification. So I always try to avoid that if possible.
We ALL make STUPID mistakes!
About Me
- An Irish Friend of Bill
- I have recovered from the disease of Alcoholism. I believe there is only one person really,.. everybody. And that peace of mind is everything. -So treat your neighbor as you would treat yourself, because your neighbor IS yourself. I think most of recovery is what I would call common sense, but that learning to be ordinary is a true gift very few people acquire. My ambition is to accept everything unflinchingly, with compassion, and therefore be intrinsically comfortable in my own skin, no matter what. I am comfortable being uncomfortable and am willing to go to any lengths to improve my life. I believe the Big Book was divinely inspired, and is extraordinarily powerful. Unfortunately AA's best kept secret a lot of the time. (In my opinion). I just try to do what works, no matter what it is.
Showing posts with label Instructions. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Instructions. Show all posts
Sunday, December 03, 2006
Monday, June 05, 2006
NOT a 'Financial Awakening'
Chapter 9. THE FAMILY AFTERWARD
page 127
For us, material well-being ALWAYS followed spiritual progress;
it NEVER preceded.
That goes for 'sexual awkenings', 'relationship awakenings' and every other kind of awakening
EXCEPT a SPIRITUAL awakening
!!
page 127
For us, material well-being ALWAYS followed spiritual progress;
it NEVER preceded.
That goes for 'sexual awkenings', 'relationship awakenings' and every other kind of awakening
EXCEPT a SPIRITUAL awakening
!!
Fit Spiritual Condition. Maintain it or else!
Chapter 6. INTO ACTION page 85
What we really have is a DAILY REPRIEVE
contingent on the MAINTENENCE of our SPIRITUAL CONDITION.
Chapter 1. BILL'S STORY page 15
if he failed to perfect and enlarge his spiritual life
through work and self-sacrifice for others,
he could NOT survive the CERTAIN trials and low spots ahead.
Chapter 6. INTO ACTION page 85
That is how we react so long as we keep in FIT SPIRITUAL CONDITION.
Chapter 7. WORKING WITH OTHERS page 100
Assuming we are SPIRITUALLY FIT,
we can do all sorts of things alcoholics are not supposed to do.
Chapter 3. MORE ABOUT ALCOHOLISM page 35
All went well for a time,
but he failed to enlarge his spiritual life.
Chapter 6. INTO ACTION page 85
It is easy to let up on the spiritual program of action
and rest on our laurels.
Chapter 5. HOW IT WORKS page 60
We are willing to grow along spiritual lines.
Chapter 5. HOW IT WORKS page 66
But with the alcoholic,
whose hope is the MAINTENENCE and growth of a spiritual experience,
this business of resentment is infinitely grave.
Chapter 4. WE AGNOSTICS
page 44
To be doomed to an alcoholic death
or to live on a spiritual basis
are not always easy alternatives to face.
Chapter 4. WE AGNOSTICS page 44
But after a while
we had to face the fact
that we must find a spiritual basis of life -- or else.
Chapter 2. THERE IS A SOLUTION page 25
there was nothing left for us
but to pick up the simple kit of spiritual tools laid at our feet.
Chapter 2. THERE IS A SOLUTION page 25
We were in a position where life was becoming impossible,
and if we had passed into the region
from which there is no return through human aid,
we had but two alternatives:
One was to go on to the bitter end,
blotting out the consciousness of our intolerable situation as best we could;
and the other, to accept spiritual help.
What we really have is a DAILY REPRIEVE
contingent on the MAINTENENCE of our SPIRITUAL CONDITION.
Chapter 1. BILL'S STORY page 15
if he failed to perfect and enlarge his spiritual life
through work and self-sacrifice for others,
he could NOT survive the CERTAIN trials and low spots ahead.
Chapter 6. INTO ACTION page 85
That is how we react so long as we keep in FIT SPIRITUAL CONDITION.
Chapter 7. WORKING WITH OTHERS page 100
Assuming we are SPIRITUALLY FIT,
we can do all sorts of things alcoholics are not supposed to do.
Chapter 3. MORE ABOUT ALCOHOLISM page 35
All went well for a time,
but he failed to enlarge his spiritual life.
Chapter 6. INTO ACTION page 85
It is easy to let up on the spiritual program of action
and rest on our laurels.
Chapter 5. HOW IT WORKS page 60
We are willing to grow along spiritual lines.
Chapter 5. HOW IT WORKS page 66
But with the alcoholic,
whose hope is the MAINTENENCE and growth of a spiritual experience,
this business of resentment is infinitely grave.
Chapter 4. WE AGNOSTICS
page 44
To be doomed to an alcoholic death
or to live on a spiritual basis
are not always easy alternatives to face.
Chapter 4. WE AGNOSTICS page 44
But after a while
we had to face the fact
that we must find a spiritual basis of life -- or else.
Chapter 2. THERE IS A SOLUTION page 25
there was nothing left for us
but to pick up the simple kit of spiritual tools laid at our feet.
Chapter 2. THERE IS A SOLUTION page 25
We were in a position where life was becoming impossible,
and if we had passed into the region
from which there is no return through human aid,
we had but two alternatives:
One was to go on to the bitter end,
blotting out the consciousness of our intolerable situation as best we could;
and the other, to accept spiritual help.
Sunday, June 04, 2006
God-consciousness
Chapter 6. INTO ACTION page 84
We have entered the world of the Spirit.
Chapter 6. INTO ACTION page 76
We feel we are on the Broad Highway,
walking hand in hand with the Spirit of the Universe
Chapter 6. INTO ACTION page 75
We begin to feel the nearness of our Creator.
Chapter 4. WE AGNOSTICS
page 55
the consciousness of your belief
is SURE to come to you.
Chapter 6. INTO ACTION page 85
To some extent we have become God-conscious.
Chapter 9. THE FAMILY AFTERWARD page 130
This dream world has been replaced by a great sense of purpose,
accompanied by a growing consciousness
of the power of God in our lives.
Chapter 4. WE AGNOSTICS
page 56
For the first time,
he lived in conscious companionship
with his Creator.
Chapter 4. WE AGNOSTICS
page 47
At the start, this was all we needed to commence spiritual growth,
to effect our first conscious relation with God
as we understood Him.
Chapter 5. HOW IT WORKS page 63
As we felt new power flow in,
as we enjoyed peace of mind,
as we discovered we could face life successfully,
as we became conscious of His presence,
we began to lose our fear of today, tomorrow or the hereafter.
Chapter 5. HOW IT WORKS
page 59
Sought through prayer and meditation
to improve our conscious contact with God
as we understood Him ,
praying only for knowledge of His will for us
and the power to carry that out.
Chapter 6. INTO ACTION page 87
Being still inexperienced
and having just made conscious contact with God,
it is not probable that we are going to be inspired at all times.
Chapter 4. WE AGNOSTICS page 51
When many hundreds of people are able to say
that the consciousness of the Presence of God
is today the most important fact of their lives,
they present a powerful reason why one should have faith.
We have entered the world of the Spirit.
Chapter 6. INTO ACTION page 76
We feel we are on the Broad Highway,
walking hand in hand with the Spirit of the Universe
Chapter 6. INTO ACTION page 75
We begin to feel the nearness of our Creator.
Chapter 4. WE AGNOSTICS
page 55
the consciousness of your belief
is SURE to come to you.
Chapter 6. INTO ACTION page 85
To some extent we have become God-conscious.
Chapter 9. THE FAMILY AFTERWARD page 130
This dream world has been replaced by a great sense of purpose,
accompanied by a growing consciousness
of the power of God in our lives.
Chapter 4. WE AGNOSTICS
page 56
For the first time,
he lived in conscious companionship
with his Creator.
Chapter 4. WE AGNOSTICS
page 47
At the start, this was all we needed to commence spiritual growth,
to effect our first conscious relation with God
as we understood Him.
Chapter 5. HOW IT WORKS page 63
As we felt new power flow in,
as we enjoyed peace of mind,
as we discovered we could face life successfully,
as we became conscious of His presence,
we began to lose our fear of today, tomorrow or the hereafter.
Chapter 5. HOW IT WORKS
page 59
Sought through prayer and meditation
to improve our conscious contact with God
as we understood Him ,
praying only for knowledge of His will for us
and the power to carry that out.
Chapter 6. INTO ACTION page 87
Being still inexperienced
and having just made conscious contact with God,
it is not probable that we are going to be inspired at all times.
Chapter 4. WE AGNOSTICS page 51
When many hundreds of people are able to say
that the consciousness of the Presence of God
is today the most important fact of their lives,
they present a powerful reason why one should have faith.
After the Last 2hr Step 5 session. -Reflection
Returning home we find a place where we can be quiet for an hour,
carefully reviewing what we have done.
We thank God from the bottom of our heart that we know Him better.
Taking this book down from our shelf we turn to the page which contains the twelve steps.
Carefully reading the first five proposals
we ask if we have omitted anything,
for we are building an arch through which we shall walk a free man at last.
Is our work solid so far?
Are the stones properly in place?
Have we skimped on the cement put into the foundation?
Have we tried to make mortar without sand?
carefully reviewing what we have done.
We thank God from the bottom of our heart that we know Him better.
Taking this book down from our shelf we turn to the page which contains the twelve steps.
Carefully reading the first five proposals
we ask if we have omitted anything,
for we are building an arch through which we shall walk a free man at last.
Is our work solid so far?
Are the stones properly in place?
Have we skimped on the cement put into the foundation?
Have we tried to make mortar without sand?
Step Two. - the Minimum Requirement
We needed to ask ourselves but ONE short question.
"Do I now believe,
or am I even willing to believe,
that there is a Power greater than myself?"
Chapter 1. BILL'S STORY page 12
Nothing more was required of me to make my beginning.
Tradition 2. It HAS to be a LOVING Power. Not JUGMENTAL or PUNISHING.
A Constructive not a Destructive force.
Look up the word POWER in the dictionary.
The word is POWER not God. Don't get them confused.
Mull over the word 'Power' and see what images come to mind..
Personally I like the visualization of 'Power' in the cinema. Like in the X men, star wars or star trek type things. They often try to dramatize 'Power' at some point in the storyline. This is a useful tool to help us meditate on what the word 'Power' means to us.
As soon as a man can say
that he does believe,
or is willing to believe,
we emphatically assure him that he is on his way.
It has been repeatedly proven among us
that upon this simple cornerstone
a wonderfully effective spiritual structure can be built.
Chapter 4. WE AGNOSTICS page 47
At the start, this was all we needed to commence spiritual growth,
to effect our first conscious relation
with God as we understood Him.
Chapter 4. WE AGNOSTICS
page 55
the consciousness of your belief is sure to come to you.
Here are some ideas for a concept of a Power Greater than Yourself
The Power of AA as a whole
The collective power of the group.
The Power that makes the Earth turn
Good Orderly Direction
Group Of Drunks
The sense of magnitude you get when you look at the stars at night.
The Universe..
Gravity
The more you think about it, the more you realize that everybody has a concept of a power greater than themselves.
Think what life would be like if the world was full of people that thought they were the most powerful entity in the universe. (!) weird huh?
"Do I now believe,
or am I even willing to believe,
that there is a Power greater than myself?"
Chapter 1. BILL'S STORY page 12
Nothing more was required of me to make my beginning.
Tradition 2. It HAS to be a LOVING Power. Not JUGMENTAL or PUNISHING.
A Constructive not a Destructive force.
Look up the word POWER in the dictionary.
The word is POWER not God. Don't get them confused.
Mull over the word 'Power' and see what images come to mind..
Personally I like the visualization of 'Power' in the cinema. Like in the X men, star wars or star trek type things. They often try to dramatize 'Power' at some point in the storyline. This is a useful tool to help us meditate on what the word 'Power' means to us.
As soon as a man can say
that he does believe,
or is willing to believe,
we emphatically assure him that he is on his way.
It has been repeatedly proven among us
that upon this simple cornerstone
a wonderfully effective spiritual structure can be built.
Chapter 4. WE AGNOSTICS page 47
At the start, this was all we needed to commence spiritual growth,
to effect our first conscious relation
with God as we understood Him.
Chapter 4. WE AGNOSTICS
page 55
the consciousness of your belief is sure to come to you.
Here are some ideas for a concept of a Power Greater than Yourself
The Power of AA as a whole
The collective power of the group.
The Power that makes the Earth turn
Good Orderly Direction
Group Of Drunks
The sense of magnitude you get when you look at the stars at night.
The Universe..
Gravity
The more you think about it, the more you realize that everybody has a concept of a power greater than themselves.
Think what life would be like if the world was full of people that thought they were the most powerful entity in the universe. (!) weird huh?
Saturday, June 03, 2006
Identifiying the God 'Instructions' in the Big Book
Chapter 1. BILL'S STORY page 14
I MUST turn in ALL things
to the Father of Light
who presides over us all.
Chapter 4. WE AGNOSTICS page 47
At the start, this was all we needed to commence spiritual growth,
to effect our first conscious relation
with God as we understood Him.
Chapter 6. INTO ACTION page 85
Every day is a day when
we MUST carry the vision of God's will
into ALL of our activities
Chapter 11. A VISION FOR YOU page 164
God will determine that,
so you MUST remember
that your REAL reliance is always upon Him
I MUST turn in ALL things
to the Father of Light
who presides over us all.
Chapter 4. WE AGNOSTICS page 47
At the start, this was all we needed to commence spiritual growth,
to effect our first conscious relation
with God as we understood Him.
Chapter 6. INTO ACTION page 85
Every day is a day when
we MUST carry the vision of God's will
into ALL of our activities
Chapter 11. A VISION FOR YOU page 164
God will determine that,
so you MUST remember
that your REAL reliance is always upon Him
Why does Religion not keep people sober?
Chapter 2. THERE IS A SOLUTION page 27
This hope, however, was destroyed by
the doctor's telling him
that while his religious convictions were very good,
in his case they did NOT spell
the necessary VITAL SPIRITUAL EXPERIENCE.
So you see, according to the first 100 members
The thing that keeps them sober, is NOT religion,
It IS the Spiritual awakening 'as a result of doing the steps'.
So staying sober, and recovering are dependent upon getting a 'spiritual awakening 'as a result of doing the steps'.
NOT upon being 'religious'.
Chapter 7. WORKING WITH OTHERS page 93
To be vital,
faith MUST be accompanied by
self sacrifice and unselfish, constructive action.
Here we see the first 100 members telling us another reason why religion (of itself) DOES NOT WORK.
In other words, even if you are Jesus's own little sunbeam, that unless you start ACTING like you are Jesus's little sunbeam, you are probably going to drink yourself to death.
This isn't confined to religious types. Have you heard the phrase 'Talk the talk versus walking the walk?'
AA is full of people who wax lyrical about the merits and wonders of AA, but whose primary purpose would not appear to be 'to stay sober and help other alcoholics achieve sobriety'.
Actions speak much louder than words, and you can tell what people REALLY think by watching what they do.
And I think we can safely say that the first 100 members must have thought this point was pretty important!!! Because they then see fit to REPEAT it 4 TIMES!!
So trust me, IT'S IMPORTANT. (!)
Chapter 1. BILL'S STORY page 14
Faith without works was dead, he said.
Chapter 1. BILL'S STORY page 15
Then faith would be dead indeed.
Chapter 6. INTO ACTION page 76
Faith without works is dead.
Chapter 6. INTO ACTION page 88
Faith without works is dead.
This hope, however, was destroyed by
the doctor's telling him
that while his religious convictions were very good,
in his case they did NOT spell
the necessary VITAL SPIRITUAL EXPERIENCE.
So you see, according to the first 100 members
The thing that keeps them sober, is NOT religion,
It IS the Spiritual awakening 'as a result of doing the steps'.
So staying sober, and recovering are dependent upon getting a 'spiritual awakening 'as a result of doing the steps'.
NOT upon being 'religious'.
Chapter 7. WORKING WITH OTHERS page 93
To be vital,
faith MUST be accompanied by
self sacrifice and unselfish, constructive action.
Here we see the first 100 members telling us another reason why religion (of itself) DOES NOT WORK.
In other words, even if you are Jesus's own little sunbeam, that unless you start ACTING like you are Jesus's little sunbeam, you are probably going to drink yourself to death.
This isn't confined to religious types. Have you heard the phrase 'Talk the talk versus walking the walk?'
AA is full of people who wax lyrical about the merits and wonders of AA, but whose primary purpose would not appear to be 'to stay sober and help other alcoholics achieve sobriety'.
Actions speak much louder than words, and you can tell what people REALLY think by watching what they do.
And I think we can safely say that the first 100 members must have thought this point was pretty important!!! Because they then see fit to REPEAT it 4 TIMES!!
So trust me, IT'S IMPORTANT. (!)
Chapter 1. BILL'S STORY page 14
Faith without works was dead, he said.
Chapter 1. BILL'S STORY page 15
Then faith would be dead indeed.
Chapter 6. INTO ACTION page 76
Faith without works is dead.
Chapter 6. INTO ACTION page 88
Faith without works is dead.
Yeah right! Do I REALLY have to be 'Spiritual'?
Chapter 6. INTO ACTION page 83
The spiritual life is NOT a theory. We HAVE to LIVE it.
Chapter 4. WE AGNOSTICS page 44
We MUST find a spiritual basis of life -- or else.
Chapter 6. INTO ACTION page 85
How can I best serve Thee?,
Thy will (not mine) be done."
These are thoughts which MUST go with us CONSTANTLY.
Chapter 3. MORE ABOUT ALCOHOLISM page 43
His defense MUST come from a Higher Power.
Chapter 1. BILL'S STORY page 14
I MUST turn in ALL things
to the Father of Light
who presides over us all.
Chapter 6. INTO ACTION page 85
Every day is a day when
we MUST carry the vision of God's will
into ALL of our activities
THE DOCTOR'S OPINION page xxvi
their ideals MUST be grounded
in a power greater than themselves,
if they are to re-create their lives.
Chapter 11. A VISION FOR YOU page 164
God will determine that,
so you MUST remember
that your REAL reliance is always upon Him
The spiritual life is NOT a theory. We HAVE to LIVE it.
Chapter 4. WE AGNOSTICS page 44
We MUST find a spiritual basis of life -- or else.
Chapter 6. INTO ACTION page 85
How can I best serve Thee?,
Thy will (not mine) be done."
These are thoughts which MUST go with us CONSTANTLY.
Chapter 3. MORE ABOUT ALCOHOLISM page 43
His defense MUST come from a Higher Power.
Chapter 1. BILL'S STORY page 14
I MUST turn in ALL things
to the Father of Light
who presides over us all.
Chapter 6. INTO ACTION page 85
Every day is a day when
we MUST carry the vision of God's will
into ALL of our activities
THE DOCTOR'S OPINION page xxvi
their ideals MUST be grounded
in a power greater than themselves,
if they are to re-create their lives.
Chapter 11. A VISION FOR YOU page 164
God will determine that,
so you MUST remember
that your REAL reliance is always upon Him
Heavy Handed 'Suggestions'
Chapter 5. HOW IT WORKS page 62
Above EVERYTHING,
We alcoholics MUST be rid of this selfishness.
We MUST, or it kill us!
Chapter 6. INTO ACTION page 74
We MUST be hard on ourself, but always considerate of others.
Chapter 6. INTO ACTION page 73
We MUST be entirely honest with somebody
Chapter 5. HOW IT WORKS page 66
these resentments MUST be mastered
Chapter 7. WORKING WITH OTHERS page 93
To be vital, faith MUST be accompanied
by self sacrifice and unselfish, constructive action.
Chapter 11. A VISION FOR YOU page 159
They knew they MUST help other alcoholics
if they would remain sober
THE DOCTOR'S OPINION page xxvi
The message which can interest and hold these alcoholic people
MUST have depth and weight.
Chapter 5. HOW IT WORKS page 69
We MUST be willing to make amends where we have done harm,
provided that we do not bring about still more harm in so doing.
Above EVERYTHING,
We alcoholics MUST be rid of this selfishness.
We MUST, or it kill us!
Chapter 6. INTO ACTION page 74
We MUST be hard on ourself, but always considerate of others.
Chapter 6. INTO ACTION page 73
We MUST be entirely honest with somebody
Chapter 5. HOW IT WORKS page 66
these resentments MUST be mastered
Chapter 7. WORKING WITH OTHERS page 93
To be vital, faith MUST be accompanied
by self sacrifice and unselfish, constructive action.
Chapter 11. A VISION FOR YOU page 159
They knew they MUST help other alcoholics
if they would remain sober
THE DOCTOR'S OPINION page xxvi
The message which can interest and hold these alcoholic people
MUST have depth and weight.
Chapter 5. HOW IT WORKS page 69
We MUST be willing to make amends where we have done harm,
provided that we do not bring about still more harm in so doing.
ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS
Chapter 5. HOW IT WORKS page 60
The first requirement
is that we be CONVINCED that ANY life run on SELF-WILL
can hardly be a success.
Chapter 3. MORE ABOUT ALCOHOLISM page 33
If we are planning to stop drinking ,
there MUST be no reservation OF ANY KIND,
nor ANY lurking notion
that someday we will be immune to alcohol.
Chapter 3. MORE ABOUT ALCOHOLISM page 30
We learned that we HAD to fully concede to our innermost selves that we were alcoholics.
This is the first step in recovery.
The first requirement
is that we be CONVINCED that ANY life run on SELF-WILL
can hardly be a success.
Chapter 3. MORE ABOUT ALCOHOLISM page 33
If we are planning to stop drinking ,
there MUST be no reservation OF ANY KIND,
nor ANY lurking notion
that someday we will be immune to alcohol.
Chapter 3. MORE ABOUT ALCOHOLISM page 30
We learned that we HAD to fully concede to our innermost selves that we were alcoholics.
This is the first step in recovery.
If sex is troublesome...
Chapter 5. HOW IT WORKS page 69
We remembered always that our sex powers were God-given
and therefore good,
neither to be used lightly or selfishly
nor to be despised and loathed.
Chapter 5. HOW IT WORKS page 70
If sex is very troublesome,
we throw ourselves the harder into helping others.
We think of their needs and work for them.
This takes us out of ourselves.
It quiets the imperious urge,
when to yield would mean heartache.
Chapter 5. HOW IT WORKS page 70
To sum up about sex:
We earnestly pray for the right ideal,
for guidance in each questionable situation,
for sanity,
and for the strength to do the right thing.
Chapter 5. HOW IT WORKS page 69
In this way we tried to shape a sane and sound ideal for our future sex life.
Chapter 5. HOW IT WORKS page 69
We asked God to mold our ideals
and help us to live up to them.
Chapter 5. HOW IT WORKS page 69
Whatever our ideal turns out to be,
we MUST be willing to grow toward it.
Chapter 5. HOW IT WORKS page 70
If we are not sorry,
and our conduct continues to harm others,
we are quite sure to drink.
We remembered always that our sex powers were God-given
and therefore good,
neither to be used lightly or selfishly
nor to be despised and loathed.
Chapter 5. HOW IT WORKS page 70
If sex is very troublesome,
we throw ourselves the harder into helping others.
We think of their needs and work for them.
This takes us out of ourselves.
It quiets the imperious urge,
when to yield would mean heartache.
Chapter 5. HOW IT WORKS page 70
To sum up about sex:
We earnestly pray for the right ideal,
for guidance in each questionable situation,
for sanity,
and for the strength to do the right thing.
Chapter 5. HOW IT WORKS page 69
In this way we tried to shape a sane and sound ideal for our future sex life.
Chapter 5. HOW IT WORKS page 69
We asked God to mold our ideals
and help us to live up to them.
Chapter 5. HOW IT WORKS page 69
Whatever our ideal turns out to be,
we MUST be willing to grow toward it.
Chapter 5. HOW IT WORKS page 70
If we are not sorry,
and our conduct continues to harm others,
we are quite sure to drink.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
