PAUSE WHEN AGITATED

A MEDITATION ON GIVING IT TO GOD

WHEN AGITATED OR DOUBTFUL

As we go through the day we pause, when agitated or doubtful, and ask for the right thought or action. We constantly remind ourselves we are no longer running the show, humbly saying to ourselves many times each day "Thy will be done." AA Big Book page 87

LESS WORRY, SELF-PITY, OR FOOLISH DECISIONS

We are then in much less danger of excitement, fear, anger, worry, self-pity, or foolish decisions. We become much more efficient. We do not tire so easily, for we are not burning up energy foolishly as we did when we were trying to arrange life to suit ourselves. AA Big Book page 87

THE PRACTICE

We begin by taking a few deep breaths and reminding ourselves that we are practicing the third step: "Turning our lives and wills over to the care of God"

Turning it over is the beating heart of our program that leads to a peaceful heart and long term sobriety.

As we sit in silence, we just notice what arises in our consciousness: thoughts, feelings, body sensations, or whatever. This is the first part: just noticing - noticing without judgement like we might notice leaves floating down a gently flowing stream.

Then, whatever we notice, we just let it go by mentally saying: "By Your leave.

Then we return to noticing our breath ... the breath is our anchor that keeps us focused on letting go and letting God.

Repeat these steps [notice, "By Your leave", then notice your breath] for the remainder of the practice period.

ASSURANCE

"They are the ones who believe and whose hearts are assured through the remembrance of God. Absolutely, through the remembrance of God do the hearts find rest." Quran