The Sweet Breath of Everlasting Youth Animating Awareness – Step 7

Happy boy playing in a surface fountain w/ sfz title

WERE YOU READY IN YOUR YOUTH?  “We have a right to expect more from life than mere survival.  [W]e are here because we are ready to heal. [W]e are ready to look at ourselves and our lives with new eyes. We are ready to become aware.”  (How Al Anon Works, p. 26)

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What have you done lately to keep your spiritual awakening youthful, fresh and renewed?

OR

How can serving others help you discover a deeper meaning and purpose in your own life?

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Sweet Child of Mine – Guns & Roses (4:59)

How to Sit Properly for Meditation or  Zazen (6:34)

“Extremely Powerful” Youth Chakra Awakening Meditation (14:24)

 

English Analysis

Today’s Zonr post invites us into humility and service. In The Basic Text, the writers remind us that selfless giving deepens spiritual awakening. Service is not optional; it becomes the core practice that transforms recovery into lived freedom. This principle echoes Viktor Frankl’s insights in Man’s Search for Meaning. He argued that life gains meaning when one serves causes beyond oneself.

Equally, The Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous emphasizes prayer and the removal of defects for usefulness. By asking for strength, the recovering person aligns with Higher Power and purpose. This mirrors Martin Buber’s philosophy in I and Thou, where true life emerges in relationship and service. Service unites self, community, and God in a single rhythm of belonging.

President Barack Obama’s Nobel acceptance speech adds another layer. He speaks of recommitment and shared work as a path forward. His words remind us that recovery is not a solo act. Instead, it calls for sustained courage, gratitude, and collective labor. Through humble recommitment, we weave our recovery into larger human struggles.

The Wellbriety Movement teaches, “Healing is a gift we pass to the next seven generations.” This wisdom calls us to see recovery as legacy, not transaction. Giving time, carrying the message, and standing with others sustains everlasting youth in spirit.

Spanish Translation

Citas en tres estrofas con referencias

“Damos libremente y con gratitud de nuestro tiempo, servicio, y lo que hemos encontrado aquí. El trabajo de servicio es llevar el mensaje al adicto que todavía sufre. Cuanto más nos sumerjamos y trabajemos con entusiasmo, más rica será nuestra despertada espiritual.” (The Basic Text, p. 51)

“Oro para que ahora elimines de mí cada defecto de carácter que estorba mi utilidad para ti y mis semejantes. Concédeme fuerza, al salir de aquí, para hacer tu voluntad.” (The Big Book, p. 76)

“Así que hoy nos volvemos a comprometer humildemente con el importante trabajo que hemos comenzado juntos. Estoy agradecido de que hayas estado conmigo hasta ahora, y me honra continuar nuestro trabajo vital en los años venideros.” (Presidente Barack Obama, discurso de aceptación del Premio Nobel de la Paz, 2009)


Análisis en español

El Dulce Aliento de la Juventud Eterna – Paso 7 nos invita a la humildad y al servicio. En The Basic Text, los autores nos recuerdan que el dar desinteresado profundiza el despertar espiritual. El servicio no es opcional; se convierte en práctica central que transforma la recuperación en libertad vivida. Esta idea refleja a Viktor Frankl en El hombre en busca de sentido, quien afirmó que la vida cobra sentido cuando se sirve a una causa mayor.

Asimismo, The Big Book de Alcohólicos Anónimos resalta la oración y la eliminación de defectos para ser útiles. Al pedir fuerza, la persona en recuperación se alinea con el Poder Superior y el propósito. Esto refleja la filosofía de Martin Buber en Yo y Tú, donde la vida verdadera surge en relación y servicio. El servicio une al yo, la comunidad y a Dios en un solo ritmo de pertenencia.

El discurso de aceptación del Nobel del presidente Obama agrega otra capa. Él habla de recomenzar juntos y seguir adelante con valor compartido. Sus palabras recuerdan que la recuperación no es acto solitario. Requiere gratitud, coraje y trabajo colectivo.

El Movimiento Wellbriety enseña: “La sanación es un regalo que pasamos a las próximas siete generaciones.” Esta sabiduría nos llama a ver la recuperación como herencia. Dar tiempo, llevar el mensaje y acompañar a otros mantiene siempre joven al espíritu.

Pregunta: ¿Cómo puede el servir a otros ayudarte a descubrir un sentido y propósito más profundo en tu vida?
:::

Zonr pod on youth

Comments

11 responses to “The Sweet Breath of Everlasting Youth Animating Awareness – Step 7”

  1. Ari L Avatar
    Ari L

    When I’ve been at my lowest lows I’ve felt like the only thing I had to offer was service to others, and even the smallest acts of uplifting those around me was a huge boost to my mood and mentality. Especially in early sobriety, mind still broken from going out, when I was of help to someone it didn’t matter whether I was psychotic or not, life just felt better.

  2. Eli🌱🫶🏾🫡🪱 Avatar
    Eli🌱🫶🏾🫡🪱

    Helping others is a self-affirming act. Esteemable acts build self and all of that. As a child I didn’t hesitate to help others- I had no fear of losing anything of my own while helping others. It’s not wrong to derive pride or pleasure from helping others- this help is, paradoxically, a selfish act. Bragging might not endear anyone, though.

  3. Sabrina J Avatar
    Sabrina J

    Waking up. That’s my first youthful awakening. Additionally the actions of curious learning. This is an import aspect of my life. Throughout my life there have been many great people that displayed for me an attitude of life long learning. Starting with my parents that both sought out knowledge throughout their life. The pride that my dad had when he was able to purchase for our family the Encyclopedia Britannica so that we could learn, even at home. Learning keeps me young and open minded to the ideals of constant evaluation and growth.

    Thank you for sharing recovery with me. Grateful.

  4. E-Dawg Avatar
    E-Dawg

    If I help a stranger out hopefully it will create a ripple effect to inspire others to do the same. Anytime you help somebody else out you’re getting out of your own self and that creates a road to spiritual growth

  5. Elexi W.S.A. Avatar

    I discover a deeper purpose in my life by bein’ a part of somethin’ great when I participate in service work. I remember facilitatin’ meetings online, and what a great feelin’ it gave me to give back what has been given to me in wisdoms, especially over the years. I’ve learned so much hope from others also, so why not be of service to build and keep us all mentally strong.

  6. Simon Yebio Avatar
    Simon Yebio

    I have put time into others as a form of meditation

  7. JB jr. Avatar
    JB jr.

    I just met with my sponsor and extended sponsee family for a pot luck and meeting in Long Beach. Its was along but apparently done every 3 months so it now I’ll be guided to expanding my recovery family. The new comers were especially refreshing.

  8. easy does it Avatar
    easy does it

    Being therefor someone… when they need a place to stay somethng to eat or a shoulder to cry on.
    Thats how i can keep my own spiritual life fresh and new. Yes faith without something to back it up is truly dead.

    1. Elexi W.S.A. Avatar

      Buddha also teaches us to be compassionate, as well, as Jesus, and givein’, so it’s great you’re like that.

  9.  Avatar
    Anonymous

    p.s. A high five to the Martin Luther King memorial dedication going on the Washington today, sunday. It might seem off topic from the program but not really – if ever anyone was “of service” – hello – Martin Luther King..words can’t even say..

  10.  Avatar
    Anonymous

    referring to the 10/16 quote: i really like it – have been isoliated and actually feeling alienated by all the technology – email/facebook/texting – is there a person out there? wondering, okay, it’s a changed world, what do I do just step aside? guess not. must be the disease talking. have a nice day everybody. whoever and wherever you are. lol.

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