By: Vince DiPasquale
Embracing Openness and Letting Go
“Have a mind that is open to everything and attached to nothing.” This idea invites us to approach life with an open heart and mind, especially as December brings opportunities for renewal and new beginnings. Drawing inspiration from AA literature, we reflect on “Yesterday, today, and tomorrow”—reminding ourselves that while our history and family experiences are important, there are two ways to engage with them. We may either hold onto these memories and remain stuck in attachment, or we can face and process them, allowing them to become our teachers. Every experience serves as fertilizer for new growth.
Letting Go and Practicing Gratitude
The program teaches us to “Let go and let God.” We are reminded that nothing truly belongs to us; everything in life is lent by God so we can share with others. This perspective fosters gratitude. Each day is a new gift—the opportunity to live another day is God’s greatest blessing, and with it comes the call to walk the earth as ambassadors of the Higher Power. Our experiences reinforce the importance of releasing attachments to material things, which are fleeting. Instead, we are encouraged to discover our strengths, gifts, and talents through the lessons life offers.
Life Lessons and the Role of Struggle
Our life experiences are gifts, presenting challenges that help us uncover positive lessons. The Higher Power reminds us not to become too comfortable, for struggle is an essential part of our journey. Our presence in this world is intentional, each of us is a unique creation. Our main purpose is to learn and teach as we move through life, bearing in mind that our time here is limited. Material attachments do not define us; real value lies in our spirit and inner core. Gratitude and openness reveal that nothing is absolute and that life is an ongoing journey of new beginnings. Change fuels new growth, and openness allows us to hear the music within each person.
Finding Strength and Hope in Recovery
We possess immense potential. Viewing life through a positive lens turns every experience into a source of strength. For every negative, there is a positive. The sixth and seventh steps of the program teach that defeat can reveal our assets. As my father once said, “You don’t know what it is to get up until you fall down.” Recovery shows us that sometimes we must endure hardship to find joy. Within each of us is God’s music, and throughout my life, I’ve encountered many teachers—spiritual guides who encourage gratitude and openness. Their shared experiences help me learn and inspire me to pass those lessons on to others.
The Circle of Life and the Wisdom of Teachers
A powerful example from recovery is the film “The Lion King,” which illustrates the beautiful circle of life we all share. During this season, let’s reflect on the spirits of those who have gone before us, from Doctor Bob and Bill W. to early recovery members who gifted us the Twelve Steps, a profound spiritual principle. The wisdom of ages, including the 81 principles of the Tao Te Ching from Lao-tzu, is woven into these steps. Many teachers have paved the way, and by opening ourselves to their energy, we help carry the message of recovery forward.
Connecting Through the Music Within
Listen to the music in your heart, share it, and it will return to you many times over. Each person is God’s creation, and when we are open to the music within each individual, we connect as an orchestra playing God’s song together. Every experience becomes our strength and the foundation of hope for others. During this season of new birth, may the Higher Power guide you.
