Step 3 Meditation
Many of us have struggled with listening to new points of view and then actually implementing them into our lives.
Doing so,
However,
Is the heart of the willingness we came to accept in Step 2.
Sometimes,
We may not like the idea of faith and stepping out into the unknown.
However,
Doing so anyway,
Building on the hope explored in Step 2,
Shows us that a higher power may be present in our lives.
With this assurance,
We are already on our way.
So,
Let us begin.
Find yourself a comfortable position where you won't be disturbed.
Loosen any tight clothing or jewelry and place your cell phone on silent.
Allow your eyes to gently drift closed.
Open your mind to that innermost place inside where your highest power dwells.
Take a deep,
Relaxing breath.
Inhaling deeply through the nose,
Exhaling slowly through the mouth.
Let's do that again.
And once more.
Start to feel your body relaxing.
With each relaxing breath,
You quiet your mind and more.
Your breathing is steady and relaxed,
Inhaling deeply,
Exhaling slowly.
As you exhale,
Feel your troubles,
Worries exit your body.
Release any areas of tension,
Distractions,
Or concerns you have for the day.
For now,
Those concerns are not important.
As you relax more deeply,
Feel the tensions fading away.
Let the tensions fade away with each relaxing breath.
If your mind wanders,
Simply return to experiencing your breath gently inhaling and exhaling.
Now,
Let your breath resume its natural rhythm.
Step 3.
Make the decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understand Him.
It is a simple decision based on the belief that Step 2 suggests we can develop.
Many of us living with an addiction suffer from what is called a built-in forgetter.
Because of that built-in forgetter,
Many of us find that this decision will be made many times each day
so we may direct our thoughts and actions towards a new way of living.
How does this happen on a daily basis?
How do we apply this step to our everyday life?
Start by thinking about those areas of your life you are still trying to control with your own self-will.
Are there people,
Places,
Or things that are causing you to feel anxious,
Angry,
Worried,
Fearful,
Or resentful?
Are you obsessing about something or trying to force a solution?
These are the very things you could choose to release bit by bit into the loving presence of divine wisdom and love.
Imagine releasing and turning over just one thing today.
Under the guidance of prayer,
Meditation,
And fellowship,
We can leave the outcome in the hands of our higher power.
This is letting go.
The same way we release tension in our bodies through our breath,
We can also let go of situations with people,
Places,
And things through prayer.
And there are many prayers to choose from.
Let's listen to the words of the third step prayer from the Big Book,
Allowing them to resonate within.
Please remember that you choose who or what your higher power is.
The Big Book chooses to use the word God.
God,
I offer myself to Thee,
To build with me and to do with me as Thou wilt.
Relieve me of the bondage of self,
That I may better do Thy will.
Take away my difficulties,
That victory over them may bear witness to those I would help of Thy power,
Thy love,
And Thy way of life.
May I do Thy will always.
Here is a different version.
I have tried to control the uncontrollable for far too long.
I acknowledge that my life is unmanageable.
I ask for your care and guidance.
Grant me honesty,
Courage,
Humility,
And serenity to face that which keeps me from you and others.
I give my life to you to do with as you will.
Again,
As it says in the Big Book,
The wording is quite optional as long as we express the idea,
Voicing it without reservation.
Now,
I invite you to reflect on a prayer or meditation of your own creation that you might use when challenging situations arise.
These prayers may be used any time control issues become visible.
For most people in recovery,
It takes a persistent,
Determined willingness to do this on a daily basis.
Over time,
It becomes second nature.
And now,
As we come to the end of this meditation,
Slowly bring your awareness back to your breathing,
Back into the present moment.
And if you wish,
Gently open your eyes,
Wiggle your toes and fingers as we come to a close.
I wish you many blessings as you proceed one day at a time.
