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.
ODAT reading for 9-29 reviews the slogan "Listen and learn": It reminds us that
"Listen and learn is a sound doctrine, if we use it well. We do not make significant progress in our thinking if we're only listening to ourselves talk.
and one of its quotes:
"I pray that I may learn from listening whether or not I agree with what I hear." When I practice this slogan I also remind myself to "Keep an open mind".
I pray daily for serenity and courage. I pray that any fear that may surface ligts and with it the feeling of being somewhat paralyzed in taking care of simple responsibilities of life.
In addition I pray for faith and spiritual lightness to be flexible and let all of life in
Thanks Betty for the daily. I find that all of the slogans can apply to me and have value if I keep an open mind. With listen and learn, I am reminded that others need respect and I can offer that by listening, considering what they say, and take what I like and leave the rest. And even if I dont like anything they say, I don't even have to express that. I think this slogan has helped me grow up and be more compassionate. It also helps me know myself and develop solid self esteem. Lyne
Lyne, I really liked how you expressed your ESH about this!
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"The wolf that thrives, is the one you feed." - Cherokee legend
"Hello, sun in my face. Hello you who made the morning and spread it over the fields... Watch, now, how I start the day in happiness, in kindness." Mary Oliver
Thanks for your service, Betty, and ESH shared. I first begun to really "Listen and learn" in the meetings, I think... Not right away. Oh, I thought I was listening (and learning) but a lot of what was said went right through my head without being really heard (I guess I was/am just good at memorizing stuff without any real understanding... ). At that point I didn't know how to do that, I couldn't turn off or at least turn down a notch my crazy inner mental chatter, I was quite nuts really. I'm very grateful this area has seen improvement, although I still tend to be "in my head" too much. A grateful member of Al-Anon :) (first time calling myself that!)
Thank you Betty for the daily and your service. Thanks to all for the shares and ESH. I was trying to listen and learn, but like mentioned, I struggled to stay present and to turn off the chatter in my mind. I had a life-long habit of, "Yeah, butt". I also came feeling like I'd been in a long battle or war, and that I was defeated big time which was a huge distraction for a perfectionist with an ego (ME)!
So - it took me a while to be able to be still to listen and learn. Today, it's a huge part of how I live each day. I believe every encounter I have is for a reason and learning is necessary and how I stay humble and keep growing. I am grateful I have no expectations of graduating, perfecting or even scoring well in recovery - it's not a contest or a phase ... it is a way of life.
I own my humanism today as well as my mistakes. I am no longer shameful when I error as it's how I was designed. This program has helped me embrace healthy expectations of self and others and when I can stay present and focused on the present, life is good. I too am a grateful member of Al-Anon, complete with imperfections, humility and a calm grace I never had or knew before! Happy Saturday all - spent the day doing party prep for the grandsons' birthday party tomorrow! It's all about Mario - lolol....they are very excited so that makes my heart smile!
Enjoy the day and weekend all!
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Practice the PAUSE...Pause before judging. Pause before assuming. Pause before accusing. Pause whenever you are about to react harshly and you will avoid doing and saying things you will later regret. ~~~~ Lori Deschene
Thanks for the reminder. I used to be so narrowminded, it was awful. Now I rather enjoy listening to others and closing my pie hole and listening to what they have to say and walking away a little bit smarter and wiser in the process. I cant learn if I dont open my heart and open my ears to what others have to say even if I do not agree, there is always a nugget of wisdom In what I hear. I guess going to so many meetings etc. where are you are meant to shut up while the other one is sharing, taught me how to be a better listener and for that I am very grateful. Hugs
