Daily Motivations 2-24-11

Thursday, February 24, 2011

Today's Gift

It doesn't happen all at once.... You become. It takes a long time. —Margery Williams

Our spiritual awakening is partly a process of becoming real. We're moving from the external controls of image and others' opinions to the internal controls of honesty, listening to our inner voice, and having true relationships. We are shedding the games that maintained our old style of life - "macho" or "hero" or "poor me."

In place of the old phony surface, we are developing a real relationship with ourselves. We are becoming more aware - of emotions, of need for rest, of violations of our values. Sometimes change comes in a flash of insight or a moment of sudden, piercing awareness, but more often it comes a little bit at a time. As we work the Steps, as we are true to our inner voice, as we keep returning to conscious contact with our Higher Power, as we get closer to our friends, we become more real to ourselves.

As I grow, I see that I was always real. I was just looking at the outside.

From Touchstones: A Book of Daily Meditations for Men ©

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Twenty-Four Hours A Day

 

Walk In Dry Places
 
Selfishness____Self-improvement
We're told again and again that we have to be selfish about our own recovery, but this seems to be in conflict with the fact that selfishness is the root of our problem. How can selfishness be both good and bad?

 

The selfishness we need for recovery is a devotion to self-improvement, rather than the selfish indulgence that made us sick. One is a giving of ourselves, the other is frantic taking that leads to destruction. The person who seeks self-improvement is competing only against his or her former self.  The sick brand of selfishness, on the other hand, is usually involved in unhealthy competition with others.

 

There is no easy way to test whether our selfishness is the right kind. If our conduct leads to long-term happiness and higher self-esteem, it is probably right. If it harms us or others, something is wrong.  We can correct this by getting back to the basics of the program and pursing self-improvement rather than self-indulgence.

Action for the Day: Just for today, I will take part in that which will obviously benefit everyone.

 

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One Day At A Time

 

Now
Now is the time, the only time there is.
And if we are not kind to ourselves right now,
we certainly cannot rightfully expect respect or consideration from others.
We have found we can enjoy, sober, every good thing we enjoyed while drinking
-- and many, many more. It takes a little practice,
but the rewards more than make up for the effort.
To do so is not selfish, but self-protective. Unless we cherish our own recovery,
we cannot survive to become unselfish, ethical, and socially responsible people.
- Living Sober, p. 42

Thought to Ponder . . .
Give Time -- time.

AA-related 'Alconym' . . .
N O W = No Other Way.

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Daily Motivation

 

Be here now

 

Let go of your thoughts about what could be, or should be, or might have been. Be here now, fully and lovingly.

 

Give your attention to the miracle of what is. See the great value and beauty that is right in front of you, here and now.

Let your thoughts arise and then let them go. There's no need to wander away from the wholeness of this moment.

Don't hurry ahead to whatever is next. Be here now, and give all the power of your awareness to living the wonder and value of what is.

What you truly desire is not out there somewhere, and is not waiting for someday to appear to you. It is yours to manifest and enjoy in this moment.

There is great power and ability in your presence. Be here now, and live the treasure that is already yours in this very moment.

-- Ralph Marston