CUZ “PNP” (PROGRESS, NOT PERFECTION) GETS US WHERE WE NEED TO BE –
“The point is, that
we are willing to grow
along spiritual lines. The
principles we have set down
are guides to progress. We
claim spiritual progress ra
ther than spiritual per
fection.” (The Big
Book, p. 60)
“To be idle is a
short road to death
and to be diligent is a
way of life; foolish peo-
ple are idle, wise peo-
ple are diligent.”
– Gautam Buddha (563 -483 BC) Indian spiritual leader
What are some of the indicators you use to gauge your own spiritual progress, lately?
The Pleasure Principle – Janet Jackson (4:36)
Buddha’s 14 Principles of Human Life (2:00)
Gautam Buddha (3:39)
THE MONEY-BOX
IN a nursery where a number of toys lay scattered about, a
money-box stood on the top of a very high wardrobe. It was
made of clay in the shape of a pig, and had been bought of the
potter. In the back of the pig was a slit, and this slit had
been enlarged with a knife, so that dollars, or crown pieces,
might slip through; and, indeed there were two in the box,
besides a number of pence. The money-pig was stuffed so full
that it could no longer rattle, which is the highest state of
perfection to which a money-pig can attain.
…
There he stood upon the cupboard, high and lofty, looking down upon
everything else in the room. He knew very well that he had
enough inside him to buy up all the other toys, and this gave
him a very good opinion of his own value. The rest thought of
this fact also, although they did not express it, for there
were so many other things to talk about. A large doll, still
handsome, though rather old, for her neck had been mended, lay
inside one of the drawers which was partly open. She called
out to the others, “Let us have a game at being men and women,
that is something worth playing at.” (more at http://www.aesopfables.com/cgi/aesop1.cgi?hca&a58)
I gauge my spiritual progress by how I feel. So I’ve felt better driving lately, which used to anger me more. Also, I can tell by how well I’m handling delicate situations with others that could easily become negative. And also, when I’m more emotionally available when someone is clearly having a difficult time. I can sense more readily when someone is uncomfortable, such as someone new to a small meeting which happened recently. I’ve come to believe that compassion isn’t just doing nice things and caring for people when asked, or when it is obvious. But being more sensitive and able to pick up that vibe when someone is in need of help. Even when maybe they aren’t even aware of it.
I can tell when I am into relapse thinking: I do not want to be around other people and I don’t want to be of service. Isolation is the bus that takes me into the scary neighborhood called “my head.” Being of service and looking beyond my immature and selfish “wants” helps me learn more about myself, about my spirit, about my recovery.
I did some volunteer work with gay elders. Volunteering always makes me feel I’m adding to people’s lives and some of the elders told us so personally which always feels good.
I think the spiritual progress was that the entire 4 hours I never felt any strain or like it was work whatsoever.
I can’t stand myself when I am not practicing the spiritual principles – just angry angry driving my car going nowhere fast. – that’s no way to live. Thank you SFZ for my daily dose. 🙂