“I've found the Spirit to be an infinite realm filled with love & wonder.”

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

A Deep Breath of Life

Alan Cohen

“Our spiritual life is founded on the spirit in which we act. How much peace and security do you feel? Do you carry the spirit of joy through your day? Do you greet the security guard or grocery clerk with respect and appreciation? Can you accept and laugh in the face of a change in your personal life or a business delay? On the spiritual journey, happiness is based on the depth of love generated, not on the amount of time spent managing life. In the movie Ghost, as he’s about to go into the light, Patrick Swayze's character exclaims, "It's amazing-you take all the love with you." Today, I shall not wait for the afterlife to find heaven. I pray to bring the richest spirit to all that I do; to use every moment to embrace and magnify love.”

Adapted from A Deep Breath of Life

Daily Reflections

“Early in my A.A. life, I became employed in its services, and I found the explanation of our society’s logo to be very appropriate. First, a circle of love and service with a well-balanced triangle inside, the base of which represents our Recovery through the Twelve Steps. The other two sides, representing Unity and Service, respectively. The three sides of the triangle are equal. As I grew in A.A. I soon identified myself with this symbol. I am the circle, and the sides of the triangle represent three aspects of my personality: physical, emotional sanity, spirituality, the latter forming the symbol’s base. Together, all three aspects of my personality translate into a sober and happy life.”

Adapted from Daily Reflections

Twenty-Four Hours a Day

Meditation for the Day When you look to God for strength to face responsibility and are quiet before Him, His healing touch causes the Divine Quiet to flow into your very being. When in weakness you cry to God, His touch brings healing, the renewal of your courage, and the power to meet every situation and be victorious. When you faint by the way or are distracted by feelings of inferiority, then rely on the touch of God's spirit to support you. Then arise and go forth with confidence. Prayer of the Day I pray that I may lay myself open today to the healing touch of God. I pray that I may not falter or faint by the wayside but renew my courage through prayer.”

Reflect — Steve L.'s own words

“Reflecting on today’s readings, I got tears in my eyes reading the story of Patrick Swayze in the movie Ghost. The Spirit is real; we are spirits in the material world. I had gotten completely wrapped up in the material world. Like Bill W. wrote, “I’d prove to the world I was important. The inviting maelstrom of Wall Street had me in its grip. Business and financial leaders were my heroes. Many people lost money—but some became very rich. Why not I?” I felt the same way representing the Pierre Cardin group in NYC. I was on my way, and, then ended up, disheveled, shaking, at my bottom. Then something happened.

Getting my 24-hour chip, I heard the term “winner.” Now I knew you guys were crazy. Winner? I’m such a loser. Calling my sponsor, working through the 1st 3 Steps, I was introduced to a New World. It’s taken many years to accept and appreciate that. I've found the Spirit to be an infinite realm filled with love & wonder.

My thinking was and continues to get off track. You told me it was a Broad Highway. The guardrails are Steps 1 and 12. I’ve bounced off the guardrails more than once, but unlike going over the guardrails into a ravine on the New Jersey turnpike in 1970 speeding in my ‘68 Nova 327, I haven’t had to go to the hospital! Thank you for a solution that works if and when I work it, for telling me to keep coming back, and to pass on the solution.”