Usually when we hear or read something new, we just compare it to our own ideas. If it is the same, we accept it and say that it is correct. If it is not, we say it is incorrect. In either case, we learn nothing.

― Thich Nhat Hanh

 

 

When I came into the program, I heard a lot of things that were different from my understanding of how I was supposed to live my life. If I had rejected them, I would not have found the recovery that I am now enjoying. Luckily, pain is a good motivator to change. Even though what I heard didn't seem to “make sense” according to my world view, they did make sense in the lives of the people who were saying them. I wanted to control and it was making me crazy; I heard that letting go of control led to sanity. I needed to be in charge of my life, which was reeling from rage to fear; I heard that giving over to a Higher Power could bring stability and serenity. My inner pain and turmoil motivated me to pay attention, to think “it worked for him, maybe it could work for me” and “she's clearly happier than me and her alcoholic is still drinking — how can that be?” It is truly a “we” program for me. I learn through your experience, strength, and hope, as you share it with me in meetings or conversations. Your honesty and openness make it possible for me to accept your different experience and to accept it into my own life.

A meditation for March 23, 2013.

“One day, I'll change.”