Whenever I find myself talking to someone, who is looking for some kind of help, regardless of time in the program, I can’t help but think about the statement, we have to give it away to keep it. But who’s giving what and who is getting what? I mean every time I find myself sharing I discover I’m the one benefiting from the conversation. That’s why I always think about those moments as a two way street. Whatever I may think I’m giving, I find that the reality is that I’m getting.
So, in these last two days, where I have been meditating on caring for others and then caring for myself, the truth is that it’s all one thing. The two way street. Or it should be. Sharing and being shared with by others.
In both of those meditations I really couldn’t help but think about how this is all such a mutual thing going on between myself and others. For instance, when I think about the Fifth Tradition, the group’s primary purpose to carry the message to the alcoholic, who still suffers, who really is benefiting? The person being addressed or the members of the group. I know for myself, when we are talking to a new person or someone coming back, I find that I’m the beneficiary in the long run. I know that others feel the same way.
We’re all being made aware of what it was that brought us to this program. Our bottoms. We’re once again reminded of the fact that we’re not cured of this disease. We once again become aware that it’s a lifetime effort to practice this program a day at a time, if I want to stay sober. Each and every time I find myself being grateful for being part of such a program. Grateful to my Higher Power and all those sharing with me and the person suffering. Doesn’t matter if they are new or an old timer. Again, the two way street.
Often I’m really made aware of humility, especially when sharing the spiritual way of life with another. It always surprises me. It might be nothing more than just a reminder to the one receiving the message. But it always makes me aware of how much in need I’m in and how much help I have to have from my Higher Power. Definitely wakes me up and makes me grateful for what I’m being given. I never know, if I have helped the other person. But I do know that I’m definitely the beneficiary.
Anyway this was a day, when I had to stop and think about how much I’m given, when I’m open and willing to give to someone else whatever it is I have to give. I feel I’m the one who is receiving the gift from this program. Definitely on this two way street.