Today at the meeting we talked about the 11th Step. Most people stayed with the idea of the Step and I heard a lot of good things. But I also heard some things, which made me pause and think about what was said.
What I was reminded of was what Bill said in the BB about some of the thoughts expressed. He said that we are not always going to be inspired, and the presumption that we are is going to lead to some pretty absurd ideas and actions.
Of course he was talking about those, who were beginning the step and lacked experience with it. However, no matter how much time I have, I always feel like a beginner.
I couldn’t help but think that when we enter into this part of the program, prayer and meditation, that we have started a journey into what for me is always a mystery. Problems can be solved, but mysteries never are. They’re beyond my comprehension. My only aim in meditation is to not have expectations of results. In the end I hope to have a more open mind, so that someplace along the line I will hear something I need to hear. Before that I missed a lot of what was being said to me.
For myself, I know how quickly my mind can shut down and become impenetrable. One of my many faults. I know that, if I’m going to continue to stay sober, an open mind is essential. My sponsor told me that over and over. When I came in my mind was shut tighter than a clam. It took time and the 12 Steps to pry it open.
When they asked for a topic today, I brought the 11th Step up. For me, talking about some one of the 12 Steps is important. And this one is extremely important, because it’s right at the heart of growing along spiritual lines. In the 12&12 Bill talks about our mistaken ideas we have about meditation, thinking it’s only for clergymen. Talk about a close mind. Thankfully he proceeds to open the door and discuss how anyone can begin the practice of meditation.
It’s all about staying sober. Maintaining a spiritual condition to guarantee one more day sober. Of course it helps, if I have worked the previous 10 Steps.
Just thinking about this today.