Hi Everyone, this week we read up to Step Eleven, p 225 so we will start Step Eleven next week. Our discussion tonight was about the dukkah (or unsatisfactoriness) of maintenance, routines, discipline and being able to let go, and be gentle with ourselves with our meditation practice. We talked about how we got sober to be happy,
On p222 Kevin says even in prison "...prisoners often say, "I'd like to start meditating but I can't find the time." Can you relate to not finding time for your own spiritual practices like meditating that are essential to your recovery and therefore your happiness?
I know that I've certainly been guilty of that both in my meditation practice and in other aspects of my life, where I know that I'll feel better after I do it, or after I work out, or ride my bike, but still seem to crowd out the dedicated time to do it with other less important but time consuming things. It is something I still struggle with, but have certainly gotten better at. It helps to have meetings like this one where I sit with a group and always feel so much better after. It helps to remind me of why I got sober and how it is necessary to maintain it with some practices and disciplines that in the end result are only for my joy. I'm grateful.
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In early recovery, I thought I didn't have time to meditate and pray while working a job, working the steps, raising a child and trying to heal. I soon realized after time that Meditation is self care and it's part of my daily routine. I can incorporate it into something else I am doing. Walking meditations were a great start. I love nature and feel the most connected to my higher power Great OutDoors, so I started there. There were many people who supported me through this process to get to this revelation. I am grateful for meditation and prayer. I learned to listen and ask for what I need. I feel better when I can sit on the beach or in nature and just be. The process of learning what works for me is everchanging. I go with the flow, listen to what my body wants and do the thing. Thanks Lori, I am grateful as well.