Love as a shield - Al-Anon Family Group

Dolly Llama · Senior Member

Love as a shield

Jerry F · ~*Service Worker*~

((((Push)))) I heard that concept when I was very young and it was a good concept however I could not build on it until I got into the Family Groups and since getting into the AFG the concept has built and built until Love has become a usual characteristic and normal behavior. It is what I was taught in the program...Practice, Practice, Practice.

Love is the complete and total acceptance of every other human being for exactly who they are. (doesn't specifically mention the alcoholic/addict but "every other human being" and there are no "conditions" put on them). Once I get it I get free of thoughts and feelings that use to drag me into the ocean and hold me under the water. Mostly I lose fear. Hugs smile

-- Edited by Jerry F on Saturday 7th of April 2012 04:47:06 PM

Pushka · ~*Service Worker*~

This was something that came up in a discussion I was having today after a meeting.

I'm curious to hear what you all think of this .. love as a shield ..

How do I get there? Does anyone practice this concept? What does it mean to you? Whatever ESH regarding love as a shield (both for outward to the world and protection). Is this something that is step work or is it just something we are suppose to do?

Thanks in advance, P :)

hotrod · ~*Service Worker*~

Pushka

Love as a Shield is a beautiful concept

. I think I have developed this in a small degree. To me it means, that I see the world and all the people in it thru eyes of acceptance, courtesy, respect and the natural feeling that follow that is LOVE. I no longer fear to engage or fear life I have complete Faith in HP and live with wisdom, courage and serenity.

When I stopped judging gossiping, critiquing others, the true feeling of compassion, acceptance, and love filled the place. I also stopped expecting others to think as I did and allowed everyone the right to their own opinion. Amazing things happened. I also decided that no matter what everyone deserved to be treated with courtesy and respect. In so doing the feeling that followed was love.

I cannot say I am a master of this and do slip and fall often. Having had a glimpse of the possibility, I strive for this each day.

Thanks for the topic

-- Edited by hotrod on Saturday 7th of April 2012 07:21:01 PM

-- Edited by hotrod on Saturday 7th of April 2012 07:27:47 PM

Breakingfree · ~*Service Worker*~

I have read about the armor of God in my bible study, but nothing about armor in my Al-anon meetings as of yet. Sending you love and support!

rehprof · ~*Service Worker*~

I listen to free podcasts in my car..a woman named tara brach is one of my favorites (itunes) -- she is a psychologist and applies buddhist principles to our western lives.

She talks about believing in our general goodness. One profound question she asks is "How do you answer the question -- is the universe a friendly place?"

If you answer "no" then this will lead you to build walls and weapons to keep people from hurting you.

If you answer "yes" then you can spend your life "tending and befriending"

So, according to her, when you love from that very deep place, there is no need to be shielded...because everything is as it should be. Even the bad things that happen teach us...and are part of this mysterious human experience, all of which can be embraced and accepted.

I have never heard of "love as a shield" -- just the opposite...that with love and acceptance...there is no need to shield oneself from any of this life.

likemyheart · ~*Service Worker*~

Pushka your post makes me think of the Umbrella Song - they've got their love as an umbrella from the rain. Was always one of my favorite songs, no matter what happens to you, love is the umbrella that keeps the pain/rain from getting in. Maybe its loving yourself enough to not let the uglies in life in to hurt you, believing in the goodness of life, that love is stronger than anything else out there. If "God/HP" is love, then love truly is the strongest thing out there, the force that shields us from anything that might hurt us.

Here's the song - sung by Donny & Marie - wow, those smiles!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rRptvt5k6M4

Breakingfree · ~*Service Worker*~

I love this ESH this is a new way at looking at this for me and I love it! Thank you all for this concept. I have been trying to see myself with HP/Gods love, but to love and accept others with it would help me even more with my sick exfamily. Sending you all love and support!

pinkchip · ~*Service Worker*~

I was going to type out an in depth response but Betty pretty much summed it up. Where there is love, there cannot be judgment, intolerance, controlling...etc. Love acts as a shield then for all those things. When you chose to love, you let God in and miracles happen. You are shielded from tragedy and hopelessness then as well.

Pushka · ~*Service Worker*~

Thanks for ALL of the responses, .. I'm really trying to wrap my head around this and like I said it was shared this weekend with me and I like the idea very very much so. I'm going to have to think about how I can accomplish this in my own life. I have been challenged this holiday .. lol .. WOW .. have I been challenged this holiday. I'm headed to a meeting tonight. I'm going to really meditate on this.

Hugs P :)

Wolfie55 · Senior Member

Its an interesting thought Pushka. A shield is used to protect and unlike a wall it can be moved aside when not needed. Though I can't imagine never being in need of love. I like it. Thanks again.

The material presented here is not Al-Anon Conference Approved Literature. It is a method to exchange information, ideas, feelings, problems and solutions on a personal level.