If “Fire is the Test of Gold” then Adversity is the Test of … – Step 10

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“THRU RAIN, HAIL, SLEET, OR SNOW” – “As we work the first nine Steps, we prepare ourselves for the adventure of a new life. But when we approach Step Ten we commence to put our … [new] way of living to practical use, day by day, in fair weather or foul. Then comes the acid test: can we … live to good purpose under all conditions?” (12 & 12, p. 88)

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“Fire is the test of gold; adversity, of strong men.”

– Seneca (5 BC – 65 AD) adviser to Nero, Emperor of Rome

Fire – Kassabian (4:40)

BBC Bio on Seneca and the Gladiators (2:02)

Shiva & the ill-fated Fire Ceremony Meditation (5:20)

What “tests” to your serenity have you had to face, lately?

The Princess and The Peas :

One day a young beautiful girl arrived at the palace, claiming she was a princess.

The queen had made ready a room for her. And to put her to the test, she placed two peas under the bed and over it she put twenty mattresses and twenty featherdown covers.

In the morning, when the young girl woke up, she was aching all over and covered with bruises because of the peas. Such a delicate and sensitive skin confirmed her claim to be a princess and the queen considered her to be a suitable bride for the young prince, the heir. (http://www.english-for-students.com/The-Princess-and-The-Peas.html)

Comments

7 responses to “If “Fire is the Test of Gold” then Adversity is the Test of … – Step 10”

January 3, 2021

Adam

FEATURED POST FROM THE ZONR VAULT – “I’ve realized that sometimes even spiritual practice gets old and I don’t feel like doing it every day. I realize for myself I can get away from it for a week or two but after that I need to get back in to the groove.” (Orig. post Adam, 1/4/2013)

Reply
January 4, 2019

Bodhi Baba

I find it unnerving when people impugn my integrity. Lately, I allow these slights to fall off like water off a duck’s back but on occasion, I am caught off guard. Consistency is what’s needed from me.

Reply
January 4, 2019

Tony Omaeboo

I have had my strength tested. Recovery is not easy. My will power is not all that there is. Trying is never good enough. Perseverance. Repeating. Not letting yourself be in control but your higher power.

Reply
January 4, 2017

Bohdi Baba

Omg … I’m facing the motherlode of all tests … it has to do with racial and gender issues and it’s making me reach out for help much more than I’ve had to for a long time.

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January 5, 2013

Jim Brown

Being able to have the continued faith that I will make it…..

Reply
January 9, 2012

Slim Jim

Recently I have felt the need to look deep inside and clearly defend my perspective of my true authentic self when being of service to our community.

Reply
January 7, 2012

brita

Without recovery I let the disease take control and my head boils and boils with negativity. With recovery adversity gets processed in a healthy way and I move on.

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