The Daily Llama, by Staci DesRault, brings you short, one-word meditations and a corresponding quote plus a reflection for your complete wool-being (#seewhatwedidthere?) for Monday, October 2nd – Friday, October 6th, 2023.
MONDAY, OCTOBER 2nd
WORD OF THE DAY: PATRON
QUOTE OF THE DAY:
MEDITATE ON THIS:
The word “patron” is most often used with the meaning “one who supports or endorses,” but it can also mean “one who guards or protects.” So, our meditation today focuses on the importance of being patrons of our reality. We are patrons of our reality when we practice guarding our minds against delusions, lies, half-truths, hateful speech (both about others and ourselves), distorted beliefs, and unrealistic expectations. We are patrons when we test the validity of our thoughts, seek the truth, and practice loving-kindness.
How are you keeping yourself grounded in reality?
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 3rd
WORD OF THE DAILY: SPONSOR
QUOTE OF THE DAY:
MEDITATE ON THIS:
Every hero on a journey needs a guide. Frodo has Gandalf. Luke has Yoda. Buffy has Rupert Giles. Dorothy has Glenda, the Witch of the North, and The Wizard of Oz. Guides can come in many forms: a parent, a teacher, a therapist, a sensei, a coach, a doctor, a friend. In 12 Step-based recovery, a sponsor guides one through the step work and keeps one accountable. In Refuge Recovery, the guide is the community and the Inspired Path. A guide points us in the direction we need to go. But they do not do the work for us.
Do you have someone who you consider a guide in your recovery process?
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 4th
WORD OF THE DAY: GUIDE
QUOTE OF THE DAY:
MEDITATE ON THIS:
Yesterday we focused on the guide as a person who helps us on our journey to recovery. Today we focus on the action of being guided. We can have access to 100 of the wisest coaches and guides in the world, but unless we are willing to be guided, we will not make progress.
What distractions do you need to let go of in order to become more open to being guided in your recovery?
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 5th
WORD OF THE DAY: ADVOCATE
QUOTE OF THE DAY:
MEDITATE ON THIS:
There is a time for silence, a time for listening and compromise. But if we sacrifice the things which matter most to us in order to have peace, we will neither have peace nor the things which matter most to us.
Part of recovery is learning how to self-advocate appropriately and assertively. We know we are healing when we can stand up for ourselves without throwing temper tantrums, lying, manipulating, keeping secrets, being evasive, or causing harm to another.
Where in your life do you need to advocate for yourself more effectively? What is the cost of your ongoing silence?
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 6th
WORD OF THE DAY: CHAMPION
QUOTE OF THE DAY:
MEDITATE ON THIS:
It can be incredibly easy to get caught up in appearances. But looking successful is not the same thing as actually being successful. One of the best actions we can take in recovery is to stop comparing where we are in our journey with where others are in theirs. This entails learning how to let go of our judgments toward others, one at a time. Judgments don’t always have to be negative; they can be positive. Either way, having them can create a false sense of certainty about the way things are. Letting go of judgments is hard work because it requires returning our focus to the only thing in life we can change or control: ourselves.
What is a judgment you have made based on appearances? How might that judgment be getting in the way of your progress?
Resources Are Available
If you or someone you know is experiencing difficulties surrounding alcoholism, addiction, or mental illness, please reach out and ask for help. People everywhere can and want to help; you just have to know where to look. And continue to look until you find what works for you. Click here for a list of regional and national resources.
