“… in Steps One through Three, we were given the basic tools we need to negotiate the path of recovery.” “On this spiritual foundation, we lay the principles of commitment and perseverance as we work the Sixth Step.” (It Works, How & Why, p. 44)
What experiences have you had with overcoming adversity, lately?
Try – Janis Joplin Live at Woodstock (4:13)
Michael Sams (1st Gay NFL Draft) Overcoming Homophobia (3:18)
Come Together – Gary Clark Jr. & the Justice League (2:32)
The King and The Spider
Vikram was a brave king. Once, he had to fight against a large army with just a few soldiers, he was defeated. He had to run for his life.
Vikram took shelter in a forest cave. He was very depressed. His courage had left him. He was blankly gazing at the ceiling of the cave. An interesting scene captured his attention.
A small spider was trying to weave a web across the cave ceiling. As the spider crawled up, a thread of the web broke and the spider fell down. But the spider did not give up. He tried to climb again and again. Finally, the spider successfully climbed up and completed the web.
Vikram began to think, “If a small spider can face failure so bravely, why should I give up? I will try with all might till I win”. This thought gave strength to the defeated king.
Vikram got out of the jungle and collected his brave soldiers. He fought against the large army. He was defeated again. But now, he would not give up his fight.
Vikram, again and again, fought against the large army and finally, after many attempts defeated the large army and regained his kingdom. He had learned a lesson from the spider.
MORAL: Perseverance paves the way to success. (http://www.english-for-students.com/The-King-and-The-Spider.html)
Finding a middle ground where there is great resistance from both sides.
Separation between what is happening and what I am thinking
The only adversity is caused by my work. On path to having to fire someone right after Christmas which is sad. At least its not before. And stress. Outside work it seems like doors opening everywhere for me. Which creates other stress in a way. So just doing what I have to and trying not to take anything else on.
I just find it hard to draw the line between self-will and sticking it out.
Sometimes like today perseverance means reading SFZ and being willing to let go of anger and misery.
This step seems to have different layers to me: 1) an attitude of complete surrender; 2) willingness to patiently surrender each new defect as it becomes apparent. This Step is taking me a long time and has so many new messages for me. I learn new ways to surrender, daily.