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Miracles In Progress 12 Step Recovery Forums -> Step Work -> Step Work -> Alanon Step 11 (Jan 1-17-2017)
Post Info TOPIC: Alanon Step 11 (Jan 1-17-2017)
hotrod


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Alanon Step 11 (Jan 1-17-2017)
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Step 11

Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God, as we understood him, praying only for knowledge of his will for us and the power to carry that out.

Paths to recovery.

This relationship we have with the God of our understanding, compared to when we first walked through the rooms of Al-Anon is now much more powerful as a result of our experience in working the steps. In step two, we came to believe we experience empowered making a conscious decision. In step 11, we can maintain our growth with new energy through meditation and knowledge of his will.

My Share

 

 I know that we are instructed to work these Steps in order however  I worked Step 11  out of order because after I had reconciled with the God of my understanding in Step 2, I reviewed all the other Steps and thought it an impossible task for me.    I knew that these Steps held the key to living my life differently and  I was determined to continue on this journey.  I decided that, for me  to develop  the courage to move forward, I needed to jump through  the Steps so that I could obtain the clarity and courage   to do the work of Steps 4 thru 9

Reading the Steps was very  easy--- Acting on them and using them in my life very hard.

As with the first three steps I practice this    Step      every morning when I wake up. I remind myself that I am powerless over people, places and things, that I have a Power greater than myself,who will direct my life and give me the tools that I need in order to live successfully.  I also remind myself that life is hard and  that often. I must face unexpected difficulties, but with the power of my HP I will not be defeated. 

 I have found the serenity prayer, encompasses all that I need to live my life, trusting the power of my higher power and having no expectations of  outcomes.

Any time during the day that I feel angry, resentful,  or sad, I repeat the serenity prayer and trust HP to guide my actions and words.   . During this process I stopped trying to manipulate situations to obtain my will and I'm honest, open and willing, in my communication with others. What a gift this program truly is.

As I mentioned before, I have had many difficulties in my life even while I was using this program because MY HP did not promise a Rose Garden.   The heartbreak of losing my son to this disease was huge . I must note that although I felt the sadness; the anger, the grief this huge loss, I also felt deep down a peace that surpasses understanding.  I did receive the power to face this very difficult loss with HP's help.   I will always miss and love my child and have a deep sadness at his loss however I also am oh so grateful that this beautiful gift from HP,  was in  my life for over 40 years and I can recall the many joys and love we shared.

I love this program 

Step 11 questions

how do I define the difference between prayer and meditation?

Am I am willing to try prayer or meditation today?

What can I do to add prayer and meditation to my life today?

How am I am willing to be guided today?

Is something blocking me in this step today?

What steps can I reviewed to help me feel connected again?

What do I need to have the power to carry out Gods will for me?

Have I asked God to that power?

Do I have a special time and place to pray and meditate? What can I do to create to create one?

What personal spiritual experiences can I draw on to help me improve my conscious contact with HP?

 

 



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Betty
Kim C


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Thanks for your share Betty!  I am enjoying our journey through the steps together.

How do I define the difference between prayer and mediation?

I believe the difference is that when I am praying I am talking to God.  During meditation, I am listening.  

Am I willing to try prayer or meditation today?

I pray and meditate daily

How am I willing to be guided today?

I am willing to be guided toward whatever God would have for me today and most days.  I do still have days when I want to do what I want and don't want to be guided at all.  They are fewer than before.

What do I need to have the power to carry out God's will for me?

I need his power and guidance.  Along with that the courage to do what's in front of me.

Do I have a special time and place to pray and meditate?

I do.  For a very long time now I have spent time with God first thing in the morning with my first cup of coffee.  I read from the Big Big Book, pray and meditate.  I have added the daily reading from C2C to my morning as well.

What personal spiritual experiences can I draw on to help me improve my conscious contact with HP?

I can look back at prayer journals and see answered prayers.  I can make a gratitude list.  



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Kim C
hotrod


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Hello Kim Thank you for responding with such wisdom and honesty to each Step. It is certainly powerful experience to share this journey with you.

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Betty
DavidG


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 Ah aint come back for good Betty... just for a time or quiet reflection. You might be pleased to know I came up with the same answer as Kim- for the difference between prayer and meditation.

As you know I have bin through the steps here, and the traditions. Right this moment, pictured in my mind I see a 12 Step clubhouse- but this one has a chapel- a quiet place- where there might be only 2 or 3 people.

And this is the house that Jack built- or John actually... and it is a tribute to him that we meet here. Recently, when I had a chance, I spoke with him- online, just like this and imparted my thoughts to him... ...offered heartfelt gratitude. And i also described him to himself as a bit of a cowboy- and he didn't argue with this at all. Just another one of us getting on with life the best way he could.

No-one can argue with death, or serious illness. Only grieving can begin to heal the fracture, and cleanse the wound.

Finding our higher power in grief is helpful, essential... finding emotion in grief is also healing, and realising our higher power heals through open emotion. In a safe place.

As I navigate around the Alanon board i realise that my boundaries have improved. I no longer seem to gate-crash other people's conversations... not like before anyway... I seem to be accepted into the circle naturally- and accept others exactly the same.

I know our higher power was ready to accept all of us, right from the beginning. And the power is strong when a bond of trust develops.

Thanks for the share, and thanks for being here, y'all,

DavidG.



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Participation is the key to harmony.
hotrod


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Hi David Thanks for connecting and sharing your thoughts. I have lost count of how many times I have gone through the Steps and each time have discovered new defects to address. aww
Grief is a diificult emotion to handle alone, so I am happy that we have this family to walk through the pain and sorrow that life can bring.I know when my son passed alanon gave me the courage to carry on.

Glad that we are sharing the journey. 



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Betty
hotrod


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Hello Freetime thank you for your powerful inspirational share. I too experienced a powerful spiritual experience at the death o f my son and husband. Thanks for sharing the journey.

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Betty
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