Funny how that goes. Sought through prayer and (and this is where the “oh, yeah” comes in) meditation.
We were talking about the 11th Step today. That and staying sober. Seems these two subjects are not mutually exclusive. Sobriety and the maintenance of our spiritual condition on which our sobriety depends.
Heard a lot of good things. Especially how people were always trying to change for the better. I need to hear what I often forget. Oh, that’s right. Sobriety means a profound change and it’s always for the better. If it’s for the worse then I guess the worst is going to happen. Sure don’t want to go there.
But then there’s the 11th Step to think about. How am I doing with that? Good question. The first one is about discipline. Do I pray? And do I meditate? Formal prayer, not so much. Prayers like the Our Father are “formal” prayers. What is more personal are called “informal” prayers. My disorganized chats with my higher power. And aren’t “chats” a conscious contact? If I intend to talk to the God of my understanding (misunderstanding), then I think that’s it.
I really had to think about meditation. “Formal” meditation, sitting down and intentionally following a set formula, is difficult for me. I lack the discipline. I keep trying, but it’s hit and miss for me. When the thought comes up I think of something else I “should” do. But “informal”?
As I sat listening to others today, I suddenly realized what I often do each day, is probably this “informal” meditation. I mean I go down stairs and sit out back with a cup of coffee by myself (except for the cat, who is always striving for me to pet her,,,try paying attention with that) and “think”. Some place along these “thoughts” I pray the 3rd Step Prayer. Sometimes in the middle, sometimes at the end. Maybe the beginning.
But these thoughts run along lines close to sobriety and spirituality. Often ending up on this page or the beginning anyway. They’re informal enough that they are loosely like the “Safe Harbor” method. The thought leads me to a place of calm and it ends there. Peace. Thanks. A quick prayer.
Anyway, my thoughts ran that way today.