Meditation of the Day:
“Those who live for one another learn that love is the bond of perfect unity.”
-Fools Crow, LAKOTA
To serve one another, to respect one another, to trust one another, to honor one another, to love one another, to cooperate with one another, to care for one another, to forgive one another, to focus on one another’s good, to laugh together, to learn from one another, to pray for one another; these are all acts of love. Such values and actions connect us to one another in the Unseen World. Nature teaches us how to coexist harmoniously. Observe how nature nurtures the cycle of life: the insects offer sustenance to the birds, who in turn nourish the four-legged beings, who give back to the two-legged. The Creator has made all things perfect.
Just for Today:
August 26, 2024
As we reflect on our day, let’s take a moment for personal inventory. “Did I honestly connect with myself, my actions, and my motives? Have I sought guidance for my highest good and the strength to follow it?” These reflections lead us to a deeper understanding of our day. In contemplating our relationships, we may ask, “Have I harmed anyone today, directly or indirectly? Do I need to make amends?” The process remains simple if we ask ourselves, “Where was I wrong? How can I improve next time?” We might also consider, “Was I kind to myself today? Did I offer help without expecting anything in return? Did I reaffirm my faith in a loving presence?” This continuous reflection keeps us on a sound spiritual path.
Just for Today: I will review my day. If I have harmed another, I will make amends. I will reflect on how I can choose differently in the future.
Spiritual Principle:
Choosing Intimacy over Isolation
“Caring and sharing the Fellowship way is the ultimate weapon against our alienating, isolating, and destructive disease.”
Experiencing loneliness is an inevitable part of being human. For many Natives, this loneliness is heightened by feelings of disconnection from peers. We may have struggled to fit in or felt awkward and isolated. In the past, substances numbed these feelings, initially making us feel “normal.” However, in recovery, we recognize that our disease thrives not only on substance use but also on our isolation from ourselves and others.
The Fellowship offers a way to heal this sense of rawness through intimate relationships with others who understand our journey. Sharing our fears and vulnerabilities with another provides a profound antidote to loneliness. Even with years of recovery, the old voice may whisper that isolation is safer. Yet we know that the act of sharing and being present for one another is the most powerful remedy for our inherent loneliness.
Even when it feels uncomfortable, I will take the risk to be seen by another. I choose connection over isolation, embracing our shared humanity as a source of strength and healing.