Defects VS Spiritual Tools

Last night, at a meeting for people in the recovery program ETA, we were discussing our spiritual tool kits (see yesterday's blog to define). We identified what our tools actually are (what does your tool box have in it?) and how to apply these tools in our daily lives. I love this type of informal gathering for people in recovery because I learn so much. Not only that, but the hostess for last night had made snacks for us. Yum!

One of the women said that when she is practicing her defects of character her spiritual tools get dull. She said that when she is jealous or wants to get even with some one for hurting another, for example, it seemed like her tools didn't work as well. She has found, though, that once she lets go of whatever defect is driving her thoughts and/or actions that her tools seem sharper and much more effective at soothing or nurturing her spirit (hence the term: spiritual tools). That really struck me. What a brilliant analogy!

Another women there said she didn't understand so the rest of us put into different terms: When I am restless, irritable and discontent, my tool box is harder to get to. When I let the committee in my mind run rampant, my tool box is so disorganized that I can't find the tool I need. When I'm obsessing about an injustice (in my own opinion, real or imagined), I feel as though I'm having one of those dreams where I keep trying to get to something, but make no progress. You spend the night somewhere and don't have your own pillow; you sleep, but you don't feel rested because something just wasn't right.

What a gift from the old HP!! A wonderful analogy and several different ways to express the meaning so that everyone is able to understand. I love this program and all those in it. Together, we stay sober. God, please remind me to keep You always within easy reach, my tools sharp and my tool box close.

Have a good and sober day.