Remember: Spirituality and the Twelve Steps (Part One)
Both the Gospel and the Twelve Step Program insist that the experience of powerlessness is the absolutely necessary starting point for transformational healing. (Sunday)
Those who can be present with head, heart, and body at the same time will always encounter The Presence, whether they call it God or not. (Monday)
It is easy to surrender when you know that nothing but Love and Mercy are on the other side.
(Tuesday)
Jesus knows that if you see rightly, the actions and behavior will eventually take care of themselves.
(Wednesday)
Step Five fits the biblical notion of restorative justice—to restore relationships themselves, to restore integrity with myself, and to restore a sense of communion with God.
(Thursday)
Step Six paradoxically says that we must fully own and admit that we have “defects of character,” but then equally step back and do nothing about it, as it were, until we are entirely ready to let God do the job! (Friday)
Rest: Welcoming Prayer
Rather than resisting or fighting our addictions (to thoughts, things, behaviors, etc.), admitting powerlessness is the first step toward healing and freedom. A simple prayer brings this practice into the day-to-day circumstances of life when we are drawn into habitual reactions. While a set-aside time for meditation is truly valuable in rewiring our brains, Welcoming Prayer helps us find serenity through surrender in the midst of messy, ordinary moments.
When triggered or caught by something unpleasant, begin by simply being present to your feeling, experiencing it not just mentally but also emotionally and physically. Don’t try to rationalize or explain the feeling, but witness and give attention to this sensation.
Welcome the feeling, speaking aloud, if you can: “Welcome, [anger, fear, hunger, longing, etc.].” Repeat this as many times as you need to truly sense yourself embracing and receiving the feeling.
Finally, let go of the feeling, perhaps speaking these words by Mary Mrozowski, the originator of Welcoming Prayer:
I let go of my desire for security and survival.
I let go of my desire for esteem and affection.
I let go of my desire for power and control.
I let go of my desire to change the situation.
Gateway to Silence:
God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.
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