On Awakening is a spiritual practice based on a paragraph from the text of the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous and found on page 83 “On awakening let us think about the twenty-four hours ahead. We consider our plans for the day. Before we begin, we ask God to direct our thinking, especially asking that it be divorced from self-pity, dishonesty, or self-seeking motives. Under these conditions, we can employ our mental faculties with as¬surance, for after all God gave us brains to use. Our thought-life will be placed on a much higher plane when our thinking is cleared of wrong motives”. -Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous The 11th step of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) involves seeking through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with a higher power, and to bring about knowledge of that higher power’s will. The power of this step lies in its ability to provide us with a sense of spiritual connection and guidance, which can be immensely helpful in maintaining sobriety and leading a fulfilling life. By developing a deeper understanding of our own spirituality and connection to a higher power, we may find that we are better able to stay focused on our own recovery goals and maintain a sense of purpose and meaning in our lives. Prayer allows us to express our gratitude, seek guidance, and find solace in times of struggle. It serves as a way to cultivate a sense of humility and surrender to a power greater than ourselves.
This daily practice helps us to connect with a higher power, and cultivate mindfulness, gratitude, and a sense of purpose. It promotes self-care, emotional well-being, and personal growth, supporting us in our journey of recovery and maintaining sobriety. |