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.
Todays reading is about the importance of humility in our growth. The writer describes having trouble early in the program with understanding how to develop humility. The writer decided to put the focus on being teachable- and what could be changed within in order to become more open and willing to learn. Some of the things the writer began to notice was when he/she began to think that it would be ok to skip some meetings (dangerous territory and consistently going to meetings was healthier)or when in meetings making sure to really listen to everyone who speaks. The writer tried to stay open when suggestions from his/her sponsor were made. There is a sentence that struck me particularly from this page:
The Al-Anon program works to the extent that I am open, honest, and willing, each of which is an important component for a humble state of learning.
I think that humility is such an important part of our development and growth. Understanding that I dont have all the answers, without learning from the wisdom of others, is part of our you are not alone statement of support. Like the writer, I learned from everyone I heard speak at meetings- young kids who were reflecting about alcoholic parents, husbands in long marriages, or newly divorced wives, young, old and everyone in between.
The thought for the day from this page sums it up nicely: The more available I am to listen and learn, the more available I am to be healed by my Higher Power.
Good Morning Mary. Thank you for your Sunday service (chuckle). Listen and Learn indeed...I am grateful that members emphasize (A)cceptance, (B)oundaries,(C)ompassion and (D)etachment. Shares/literature on those topics have led to profound changes within me and resulted in willingness to let go of what I think I know..(yeah, I'm a tad arrogant...ha ha). Also, my sponsor makes it safe for me to be vulnerable and accept feedback without feeling diminished. Grateful my HP placed great teachers in my path. Hope you have a joyful day.
Happy Sunday MIP. Thank you Mary for your service and the daily. Humility for me is easy defined as being teachable. I had to learn in recovery that no matter how much I know or think I know or how educated I am, etc. - there's much, much more to be taught! When I remain open and willing, I can learn from any/every thing and body!
I am grateful that my often-spastic mind has always enjoyed learning. The meaning of the word 'learning' has changed for me greatly in recovery. I am relieved to accept and embrace that I am not all-knowing and I am not expected to be so. I have found deep comfort in trusting that I am created to be perfectly imperfect by a HP with a master plan who truly knows the master plan. My faith had been rocked to my core when I arrived so finding willingness to listen, learn and practice healthy choices in recovery has brought much peace to me.
Humility is the key. I am nudged divinely or by my sponsor when my will vs. HP's will is peaking through. I know from experience that my will and wants do not bring me the peace/serenity within that trusting God's will does. One day at a time, I will keep trusting and leaning into this program, this process and my desire to improve my spiritual condition.
Love and light all - very, very cold here today and snow is all around. It's peaceful and pretty so long as I admire from afar! Make it a great day!!
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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
Mary and all, thank you for sharing about humility and being teachable. This concept seems to be at the forefront of my recovery these days. One area where I'm aware of this is Al-Anon fellowship and service. Just when I think, hey, I've been in Al-Anon more than 7 years, actively working it, doing service, having a sponsor, owning lots of conference approved literature -- I must know everything about the program, right? Wrong! I keep learning new nuances.
One thing I've noticed is my judgment of people. Several times I've judged another person in the program as just "not my type" or as an irritant or as less-than. I'm embarrassed for myself to be so not-humble. Seems like every single time, once I get to know the person more, hear their story, work with them in service or in recovery -- I find out their positive qualities, our shared experience, something where I can relate to them and feel positive. It keeps happening, over and over.
Just in the last few weeks, I had an irritating e-mail exchange with another member in service. I took it personally (that's on me!) and it really got me judging that person. Now, with all my experience, I am thinking -- wait, I wonder when I am going to find out the positive side of this person. It hasn't happened yet, but I have a strong feeling it will. There is still something there waiting for me to learn. It will happen in the higher power's time.
The illusion that I know everything is very limiting. It is much more freeing to know that more will be revealed, that I will always learn something new.
Thank you Mary and everyone one for sharing on humility and being teachable. I always thought that being humble was just giving up everything for others and being the one suffers when I first started the recovery process. But a friend helped me see that I just thought that I was this perfect person who did no wrong because I was the one suffering. II also did a lot of judging because I knew it all. Now I that my thought of what humility is totally different, I have opened myself up to a new way of life of being teachable. I have learned that honesty and being willing to learn and accept things the way they are, will allow myself to be humble in more of my daily activies
Welcome to MIP Cubsfan90 (Laura) - so glad you found us and so glad you jumped in and shared! Please keep coming back - there's always hope, help and healing in Al-Anon!!
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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
