One of the ways I stay connected to the work of recovery is finding those thoughts and meditations which speak peace, truth and hope. For that reason a few years back I decided to develop a daily meditation book for those of us depressed. Everyday I find and reflect upon the healthy thinking of persons who live and walk the Steps. Not only would I be in touch with empowering thoughts, I will also be inspired with words of hope for daily living. I knew that my recovery depended on keeping connected with the Steps, those Twelve Spiritual principles that daily empower me with positive thoughts, feelings and behaviors.
Staying connected with positive thinking inoculates me from spiraling downward into that abyss of hopelessness. I am grateful that I not only have these daily meditations to keep me sane and sober but that I keep myself focused on that which provides my life with meaning and purpose. For that reason I chose to call this daily meditation Higher Thoughts for Down Days: 365 daily thoughts and meditations for members of 12 Step fellowship groups. Some of our Depressed Anonymous groups use these thoughts at their weekly meetings. They also serve as topics for the discussion period in the groups meetings.
I am aware for the first time since I have been working the program of recovery, that my thinking is cylical in that my negative thoughts constantly keep going around and around in circles. I have found that I need to stop my negative self-destructive thinking that has dogged me most of my life. I am able to break the circle of hurt and my own self-inflicted pain and come to my senses. I do have some good things going for me and I plan to use these good character traits as building blocks for a future filled with hope.
I am learning to take good care of myself. I am interested in my own self-care than I am of what others around me want or need. I am not being as selfish as much as I am being concerned about my own growth and development. In the Third Step we declare that “we made a decision to turn our lives and our wills over to the care of God as we understand God.” To be in the care of someone means that they are concerned about us and are burdened with a concern for us.
MEDITATION
Restore our fortunes O God. Bring back and keep near all those good, empowering thoughts that are producing hope and meaning for that new life that we live everyday. Keep us connected to being connected!
(c) Higher Thoughts for down days: 365 daily thoughts and meditations for members of Twelve Step fellowship groups. Depressed Anonymous Publications . Louisville.KY. November 14. Pages 186-187.
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