6.01.2008

Sheryl W.

"I am new in my journey ... Step 11 is approaching soon. I am a little fearful of failure to take the time daily for my meditation. What should it look like for me when I begin and what is a realistic goal for a beginner?" Sheryl W.


The only failure that is even remotely possible when living the Eleventh Step is to not work it perfectly; this is both an oxymoron, and an illusion since there is no such thing as not working it perfectly.

If you are beginning each day with the recognition that God is God, and that you need the presence, direction and grace of the Spirit of the universe.

If you strive with the best of your ability to remain in the light of positive energy.

If you end each day with time in reflection of how you have done then that is perfect. If you do only a part of this, then that too is perfect.

In the beginning of any endeavor especially those that we desire to be a permanent aspect of our lives certain success principles are needed if we are going to achieve the result we want. I call these the “Three Key Principles,” they are:

Prayer, Patience, & Perseverance
Courage, Commitment & Consistency
Desire, Determination & Discipline

In the beginning having a 24 hour a day book by the bed stand, or where you have your morning coffee and spending a few minutes with it is a great way to begin a day. Every person is different; just as the “Big Book” suggests, ask each morning what you can do to be of service to others, seek inspiration and guidance. Then go about your business in humility and gratitude. Follow the directions on pages 86 & 87 of the “Big Book” 3rd edition.

There is often a misconception as to what meditation consists of. In truth to meditate simply means to focus on something intently. If you have worried over how you’re going to pay bills, or what your boyfriend / girlfriend is doing then you have practiced a form of meditation. A favorite scripture of mine is Philippians 4:8, it says:
[Meditate on These Things ] Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. New King James Version (NKJV).

Focus on the positive things in life, and on what you can do to make the world a better place to live, one life at a time. This is a realistic goal for each and every one of us.

1 comment:

Melissa said...

Before I could focus on meditation, I had to work on forgiveness. A great addition to the Big Book that has helped me work on forgiveness is Alive!. I highly recommend it.