SonOfSamwise
11-25-2006, 11:16 PM
Pain, Bill W. and Dr. Paul
Expectations are a source of frustration, and pride is a source of pain.
What I know about the usefulness of pain I learned from Bill W. and Dr. Paul, the author of the story “Doctor, Alcoholic, Addict” in the Big Book (For you newbies, that is, “Acceptance Was the Answer” in the Fourth edition.)
Dr. Paul wrote that when expectations go up, serenity goes down.
In the 10th Step of the 12&12, Bill W. wrote, “Pain is the touchstone of all spiritual progress.”
Bill also wrote in the Seventh Step of the 12&12 that humility is a healer of pain.
If humility heals pain then its opposite, pride, must cause pain.
I am talking about emotional, psychological and spiritual pain.
I am not talking about a broken leg.
I can scarcely think of a time when pride and/or expectations are not the source of such pain.
If I had not learned and understood the concepts of pride and expectations; humility and acceptance; I would not have the emotional sobriety and tranquility of spirit that I enjoy today.
The “touchstone” concept means I don’t have to wallow in pain.
Like accidentally touching a hot stove, quick contact is enough to make me check my pride and/or modify my expectations.
Humility and acceptance are keys to spiritual progress.
Pain that brings humility heals itself.
Serenity is directly proportional to acceptance and inversely proportional to expectations. – Dr. Paul’s Law.
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Truth is independent of belief.
Expectations are a source of frustration, and pride is a source of pain.
What I know about the usefulness of pain I learned from Bill W. and Dr. Paul, the author of the story “Doctor, Alcoholic, Addict” in the Big Book (For you newbies, that is, “Acceptance Was the Answer” in the Fourth edition.)
Dr. Paul wrote that when expectations go up, serenity goes down.
In the 10th Step of the 12&12, Bill W. wrote, “Pain is the touchstone of all spiritual progress.”
Bill also wrote in the Seventh Step of the 12&12 that humility is a healer of pain.
If humility heals pain then its opposite, pride, must cause pain.
I am talking about emotional, psychological and spiritual pain.
I am not talking about a broken leg.
I can scarcely think of a time when pride and/or expectations are not the source of such pain.
If I had not learned and understood the concepts of pride and expectations; humility and acceptance; I would not have the emotional sobriety and tranquility of spirit that I enjoy today.
The “touchstone” concept means I don’t have to wallow in pain.
Like accidentally touching a hot stove, quick contact is enough to make me check my pride and/or modify my expectations.
Humility and acceptance are keys to spiritual progress.
Pain that brings humility heals itself.
Serenity is directly proportional to acceptance and inversely proportional to expectations. – Dr. Paul’s Law.
---------------------------------
Truth is independent of belief.