Rcovery Days: Daily Thoughts For Living In Recovery

By Castle Craig

"Recovery should make us better than well. When our thoughts and feelings are in harmony with our attitudes and expectations, then our behaviour reflects this, and we start to experience real wellbeing and contentment".
(A grateful member of Alcoholics Anonymous)






Recovery Days provides a reflective and thought-provoking approach to living life in recovery, one day at a time. With daily mindfulness reminders and reflective excerpts from the Big Book, coupled with insightful commentary,
this guide helps you approach each day with resilience, serenity and contentment.






Castle Craig, established in 1988, is a renowned rehabilitation centre located in the UK. Castle Craig has provided help and support to over 10,000 individuals facing drug and alcohol addiction, offering a blend of professional expertise and personalised care,
following a 12 Step treatment model.





Our publications provide insights and information into addiction and various psychotherapeutic treatment approaches, serving as helpful resources for those affected by addiction, their families, and professionals in the field. They reflect our commitment to
sharing knowledge and promoting recovery and well-being.





Castle Craig was founded by the McCann family, who have been instrumental in driving innovation and compassionate approaches in addiction treatment for over four decades. Castle Craig is built on the principle of treating addiction as a highly treatable illness,
and everyone who has worked at Castle Craig knows that recovery is possible.





At Castle Craig, we are dedicated to supporting individuals in overcoming addiction, providing a pathway to recovery grounded in compassion, respect, and excellence. Each person's journey is treated with the utmost respect, ensuring a supportive environment
for healing and growth.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Clink Street Publishing
• Release date: May 18, 2023
• ISBN: 9781915785060

Castle Craig

This life-affirming book on living in recover has been created by the Castle Craig Hospital.

Book preview

Contents

Title Page

Acknowledgments

Foreword

JANUARY

JANUARY 1: Remember Mindfulness – feel the moment

JANUARY 2: Remember Mindfulness – sit comfortably

JANUARY 3: Remember Mindfulness – relax your body

JANUARY 4: Remember Mindfulness – breathe calmly

JANUARY 5: Remember Mindfulness – review expectations

JANUARY 6: Remember Mindfulness – observe new thoughts

JANUARY 7: Remember Mindfulness – send positivity

JANUARY 8: Remember Mindfulness – relax your body

JANUARY 9: Remember Mindfulness – breathe calmly

JANUARY 10: Remember Mindfulness – close your eyes briefly

JANUARY 11: Remember Mindfulness – breathe calmly

JANUARY 12: Remember Mindfulness – review expectations

JANUARY 13: Remember Mindfulness – observe new thoughts

JANUARY 14: Remember Mindfulness – send positivity

JANUARY 15: Remember Mindfulness – relax your body

JANUARY 16: Remember Mindfulness – breathe calmly

JANUARY 17: On this day in1919, Prohibition became law in USA

JANUARY 18: Remember Mindfulness – review expectations

JANUARY 19: This day in 1960 a first meeting of Overeaters Anonymous held.

JANUARY 20: Remember Mindfulness – sit comfortably

JANUARY 21: Remember Mindfulness – relax your body

JANUARY 22: Remember Mindfulness – relax your body

JANUARY 23: Remember Mindfulness – close your eyes briefly

JANUARY 24: On this day in 1971, AA co-founder Bill Wilson died

JANUARY 25: Remember Mindfulness – review expectations

JANUARY 26: Remember Mindfulness – send positive thoughts

JANUARY 27: Remember Mindfulness – sit comfortably

JANUARY 28: Remember Mindfulness – relax your body

JANUARY 29: Remember Mindfulness – close your eyes briefly

JANUARY 30: Remember Mindfulness – breathe deeply

JANUARY 31: Remember Mindfulness – send positive thoughts

FEBRUARY

FEBRUARY 1: Remember Mindfulness – review expectations

FEBRUARY 2: Remember Mindfulness – breathe deeply

FEBRUARY 3: Remember Mindfulness – sit comfortably

FEBRUARY 4: Remember Mindfulness –close your eyes briefly

FEBRUARY 5: Remember Mindfulness – send positive thoughts

FEBRUARY 6: Remember Mindfulness – review expectations

FEBRUARY 7: Remember Mindfulness – sit comfortably

FEBRUARY 8: Remember Mindfulness – close eyes briefly

FEBRUARY 9: Remember Mindfulness – smile several times

FEBRUARY 10: Remember Mindfulness – send positive thoughts

FEBRUARY 11: Remember Mindfulness – review expectations

FEBRUARY 12: Remember Mindfulness – send positive thoughts

FEBRUARY 13: Remember Mindfulness – breathe deeply

FEBRUARY 14: Remember Mindfulness – listen to the silence

FEBRUARY 15: Remember Mindfulness – flex your muscles from feet to head

FEBRUARY 16: Remember Mindfulness – close eyes briefly

FEBRUARY 17: Remember Mindfulness – feel your heartbeat in your pulse

FEBRUARY 18: Remember Mindfulness – breathe deeply

FEBRUARY 19: Remember Mindfulness – review expectations

FEBRUARY 20: Remember Mindfulness – send positive thoughts

FEBRUARY 21: Remember Mindfulness – close eyes briefly

FEBRUARY 22: Remember Mindfulness – sit comfortably

FEBRUARY 23: Remember Mindfulness – send positive thoughts

FEBRUARY 24: Remember Mindfulness – listen to the silence

FEBRUARY 25: Remember Mindfulness – breathe deeply

FEBRUARY 26: Remember Mindfulness – close your eyes briefly

FEBRUARY 27: Remember Mindfulness – sit comfortably

FEBRUARY 28: Remember Mindfulness – review expectations

FEBRUARY 29: Remember Mindfulness – send positive thoughts

MARCH

MARCH 1: Remember Mindfulness – feel your body from feet to your scalp

MARCH 2: Remember Mindfulness – listen to your breathing

MARCH 3: Remember Mindfulness – send positive thoughts

MARCH 4: Remember Mindfulness – sit comfortably

MARCH 5: Remember Mindfulness – breathe deeply

MARCH 6: Remember Mindfulness – listen to the silence

MARCH 7: Remember Mindfulness – send positive thoughts

MARCH 8: Remember Mindfulness – review expectations

MARCH 9: Remember Mindfulness – close eyes briefly

MARCH 10: Remember Mindfulness – listen to your breathing

MARCH 11: Remember Mindfulness – send positive thoughts

MARCH 12: Remember Mindfulness – feel your body from top to toes

MARCH 13: Remember Mindfulness – sit comfortably

MARCH 14: Remember Mindfulness – send positive thoughts

MARCH 15: Remember Mindfulness – listen to the silence

MARCH 16: Remember Mindfulness – breathe deeply

MARCH 17: Remember Mindfulness – close eyes briefly

MARCH 18: Remember Mindfulness – send positive thoughts

MARCH 19: Remember Mindfulness – review expectations

MARCH 20: Remember Mindfulness – sit comfortably

MARCH 21: Remember Mindfulness – breathe deeply

MARCH 22: Remember Mindfulness – close eyes briefly

MARCH 23: Remember Mindfulness – enjoy the moment

MARCH 24: Remember Mindfulness – review expectations

MARCH 25: Remember Mindfulness – send positive thoughts

MARCH 26: Remember Mindfulness – sit comfortably

MARCH 27: Remember Mindfulness – close eyes briefly

MARCH 28: Remember Mindfulness – breathe deeply

MARCH 29: Remember Mindfulness – review expectations

MARCH 30: Remember Mindfulness – send positive thoughts

MARCH 31: On this day in 1947, the first AA meeting was held in London

APRIL

APRIL 1: On this day in 1943, the Big Book of AA was first published

APRIL 2: Remember Mindfulness – sit comfortably

APRIL 3: Remember Mindfulness – breathe calmly

APRIL 4: Remember Mindfulness – Close eyes briefly

APRIL 5: Remember Mindfulness – review expectations

APRIL 6: Remember Mindfulness – send positive thoughts

APRIL 7: Remember Mindfulness – enjoy the moment

APRIL 8: Remember Mindfulness – feel your body from top to toes

APRIL 9: Remember Mindfulness – sit comfortably

APRIL 10: Remember Mindfulness – relax your whole body gradually

APRIL 11: Remember Mindfulness – enjoy the moment

APRIL 12: Remember Mindfulness – sit comfortably

APRIL 13: Remember Mindfulness – relax your whole body gradually

APRIL 14: Remember Mindfulness – send positive thoughts

APRIL 15: Remember Mindfulness – close eyes briefly

APRIL 16: On this day in 1879, St Bernadette of Lourdes died, aged 35

APRIL 17: Remember Mindfulness – Breathe calmly

APRIL 18: Remember Mindfulness – relax your whole body gradually

APRIL 19: Remember Mindfulness – review expectations

APRIL 20: Remember Mindfulness – enjoy the moment

APRIL 21: Remember Mindfulness – send positive thoughts

APRIL 22: Remember Mindfulness – close eyes briefly

APRIL 23: Remember Mindfulness – enjoy the moment

APRIL 24: Remember Mindfulness – review expectations

APRIL 25: Remember Mindfulness – close eyes briefly

APRIL 26: Remember Mindfulness – relax your whole body gradually

APRIL 27: Remember Mindfulness – close eyes briefly

APRIL 28: Remember Mindfulness – review expectations

APRIL 29: Remember Mindfulness – send positive thoughts

APRIL 30: Remember Mindfulness – close eyes briefly

MAY

MAY 1: Remember Mindfulness – close eyes briefly

MAY 2: Remember Mindfulness – enjoy the moment

MAY 3: Remember Mindfulness – review expectations

MAY 4: Remember Mindfulness – relax your whole body gradually

MAY 5: Remember Mindfulness – send positive thoughts

MAY 6: On this day in 1946 the AA Twelve Traditions were published

MAY 7: Remember Mindfulness – review expectations

MAY 8: Remember Mindfulness – sit comfortably

MAY 9: Remember Mindfulness – close eyes briefly

MAY 10: Remember Mindfulness – relax your whole body gradually

MAY 11: Remember Mindfulness – enjoy the moment

MAY 12: On this day in 1935, Bill W first met Dr Bob

MAY 13: Remember Mindfulness – review expectations

MAY 14: Remember Mindfulness – close eyes briefly

MAY 15: Remember Mindfulness – send positive thoughts

MAY 16: Remember Mindfulness – enjoy the moment

MAY 17: Remember Mindfulness – review expectations

MAY 18: Remember Mindfulness – relax your whole body gradually

MAY 19: Remember Mindfulness – close eyes briefly

MAY 20: Remember Mindfulness – send positive thoughts

MAY 21: Remember Mindfulness – enjoy the moment

MAY 22: Remember Mindfulness – close eyes briefly

MAY 23: Remember Mindfulness – review expectations

MAY 24: Remember Mindfulness – close eyes briefly

MAY 25: Remember Mindfulness – relax your whole body gradually

MAY 26: Remember Mindfulness – enjoy the moment

MAY 27: Remember Mindfulness – review expectations

MAY 28: Remember Mindfulness – send positive thoughts

MAY 29: Remember Mindfulness – close eyes briefly

MAY 30: Remember Mindfulness – relax your whole body gradually

MAY 31: Remember Mindfulness – enjoy the moment

JUNE

JUNE 1: Remember Mindfulness – review expectations

JUNE 2: Remember Mindfulness – enjoy the moment

JUNE 3: Remember Mindfulness – close eyes briefly

JUNE 4: Remember Mindfulness – send positive thoughts

JUNE 5: Remember Mindfulness – relax your whole body gradually

JUNE 6: Remember Mindfulness – enjoy the moment

JUNE 7: Remember Mindfulness – close eyes briefly

JUNE 8: Remember Mindfulness – review expectations

JUNE 9: Remember Mindfulness – close eyes briefly

JUNE 10: Remember Mindfulness – send positive thoughts

JUNE 11: Remember Mindfulness – enjoy the moment

JUNE 12: Remember Mindfulness – relax your whole body gradually

JUNE 13: Remember Mindfulness – close eyes briefly

JUNE 14: Remember Mindfulness – review expectations

JUNE 15: Remember Mindfulness – send positive thoughts

JUNE 16: Remember Mindfulness – enjoy the moment

JUNE 17: Remember Mindfulness – close eyes briefly

JUNE 18: Remember Mindfulness – relax your whole body gradually

JUNE 19: Remember Mindfulness – review expectations

JUNE 20: Remember Mindfulness – enjoy the moment

JUNE 21: Remember Mindfulness – close eyes briefly

JUNE 22: Remember Mindfulness – send positive thoughts

JUNE 23: Remember Mindfulness – relax your whole body gradually

JUNE 24: Remember Mindfulness – enjoy the moment

JUNE 25: Remember Mindfulness – review expectations

JUNE 26: Remember Mindfulness – close eyes briefly

JUNE 27: Remember Mindfulness – send positive thoughts

JUNE 28: Remember Mindfulness – enjoy the moment

JUNE 29: Remember Mindfulness – relax your whole body gradually

JUNE 30: Remember Mindfulness – review expectations

JULY

JULY 1: Remember Mindfulness – sit comfortably

JULY 2: Remember Mindfulness – breathe slowly

JULY 3: Remember Mindfulness – close eyes briefly

JULY 4: Remember Mindfulness – relax your whole body gradually

JULY 5: Remember Mindfulness – close eyes briefly

JULY 6: Remember Mindfulness – feel your body from top to toes

JULY 7: Remember Mindfulness – breathe slowly

JULY 8: Remember Mindfulness – enjoy the moment

JULY 9: Remember Mindfulness – sit comfortably

JULY 10: Remember Mindfulness – relax your whole body gradually

JULY 11: Remember Mindfulness – close eyes briefly

JULY 12: Remember Mindfulness – feel your body from top to toes

JULY 13: Remember Mindfulness – breathe slowly

JULY 14: Remember Mindfulness – close eyes briefly

JULY 15: Remember Mindfulness – send positive thoughts

JULY 16: Remember Mindfulness – sit comfortably

JULY 17: Remember Mindfulness – enjoy the moment

JULY 18: Remember Mindfulness – breathe slowly

JULY 19: Remember Mindfulness – relax your whole body gradually

JULY 20: Remember Mindfulness – close eyes briefly

JULY 21: Remember Mindfulness – feel your body from top to toes

JULY 22: Remember Mindfulness – breathe slowly

JULY 23: Remember Mindfulness – sit comfortably

JULY 24: Remember Mindfulness – close eyes briefly

JULY 25: Remember Mindfulness – send positive thoughts

JULY 26: Remember Mindfulness – feel your body from top to toes

JULY 27: Remember Mindfulness – enjoy the moment

JULY 28: Remember Mindfulness – relax your whole body gradually

JULY 29: Remember Mindfulness – breathe slowly

JULY 30: Remember Mindfulness – close eyes briefly

JULY 31: Remember Mindfulness – feel your body from top to toes

AUGUST

AUGUST 1: Remember Mindfulness – sit comfortably

AUGUST 2: Remember Mindfulness – close eyes briefly

AUGUST 3: Remember Mindfulness – breathe slowly

AUGUST 4: Remember Mindfulness – relax your whole body gradually

AUGUST 5: Remember Mindfulness – feel your body from top to toes

AUGUST 6: Remember Mindfulness – enjoy the moment

AUGUST 7: Remember Mindfulness – close eyes briefly

AUGUST 8: Remember Mindfulness – breathe slowly

AUGUST 9: Remember Mindfulness – sit comfortably

AUGUST 10: Remember Mindfulness – close eyes briefly

AUGUST 11: Remember Mindfulness – feel your body from top to toes

AUGUST 12: Remember Mindfulness – relax your whole body gradually

AUGUST 13: Remember Mindfulness – breathe slowly

AUGUST 14: Remember Mindfulness – sit comfortably

AUGUST 15: Remember Mindfulness – enjoy the moment

AUGUST 16: Remember Mindfulness – close eyes briefly

AUGUST 17: Remember Mindfulness – relax your whole body gradually

AUGUST 18: Remember Mindfulness – feel your body from top to toes

AUGUST 19: Remember Mindfulness – breathe slowly

AUGUST 20: Remember Mindfulness – close eyes briefly

AUGUST 21: Remember Mindfulness – enjoy the moment

AUGUST 22: Remember Mindfulness – sit comfortably

AUGUST 23: Remember Mindfulness – close eyes briefly

AUGUST 24: Remember Mindfulness – relax your whole body gradually

AUGUST 25: Remember Mindfulness – feel your body from top to toes

AUGUST 26: Remember Mindfulness – breathe slowly

AUGUST 27: Remember Mindfulness – sit comfortably

AUGUST 28: Remember Mindfulness – enjoy the moment

AUGUST 29: Remember Mindfulness – close eyes briefly

AUGUST 30: Remember Mindfulness – relax your whole body gradually

AUGUST 31: Remember Mindfulness – breathe slowly

SEPTEMBER

SEPTEMBER 1: Remember Mindfulness – sit comfortably

SEPTEMBER 2: Remember Mindfulness – feel your body from top to toes

SEPTEMBER 3: Remember Mindfulness – enjoy the moment

SEPTEMBER 4: Remember Mindfulness – close eyes briefly

SEPTEMBER 5: Remember Mindfulness – breathe slowly

SEPTEMBER 6: Remember Mindfulness – feel your body from top to toes

SEPTEMBER 7: Remember Mindfulness – sit comfortably

SEPTEMBER 8: Remember Mindfulness – enjoy the moment

SEPTEMBER 9: Remember Mindfulness – breathe slowly

SEPTEMBER 10: Remember Mindfulness – close eyes briefly

SEPTEMBER 11: Remember Mindfulness – feel your body from top to toes

SEPTEMBER 12: Remember Mindfulness – sit comfortably

SEPTEMBER 13: Remember Mindfulness – review expectations

SEPTEMBER 14: Remember Mindfulness – send positive thoughts

SEPTEMBER 15: Remember Mindfulness – close eyes briefly

SEPTEMBER 16: Remember Mindfulness – breathe slowly

SEPTEMBER 17: Remember Mindfulness – sit comfortably

SEPTEMBER 18: Remember Mindfulness – close eyes briefly

SEPTEMBER 19: Remember Mindfulness – send positive thoughts

SEPTEMBER 20: Remember Mindfulness – breathe slowly

SEPTEMBER 21: Remember Mindfulness – feel your body from top to toes

SEPTEMBER 22: Remember Mindfulness – enjoy the moment

SEPTEMBER 23: Remember Mindfulness – relax your whole body gradually

SEPTEMBER 24: Remember Mindfulness – close eyes briefly

SEPTEMBER 25: Remember Mindfulness – send positive thoughts

SEPTEMBER 26: Remember Mindfulness – relax your whole body gradually

SEPTEMBER 27: Remember Mindfulness – sit comfortably

SEPTEMBER 28: Remember Mindfulness – close eyes briefly

SEPTEMBER 29: Remember Mindfulness – feel your body from top to toes

SEPTEMBER 30: Remember Mindfulness – send positive thoughts

OCTOBER

OCTOBER 1: Remember Mindfulness – send positive thoughts

OCTOBER 2: Remember Mindfulness – enjoy the moment

OCTOBER 3: Remember Mindfulness – listen to your breathing

OCTOBER 4: Remember Mindfulness – feel your body from head to toes.

OCTOBER 5: Remember Mindfulness – enjoy the moment

OCTOBER 6: Remember Mindfulness – close eyes briefly

OCTOBER 7: Remember Mindfulness – review expectations

OCTOBER 8: Remember Mindfulness – review expectations

OCTOBER 9: Remember Mindfulness – close eyes briefly

OCTOBER 10: Remember Mindfulness – relax your body

OCTOBER 11: Remember Mindfulness – sit comfortably

OCTOBER 12: Remember Mindfulness – send positive thoughts

OCTOBER 13: Remember Mindfulness – enjoy the moment

OCTOBER 14: Remember Mindfulness – breathe slowly

OCTOBER 15: Remember Mindfulness – listen to the silence

OCTOBER 16: Remember Mindfulness – review expectations

OCTOBER 17: Remember Mindfulness – send positive thoughts

OCTOBER 18: Remember Mindfulness – relax your body from head to toes

OCTOBER 19: Remember Mindfulness – close eyes briefly

OCTOBER 20: Remember Mindfulness – open your mind

OCTOBER 21: Remember Mindfulness – enjoy the moment

OCTOBER 22: Remember Mindfulness – send positive thoughts

OCTOBER 23: Remember Mindfulness – listen to your breathing

OCTOBER 24: Remember Mindfulness – review expectations

OCTOBER 25: Remember Mindfulness – listen to your body

OCTOBER 26: Remember Mindfulness – close eyes briefly

OCTOBER 27: Remember Mindfulness – sit comfortably

OCTOBER 28: Remember Mindfulness – breathe slowly

OCTOBER 29: Remember Mindfulness – feel the silence

OCTOBER 30: Remember Mindfulness – relax your body from head to toes

OCTOBER 31: Remember Mindfulness – send positive thoughts

NOVEMBER

NOVEMBER 1: Remember Mindfulness – feel your body from head to toes.

NOVEMBER 2: Remember Mindfulness – enjoy the moment

NOVEMBER 3: Remember Mindfulness – close eyes briefly

NOVEMBER 4: Remember Mindfulness – review expectations

NOVEMBER 5: Remember Mindfulness – review expectations

NOVEMBER 6: Remember Mindfulness – close eyes briefly

NOVEMBER 7: Remember Mindfulness – relax your body

NOVEMBER 8: Remember Mindfulness – sit comfortably

NOVEMBER 9: Remember Mindfulness – review expectations

NOVEMBER 10: Remember Mindfulness – close eyes briefly

NOVEMBER 11: Remember Mindfulness – relax your body

NOVEMBER 12: Remember Mindfulness – sit comfortably

NOVEMBER 13: Remember Mindfulness – feel your body from head to toes.

NOVEMBER 14: Remember Mindfulness – enjoy the moment

NOVEMBER 15: Remember Mindfulness – breathe slowly

NOVEMBER 16: Remember Mindfulness – review expectations

NOVEMBER 17: Remember Mindfulness – relax your whole body

NOVEMBER 18: Remember Mindfulness – close eyes briefly

NOVEMBER 19: Remember Mindfulness – relax your body

NOVEMBER 20: Remember Mindfulness – sit comfortably

NOVEMBER 21: Remember Mindfulness – review expectations

NOVEMBER 22: Remember Mindfulness – close eyes briefly

NOVEMBER 23: Remember Mindfulness – relax your body

NOVEMBER 24: Remember Mindfulness – breathe slowly

NOVEMBER 25: Remember Mindfulness – relax your body

NOVEMBER 26: Remember Mindfulness – sit comfortably

NOVEMBER 27: Remember Mindfulness – enjoy the moment

NOVEMBER 28: Remember Mindfulness – relax your body

NOVEMBER 29: Remember Mindfulness – sit comfortably

NOVEMBER 30: Remember Mindfulness – close eyes briefly

DECEMBER

DECEMBER 1: Remember Mindfulness – sit comfortably

DECEMBER 2: Remember Mindfulness – breathe slowly

DECEMBER 3: Remember Mindfulness – relax each muscle from neck to toe

DECEMBER 4: Remember Mindfulness – review expectations

DECEMBER 5: Remember Mindfulness – send positive thoughts

DECEMBER 6: Remember Mindfulness – enjoy the moment

DECEMBER 7: Remember Mindfulness – sit comfortably

DECEMBER 8: Remember Mindfulness – breathe slowly

DECEMBER 9: Remember Mindfulness – review expectations

DECEMBER 10: Remember Mindfulness – send positive thoughts

DECEMBER 11: Remember Mindfulness – enjoy the moment

DECEMBER 12: Remember Mindfulness – relax each muscle from neck to toes

DECEMBER 13: Remember Mindfulness – send positive thoughts

DECEMBER 14: Remember Mindfulness – enjoy the moment

DECEMBER 15: Remember Mindfulness – sit comfortably

DECEMBER 16: Remember Mindfulness – breathe slowly

DECEMBER 17: Remember Mindfulness – close eyes briefly

DECEMBER 18: Remember Mindfulness – Feel your muscles from top to toes

DECEMBER 19: Remember Mindfulness – sit comfortably

DECEMBER 20: Remember Mindfulness – breathe slowly

DECEMBER 21: Remember Mindfulness – close eyes briefly

DECEMBER 22: Remember Mindfulness – Feel your muscles from top to toes

DECEMBER 23: Remember Mindfulness – sit comfortably

DECEMBER 24: Remember Mindfulness – breathe slowly

DECEMBER 25: Remember Mindfulness – close eyes briefly

DECEMBER 26: Remember Mindfulness – Feel your muscles from top to toes

DECEMBER 27: Remember Mindfulness – sit comfortably

DECEMBER 28: Remember Mindfulness – breathe slowly

DECEMBER 29: Remember Mindfulness – close eyes briefly

DECEMBER 30: Remember Mindfulness – Feel your muscles from top to toes

DECEMBER 31: Remember Mindfulness – sit comfortably

Index

Copyright

iv

Acknowledgments

The brief excerpts from Alcoholics Anonymous (the Big Book) and Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions are reprinted with permission from Alcoholics Anonymous World Services Inc. (AAWS). Permission to reprint these excerpts does not mean that AAWS has reviewed or approved the contents of this publication, or that AAWS necessarily agrees with the views expressed herein. AA is a programme of recovery from alcoholism only - use of these excerpts in connection with programmes and activities which are patterned after AA, but which address other problems, or in any other non-AA context, does not imply otherwise.

All excerpts in this publication that are from the Stepping Stones Archive are used with permission of Stepping Stones – Historic Home of Bill & Lois Wilson, 62 Oak Rd., Katonah, NY 10536, steppingstones.org. Permission is required for further use, distribution (online or otherwise), or reproduction. Email [e-mail] Access to the Stepping Stones Archives and use of its materials does not imply that the author’s views or conclusions in this publication have been reviewed or are endorsed by Stepping Stones. The conclusions expressed herein, and the research on which they are based, are the sole responsibility of the author.

v

The quotes by Anthony de Mello are taken from Awareness by Anthony de Mello © 1990 The Center for Spiritual Exchange. Used by permission of HarperCollins Christian Publishing.

The quotes by His Holiness the Dalai Lama are taken from his writings with his kind permission.

The quotes by Paolo Coelho are taken from The Alchemist

© Paolo Coelho 1988 reprinted by permission of HarperCollins Publishers Ltd.

The quotes by Niels Bohr are reproduced from Physics Teacher Volume 4 (May 1966) with the permission of the American Association of Physics Teachers.

The quotes by William Stafford, excerpts from The Way It Is and You Reading This Be Ready from Ask Me: 100 Essential Poems. Copyright © 1977, 2014 by William Stafford and the Estate of William Stafford. Reprinted with the permission of The Permissions Company, LLC on behalf of Graywolf Press.

The quotes by Annie Dillard are taken from Teaching A Stone To Talk by Annie Dillard © 1982 reproduced with permission of Pan Macmillan through PLSClear.

The quote by Dietrich Bonhoeffer is taken from Letters and Papers from Prison © 1967 Pocket Books.

The quote by Kurt Vonnegut is taken from A Man Without a Country by Kurt Vonnegut © 2005 with permission of Bloomsbury Publishing Plc.

vi

Foreword

The recovery road sometimes seems like a maze – each turning can lead you astray.

Our book is designed as an imaginary thread to hold and follow, to guide you and to indicate the way ahead.

Each month, we address a topic that defines one of the Twelve Steps. In order, these are: Honesty, Hope, Surrender, Courage, Integrity, Willingness, Humility, Love, Responsibility, Discipline, Awareness and Service.

Recovery should make us ‘better than well’. When our thoughts and feelings are in harmony with our attitudes and expectations, then our behaviour reflects this, and we start to experience real wellbeing and contentment.

The secret is to keep moving forwards, as you follow the trail successfully trod by others. There is no final destination. Personal growth is a reward in itself. Ask for a little guidance.

Within the structure of these topics, we will talk about the Twelve Steps, Personal Responsibility, Spirituality and the whole amazing world of recovery that we are blessed to enjoy. As always, we seek progress, not perfection.

Meditation and Mindfulness are tools that can help us to find the most meaning and enjoyment in our new lives.

We are with you, as you follow the thread.

vii

The Twelve Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous

(Taken from Alcoholics Anonymous, Chapter Five)

We admitted we were powerless over addiction - that our lives had become unmanageable.

Came to believe that a power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.

Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him.

Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.

Admitted to God, to ourselves and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.

Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character.

Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings.

Made a list of all persons we had harmed, and became willing to make amends to them all

Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others.

Continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong promptly admitted it.

Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God as we understood Him, praying only for knowledge of His will for us and the power to carry that out.

Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these Steps, we tried to carry this message to alcoholics and to practice these principles in all our affairs.

viii

About Mindfulness and Meditation

Take a few minutes to consider the day ahead, then find a quiet place if possible.

- Close your eyes, get into a comfortable position.

- Relax your body, each part in turn, to engage all the muscles.

- Breathe calmly as you view the day and consider the best possible outcomes.

- Reflect on the day ahead: what you may do, who you may meet.

- Review your expectations, understanding that the best outcomes may not happen exactly as you want.

- Observe any new thoughts and ideas that come into your mind.

- Send positivity to every person, place, and event that may arise.

Read the topic for today and consider how it applies to you.

Read the second paragraph and consider how you can bring these ideas into your thoughts, attitudes and actions today, with guidance from your Higher Power.

Take a moment to consider how you will behave today and what your priorities are.

At the end of this day, reflect on how things went.

ix

The Twelve Promises

(Taken from Alcoholics Anonymous, Chapter 6)

We are going to know a new freedom and a new happiness.

We will not regret the past nor wish to shut the door on it.

We will comprehend the word serenity.

We will know peace.

No matter how far down the scale we have gone, we will see how our experience can benefit others.

That feeling of uselessness and self-pity will disappear.

We will lose interest in selfish things and gain interest in our fellows.

Self-seeking will slip away.

Our whole attitude and outlook on life will change.

Fear of people and economic insecurity will leave us.

We will intuitively know how to handle situations which used to baffle us.

We will suddenly realize that God is doing for us what we could not do for ourselves.x

11

JANUARY

In this month, we will reflect on Honesty and the attitudes of Acceptance, Belonging, and Courage and consider the importance of taking positive action, in particular, asking for help and setting boundaries. The Twelve Steps guide us on our journey.

Honest with ourselves and with God

12

JANUARY 1

Remember Mindfulness – feel the moment

Acceptance

How could you have done it? This ‘morning after’ question carries the same grim familiarity as the splitting headache and the bloodshot eyes. We keep asking ourselves this question, to which we have no answer. Except of course, the only true answer: because I’m addicted, and I need help. Only when we get honest and accept the reality of our situation will things start