Presence and a child as teacher - Al-Anon Family Group

grateful2be · ~*Service Worker*~

Presence and a child as teacher

hotrod · ~*Service Worker*~

G2B I believe you were truly in the moment to observe, process and intuit the message from this sweet encounter. Good work my friend.

Being in the moment is a true gift of this program and I found I could accomplish this by, being where my feet were, and reciting slogans or the serenity prayer in my mind when I was tempted to drift to the past or future so as to keep myself in the present moment This is another subtle powerful tool of the program. I have read that having a true presence is the only time when actual change can occur .
Thanks for the post and reminder

Jerry F · ~*Service Worker*~

Got me to the right channel on this one G...Also brought up the inventory question WHY? again part of which I conversed with my sponsor this morning and part of which I am let make low noise in my head at the moment. Maybe it's because the young don't know what we already do and don't have the habitual experiences we have of trying to change what we are powerless over...I've worked with kids as my clients and came to that conclusion long ago...they don't have the stuck experience like we do so they can let it go easier and faster. They can answer the question "what is my part in it"? more clearly and easily than I can. I empathize with you though because for me the noise and push and shove has arrived at the possibility of being permanent and I don't like that picture. Someone once told me that the reason that the forceful, pounding, driving music is played in places where people gather was to send they away sooner than later. That works for me. Children can teach when we let them. Being a Alateen sponsor for 6 years during my journey was a blessing. Good post. (((hugs))) smile

-- Edited by Jerry F on Sunday 16th of November 2014 06:02:16 PM

PP · ~*Service Worker*~

What a contrast you describe...distraction and presence. Reading this keeps me from chasing thoughts and typing at the same time. How sweet that you noticed these little cherubs and were present to their presence.

bud · ~*Service Worker*~

Thank you for your share, Grateful. It conjures stark contrasting images and emotions. Children can be the best teachers!

neshema2 · ~*Service Worker*~

grateful2be wrote:
I can lose focus on myself and what I'm doing easily if I'm focused on the distractions in life rather than simply doing what is mine to do while I act only as a witness to what I see or hear and nothing more.
I'm grateful for both those little boys. The one I saw yesterday and didn't apply what I learned in seeing him. The one I saw today and realized the lesson he was helping me remember and apply.

-- Edited by grateful2be on Sunday 16th of November 2014 05:35:15 PM

and WHAT a sweet lesson for me.....LOVE this "simply doing what is mine to do" and just being a witness to whats going on around me....that little boy is a study in mindfulness.....totally centered.......thank you, (((((C)))) for this lovely share

Debilyn · ~*Service Worker*~

Oh I loved this share so much!! thank you. I have called this noodle gazing for many years. Being an observer. I am always smiling. If I am not someone will ask if I am ok.

Yes kids are so cool. I like to look at them and smile and see them respond. YES I am here in this cart taking it all in lady!

I think about my neighbors like this too. watching how they go along and take care of their homes and animals. so into it.

Here people come out of their bubble and talk to you. I took down a fence next door and made this huge roll. Then I am rolling it down the street. lol this lady stops,I don't know who she is but she is a neighbor, just stopped to talk to this crazy lady in overalls rolling fence down the road.lol I thanked her for stopping. She is taking it all in and responding to it.

Lets go sit in an airport, drink tea and watch the people,the drama...lol hugs.

Newlife girl · ~*Service Worker*~

I love the innocence of children. Thank you for the reminder to look at life through a child's eyes.

milkwood · ~*Service Worker*~

Three great teachers in that post!! Thank you Grateful

Had me thinking of that quote 'out of the mouths of babes come.' I think it is normally wisdom but for some reason my mind I inserted 'cookie crumbs' and I'm very ok with that as well!

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.