With the new year we often have extra enthusiasm to kick start actions for a better life. The steps are a continuous resource to keep us focused on our journey, beyond the new year. Come back to Step 1 with fresh perspective. Remember, before recovery life had become unmanageable. As much as needed we can look at our current behavior and be willing to admit unmanageability, whether with alcohol, relationships, food, shopping or anything that the ego may grip.
The Self cannot be pierced or burned, made wet or dry. It is everlasting and infinite, standing on the motionless foundations of eternity. The Self is unmanifested, beyond all thought, beyond all change. Knowing this, you should not grieve.
- Bhagavad Gita, Eknath Easwaran
It may feel painful to the ego as we admit powerlessness, recognizing that we cannot control things outside ourselves. But the results of our self-honesty outweigh any initial discomfort. You are not your ego and not your mind.
Use Step 1 and the new year as an opportunity to admit powerlessness. Shift your focus to what you want to cultivate. No need to go into the pity pot with old stories and behaviors. Just a quick awareness of the past can be enough to bring you gratefully to the present moment.
Even if you were the most sinful of sinners…you could cross beyond all sin by the raft of spiritual wisdom...Nothing in this world purifies like spiritual wisdom.
- Bhagavad Gita, Eknath Easwaran
Move forward in life with courage. Support is always available. The steps and our higher power guide us. The purpose of Yoga practices is to take us down our own path. Let it be.