The Importance of Prayer and Meditation in Alcoholics Anonymous
Pages 86-88 Morning Pages of the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous. Step 11 is how I begin my day. With prayer and meditation. Reading these pages every morning helps me get through the day. I have a better attitude and I’m more open to help from others.
The Morning Routine
The Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous offers a structured approach to prayer and meditation, starting with a morning routine outlined on pages 86, 87, and 88. This routine encourages individuals to begin their day with a mindful reflection on the upcoming 24 hours. The book advises to consider plans for the day while seeking God’s guidance. This guidance is sought with the specific intention of divorcing thoughts from self-pity, dishonesty, or self-serving motives. By engaging in this practice, individuals can clear their minds and approach the day with a more balanced and positive perspective.
Asking for Guidance
The Big Book’s guidance on pages 86-88 emphasizes the importance of seeking divine direction before embarking on daily activities. It encourages individuals to approach the day with a humble and open mind, recognizing that they are not always in control. This involves actively asking God for guidance, acknowledging that their own thoughts and plans might be flawed or influenced by unhealthy motives. By seeking a higher power’s intervention, individuals aim to align their actions with a more positive and purposeful path, fostering a sense of connection and surrendering to a force greater than themselves;
The Importance of Honesty
The Big Book, on pages 86-88, underscores the significance of honesty in the recovery process. It stresses the importance of aligning thoughts and actions with truth, recognizing that self-deception and dishonesty can hinder progress. This honesty extends to acknowledging flaws, shortcomings, and areas where self-pity, self-seeking motives, or dishonesty might have crept into one’s thinking. The book suggests that by confronting these aspects of oneself and striving for authenticity, individuals create a foundation for genuine growth and a closer connection with their higher power. It emphasizes that true change begins with recognizing and addressing the root causes of unhealthy behaviors, paving the way for a more fulfilling and honest life.
The Evening Review
The evening review, as outlined in the Big Book on pages 86-88, serves as a powerful tool for self-reflection and growth. It invites individuals to examine their day with an honest and introspective lens. This process encourages a deep dive into one’s thoughts, actions, and interactions. It prompts questions like⁚ Were there moments of resentment, selfishness, dishonesty, or fear? Did any situations call for an apology? Were there unspoken truths that need to be addressed? Did kindness and love permeate the day? By engaging in this comprehensive review, individuals gain valuable insights into their behavior patterns and areas where they might have strayed from their recovery goals. This self-awareness empowers them to make necessary adjustments and cultivate a more balanced and fulfilling life.
Reflecting on the Day
The Big Book’s guidance on pages 86-88 emphasizes the importance of reflecting on the day with a focus on personal growth. It encourages a thoughtful exploration of one’s actions, motivations, and interactions. The process involves examining whether the day was filled with resentment, selfishness, dishonesty, or fear. It also prompts a consideration of whether apologies are owed and if any unspoken truths need to be shared. By analyzing the day’s events through this lens, individuals gain a deeper understanding of their own behavior and the impact it has on themselves and others. This introspection leads to a heightened awareness of personal strengths and weaknesses, empowering individuals to make positive changes and cultivate healthier habits.
Identifying Resentment, Selfishness, Dishonesty, and Fear
On pages 86-88 of the Big Book, the evening review process encourages individuals to identify and address the negative emotions and behaviors that may have crept into their day. This introspective practice prompts them to examine their actions and motives, looking for instances of resentment, selfishness, dishonesty, and fear. The guidance emphasizes that these destructive forces can hinder progress in recovery and lead to relapse. By acknowledging and confronting these negative aspects of themselves, individuals can begin to understand their triggers and develop strategies for managing them. This self-awareness fosters personal growth and strengthens their commitment to the principles of recovery.
The Importance of Apology
The evening review process outlined on pages 86-88 of the Big Book emphasizes the importance of offering apologies. The text encourages individuals to reflect on whether they have wronged anyone during the day and to consider whether they owe an apology. This practice emphasizes the significance of taking responsibility for one’s actions and making amends for any harm caused. By acknowledging their mistakes and expressing sincere remorse, individuals foster healthier relationships and contribute to a more positive environment in their recovery journey. This practice promotes healing, strengthens trust, and contributes to personal growth.
The Importance of Kindness and Love
The Big Book, on pages 86-88, encourages individuals to reflect on their actions throughout the day, particularly regarding their capacity for kindness and love. The text prompts readers to consider whether they have shown kindness and love towards all they encountered. This emphasis on compassion and empathy underscores the importance of cultivating these qualities in recovery. By practicing kindness and love, individuals not only contribute to a more positive and harmonious environment but also foster personal growth and a sense of fulfillment. This shift in perspective can help individuals break free from the self-centeredness that often characterizes addiction and embrace a more fulfilling and compassionate approach to life.
Seeking Improvement
Pages 86-88 of the Big Book emphasize the continuous nature of personal growth in recovery. The text prompts individuals to reflect on their day and ask⁚ “What could we have done better?” This simple question encourages a constant evaluation of our actions and a commitment to improvement. It’s not about achieving perfection, but about recognizing areas where we can grow and make positive changes. This process of self-reflection and seeking improvement is central to the AA program. It helps individuals identify areas where they can develop greater self-awareness, compassion, and accountability. By embracing this ongoing process of self-improvement, individuals in recovery can continually strengthen their commitment to living a more fulfilling and meaningful life.
