Walking the Way We Talk - by Vince Jones
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Sober Living by the Sea
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last modified
May 17, 2009 10:00 PM
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It has been said the “two minded man is unstable in all his ways.” When we first embark on the path this is readily obvious. In trying to live we may have been gracious, helpful, kind even giving if we thought there was something in it for us. Once we got what we needed or it became clear we weren’t going to get what we needed we turned on a dime becoming angry, petulant or even downright abusive (usually to those who cared about us most). Our motives clearly were wrong, our actions based in selfishness and self centered pursuits.
ALKING THE WAY WE TALK - Our daily application of steps 10 & 11
It has been said the “two minded man is unstable in all his ways.” When we first embark on the path this is readily obvious. In trying to live we may have been gracious, helpful, kind even giving if we thought there was something in it for us. Once we got what we needed or it became clear we weren’t going to get what we needed we turned on a dime becoming angry, petulant or even downright abusive (usually to those who cared about us most). Our motives clearly were wrong, our actions based in selfishness and self centered pursuits.
When existing only in the secular world there are dozens if not hundreds of excuses and rationalizations that can be dredged up to justify this type of behavior. Living on the Spiritual Basis we now know that the supposed separation between the secular and the spiritual is nonexistent - everything is connected. We cannot treat some people with dignity, respect while looking down our nose at others. We cannot show patience, tolerance, kindness, and love towards some but not all.
He wants to enjoy a certain reputation, but knows in his heart he doesn’t
deserve it (The Big Book of AA pg.73).
Our happiness, peace of mind, our serenity is contingent on our actions. Heart versus head. Action versus intention. “We cannot think our way into right living, we must live our way into right thinking.”
Common sense would thus become uncommon sense (The Big Book of AA pg.13).
Simple but not easy; a price had to be paid. It meant destruction of
self-centeredness. I must turn in all things to the Father of Light who presides
over us all (AA pg.14).
Right thinking is not about thought control, far from it. Trying to control ones thoughts is akin to herding cats, "it's never gonna happen." Right thinking is our action and demonstration when one of those harmful or destructive impulses or thoughts crosses our mind. Today, by practicing a program of recovery, we have a kit of spiritual tools we act and react differently.
Be ever vigilant for contradictions in action. Be a man or woman who walks the way they talk. In the final analysis this is the measure by which we judge ourselves.
- Vince Jones, Sober Living by the Sea Lecturer
See Vince Jones' Blog Thought For the Day to read more of his thoughts about AA and recovery.
BIO: Fifteen years ago I developed a teaching curriculum that emphasizes a return to the roots of the process, to recapture the early success rates. I have worked with over a thousand individuals in the ensuing years and though I was sure at the beginning, I am convinced today that those early success rates can be recaptured for I have seen it happen. Additionally the principles will work for any who are suffering if they are willing, honest and remain open minded. As well as teaching these principles to help recovering patients at Sober Living By The Sea, I teach them to at risk High School students.
