“Steps 2 & 3 opens the door to New Consciousness.”

Three readings. A song that says the rest. And inspiration for whatever this day is here to teach.

A lone surfer riding inside a great curling wave

Read — the readings that opened the day

What Is Acceptance?

Life’s formidable array of pains and problems will require many different degrees of acceptance. Sometimes, we have to find the right kind of acceptance for each day. Sometimes, we need to develop acceptance for what may come to pass tomorrow and, yet again, we shall have to accept a condition that may never change. Then, too, there frequently has to be a right and realistic acceptance of grievous flaws within ourselves and serious faults within those about us – defects that may not be fully remedied for years, if ever.

Adapted from The Language of the Heart

Reading

Sri Chinmoy

First we have to establish peace within ourselves; only then can we try to offer peace to others. If I feel peaceful, then I shall not find fault with you or quarrel with you. If you feel peaceful, then you will not quarrel with me or with somebody else. So, if I can find inner peace within myself and if you can find peace within yourself, then that peace will grow in the world like a flower, petal by petal.

Reflect — Steve L.'s own words

Doing the readings today, I flashed back when I first called my sponsor to ask what the 12 Steps meant to him; how he worked through his failures, regrets, and where he got strength to face each day. He said, “Steve, I’ve admitted I’m powerless over alcohol and then discovered there are many things I have no power over. And I need a new manager! Steps 2 & 3 opens the door to New Consciousness. My sponsor told me to turn to page 86 and read “On Awakening” every morning before I start my day. It works.

Give it a try!” I did, and, so far, what a trip it's been!

Last night on the 6pm Men’s Zoom, Greg H. shared his experience on Step 5. Coming in & out many times, (the last time in an orange jumpsuit from County Jail!), somehow Greg got his feet firmly planted in recovery. His friend Bud C. recognized him from carrying the message to him into the jails many years ago and both laughed about their countless vain attempts to stay clean & sober, and then a new life neither could imagine. Then, Dick B. shared his experience doing all of the steps; not a buffet where we can pick and choose what we like! That made me reflect on an old friend Homer quoting from the forward of the 12 & 12: “A.A.'s Twelve Steps are a group of principles, spiritual in their nature, which, if practiced as a way of life, can expel the obsession to drink and enable the sufferer to become happily and usefully whole.” They certainly have for me and will continue to deliver IF I continue to sit still, let all of the thoughts pass, and open my heart to a New Consciousness..

Today, help me remember to step aside; to let The Power in and to leave all of my struggles, efforts to manage and understand, and my countless demands behind. It’s a long & winding road. Thank you for showing me how all 12 Steps work for The Journey.