DISCIPLINE MONTH: DAY 12: “Why is discipline important? Discipline teaches us to operate by principle rather than desire. Saying no to our impulses (even the ones that are not inherently sinful) puts us in control of our appetites rather than vice versa. It deposes our lust and permits truth, virtue, and integrity to rule our minds instead.”― John MacArthur Jr.
When we learn to practice the discipline of going to meetings on a regular basis, calling a sponsor, working (really working!) through the steps, and doing things to enhance and create a space around our recovery, we are learning how to grow up.
The steps are designed to create adult responsibility in our lives, which is really new for most of us. We are so used to blaming others for our foibles that we seldom understand how immature we are and how like bratty, spoiled children our behaviors appear to the world around us. We run rampant through the lives of others with no thought of anything other than ourselves.
This may continue long after we stop drugging and drinking. We must incorporate fully, the principles and work through these steps at deeper and deeper levels to accomplish any real maturity. I believe this is the process of recovery. Nothing else is.
You may sit in 10-20 meetings a week, but that is not recovery. That is talking about it, maybe, and listening to others talk about it, but it does nothing to change your views or your life and behaviors. It is just blah-blah. I know a lot of people doing lots of meets who have nothing but blah-blah to offer. There is little accountability and responsibility going on for them.
So, the discipline is to continually question myself, each and every day, with the list that appears on the pages 86, 87 and 88 of the BB and let them guide me to the answers about ME. Not you, not my family or friends, but ME! Then I sit in meditation for at least 20 minutes each morning, because that is when I find my truth. First thing in the morning. And again during the day if shit is going on and I can feel it. After all these years, I know pretty quickly when I am disrupted and disturbed. I must sit with it right away or I am acting on it…spending money or running around like a crazy person…old behaviors. And I don’t want what I had…only what keeps growing for me in this process. Peace!
These are only some of the disciplines. I am actively writing and sharing with my sponsor…every week…on the steps. I never stop. Why? Because my disease never stops. And because I have never met a recovering addict who is happy, joyous and free and has stopped working ALL the steps. I don’t just do maintenance, I do full-on recovery!
Dolphin Hug 