Can we forgive ourselves if we haven’t forgiven another? Can we forgive another if we haven’t forgiven ourselves? On Saturday, February 9, we will explore those questions through the Eight Pillars of Joy—principles developed by Desmond Tutu and the Dalai Lama—and a personal story. You will come away with a method to help mitigate strong emotions and support forgiveness—in both directions.
 ~Peg M.

As we evolve in recovery, there are opportunities for Step 6 (“Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character”) and Step 7 (“Humbly asked God to remove our shortcomings”) to take on new and deeper meaning.
 
Through Step work, and the practice of Centering Prayer, we are walked through a healing process that illuminates things about ourselves that were once hidden. I have also found the “3 A’s” of Al-Anon—awareness, acceptance, and action—really helpful in this process
 
On Saturday I’ll talk about the difference being willing myself better (as an act of ego-will) and yielding so that I allow grace to wake me up.
 
I’m looking forward to being with you on February 9!
 
with joy,
Julie G.

I have struggled with self-esteem, but I have come to see and accept the fact that self-compassion is far more important. (To put self-compassion first is to put the horse in front of the cart.)  
 
Self-compassion, as expressed through  my Centering Prayer practice, has helped me to know Whose I am, which has changed everything. On January 19 I’ll discuss what self-compassion is and why it means so much to me. Join me!
 
~Jay M.

When we work Steps 4 and 5, the point of the inventory and the admissions to God, ourselves, and another human being  is to pinpoint the exact nature of our wrongs. What is that exact nature—in other words, what is a character defect? Is it a sin, a mistake, a psychological maladjustment?
 
It’s confusing, but we don’t need to be confused. Our literature is clear on the point, and in my experience, Centering and Welcoming Prayer both address that “exact nature”—exactly.
 
Join me on January 19 to consider and discuss this vital, and compassionate, understanding of character defects.
 
~Jon S.

“The principle that we shall find no enduring strength until we first admit complete defeat is the main taproot from which our whole society has sprung and flowered.” –Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions 
 
I would like to explore this redemptive truth—admission of complete failure on the basis of our own resources—and how essential it is to the practice of Centering Prayer. 
 
​I look forward to seeing you on October 20.
 
Warm Regards,
 
~Jay M.