Why Pausing Matters in AA Recovery
In 12-Step recovery, spiritual growth is essential. As many books on AA recovery practices emphasize, one of the most powerful tools available to us is learning to pause. Just like water reflects the sky best when it is calm, our spiritual life reflects our Higher Power most clearly when we are still and centered.
The Water Metaphor: Calm Reflection and Spiritual Clarity
Spiritual life is like water. When it is calm, it better reflects the heavens above.
This is a great metaphor.
If my spiritual life is disturbed, I do not reflect the heavens above. The waves distort the reflection. If the disturbance is severe enough, the heavens disappear; the whitecaps and spindrift obscure the reflection.
When I am in this state, I don’t channel my Higher Power, nor am I an instrument for His peace. Like the surface of water, the surface of my spirit ruffles, then ripples, then waves.
But if my spiritual life is calm, the clouds and blue sky are perfectly reflected on the surface. And that in turn is reflected in my life and relationships.
The Golden Key: Turning Your Mind to God
This may be true, but how do I ensure my spirit reflects the heavens above? I will tell you how: I pause. I’m coming to pausing might be the most crucial part of my spiritual life. When I find myself disturbed, this simple act—pausing before I react, before I speak, before I decide—is transformative. It allows me to:
- Turn my mind to God
- Let go of self-will
- Realign with spiritual principles
The idea comes straight from Emmet Fox’s “Golden Key,” a spiritual concept embraced by many in recovery: if I turn my thoughts to God, the problem resolves itself. My job is not to fix everything—but to let go, and let God. It is a lesson I admire and try to practice.
Pausing is a critical part of my spiritual life. Pause to reflect the heavens above.
Books to Support Your Twelve Step Journey
If you’re looking to explore Step work, spiritual awakening, and personal transformation more deeply, check out The GEMS Series: 12-Step Shares, Notes and Thoughts. These books offer insights, reflections, and real-life recovery experience that complement the journey through the Twelve Steps.
The books in The GEMS Series: 12-Step Shares, Notes and Thoughts can be purchased through my estore or the major online book retailers. Look for GEMS, More GEMS, and Still More GEMS.
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