Silence is the element in which great things fashion themselves together. —Thomas Carlyle
Silence does not draw attention to itself. It is the ultimate in letting go and letting be. It is the opposite of the great dramatic event, so we easily forget silence is a basic means by which we grow. We live in a "can do" society that applauds a man of action who gets a job done. Perhaps we learned to think that being alone in silence is empty time with nothing happening.
In truth, some great things happen only by decisive action, but other great things happen only when we get ourselves out of the way and simply allow them to occur. It would be foolish to believe only in action and miss the benefits that come from quiet moments. When we withdraw from the hubbub of the world around us and quiet our minds, we are making room for great things to fashion themselves together.
Today, I will remember the importance of silence in my growth. I will set aside some of my busyness and be still.
From Touchstones: A Book of Daily Meditations for Men©
He who can take advice is sometimes superior to he who can give it. ---Karl von Knebel
In recovery, we learn that we don’t know everything. We had stopped listening. Most of us had been asked by family, friends, doctors, and employers to stop drinking and using other drugs. But, we didn’t listen. If we had listened, we would’ve been in this program long ago. Addiction did something to how we listen. We heard only what we wanted to hear. Do I still hear only what I want?
In recovery, we learn to listen. We listen to our groups. We listen to our sponsor. We listen as we read. The better we listen, the better our recovery.
I don't have to shut myself in a closet to pray.
It can be done even in a room full of people.
I just remove myself mentally for an instant.
As the practice of prayer continues, I will find I don't need words,
for my Higher Power can, and does, hear my thoughts through silence.
Daily Reflections, p. 322
Thought to Ponder . . .
God never answers a question that starts with "why."
AA-related 'Alconym' . . .
A S A P = Always Say A Prayer.
Daily Motivation
Give the value
You can’t fully enjoy life if you’re always expecting someone else to live it for you. The value of each experience is directly related to the value you are willing to put into it.
Instead of seeing your efforts, your obligations and your responsibilities as burdens, see them as opportunities. When you feel resentment or frustration brewing, choose to replace those feelings with gratitude and enthusiasm.
The way to truly enjoy life is to continually give your own unique beauty and value to it. The way to truly enjoy life is through your efforts, your commitments, and your authentic creativity.
Every day puts you in a position to give of yourself, so make the most of the opportunity. In every moment there are real, beneficial things you can do to lift your whole world.
To the extent that you do so, life becomes more meaningful, more fulfilling and much more enjoyable. Even the complicated, frustrating, and uncomfortable tasks add immensely to the enjoyment when you remind yourself of the purpose behind them.
Make the effort, do the work, and give the unique value that’s yours to give. Enjoy the matchless satisfaction of living each moment to truly make a difference.
— Ralph Marston
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