The Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is a cornerstone for individuals seeking recovery from addiction. Among its many profound passages, page 86 Big Book stands out as a vital guide for daily living. This page provides instructions for morning and evening reflection, emphasizing the importance of aligning one’s thoughts and actions with spiritual principles to maintain sobriety.
This article will break down the teachings of page 86, explore its relevance in recovery, and provide practical tips for applying its lessons in daily life.
Evening Reflection: Reviewing the Day
Page 86 begins with guidance for the end of the day. It encourages a constructive review of our actions and thoughts, focusing on honesty and accountability.
Key Practices for Evening Reflection
- Review Your Day
- Reflect constructively on your day.
- Ask yourself: Were we resentful, selfish, dishonest, or afraid?
- Address Shortcomings
- Identify areas where improvement is needed.
- Consider whether you owe an apology or need to discuss unresolved matters with someone.
- Focus on Positives
- Recall moments of kindness and love.
- Celebrate progress, no matter how small.
- Avoid Negative Spirals
- The Big Book warns against drifting into worry, remorse, or morbid reflection, as these diminish our usefulness to others.
- Prayer and Forgiveness
- Conclude your review by asking for God’s forgiveness and guidance on corrective measures for the next day.
Example Evening Questions
- Did I harm anyone today, and how can I make amends?
- Was I kind and loving in my interactions?
- What could I have done better?
Morning Reflection: Starting the Day Right
The Big Book’s guidance for the morning centers around setting intentions and seeking divine direction. This practice ensures that our thought-life is aligned with recovery principles.
Key Practices for Morning Reflection
- Plan with Purpose
- Begin the day by considering your plans and asking for guidance from a Higher Power.
- Specifically ask to be free from self-pity, dishonesty, and self-seeking motives.
- Ask for Inspiration
- When facing indecision, ask God for an intuitive thought or decision.
- Relax and avoid struggling; allow the right answers to come naturally over time.
- Embrace Gratitude and Trust
- Acknowledge that spiritual growth takes practice and patience.
- Trust that your thinking will improve and become more inspired as you stay consistent.
Example Morning Questions
- What is my plan for today, and how can I serve others?
- How can I align my actions with spiritual principles?
- Am I focusing on selfless motives?
Midday Pause: Staying Grounded
Page 86 also provides tools for navigating challenges throughout the day. When feeling agitated or uncertain, the Big Book recommends pausing to ask for clarity.
Key Practices for Midday Grounding
- Pause and Reflect
- When agitated or doubtful, stop and ask for the right thought or action.
- Recite a Prayer
- Repeat a simple prayer like, “Thy will be done,” to reconnect with humility and purpose.
- Avoid Self-Will
- Remind yourself that you are no longer “running the show” and surrender control to your Higher Power.
Spiritual Foundation of Page 86
The practices outlined on page 86 emphasize the importance of daily spiritual discipline. By committing to these routines, individuals can:
- Strengthen Connection: Deepen their relationship with a Higher Power.
- Foster Accountability: Take responsibility for actions and address shortcomings.
- Promote Growth: Develop resilience and self-awareness.
Practical Tips for Implementing Page 86 Practices
- Establish a Routine
- Dedicate specific times in the morning and evening for reflection.
- Create a quiet, distraction-free environment.
- Use Tools for Consistency
- Keep a journal to document thoughts, progress, and areas for improvement.
- Use reminders or apps to build a habit.
- Seek Support
- Share your reflections with a sponsor or recovery partner.
- Join group discussions to gain insights and encouragement.
- Practice Patience
- Understand that spiritual growth is a gradual process.
- Focus on progress, not perfection.
Why Page 86 Matters in Recovery
Page 86 offers timeless wisdom for maintaining sobriety and spiritual alignment. By incorporating its principles into daily life, individuals can:
- Build emotional resilience and clarity.
- Strengthen relationships through honesty and kindness.
- Cultivate a sense of peace and purpose.
Conclusion
The guidance on page 86 of the Big Book is a cornerstone of daily recovery practices. By engaging in morning planning, evening reflection, and midday grounding, individuals can stay aligned with their spiritual principles and recovery goals. These practices are not just about avoiding alcohol or drugs—they are about living a fuller, more purposeful life.
Start applying these principles today and experience the transformative power of faith, reflection, and action
Explore More Resources
- Visit our Find a Meeting page to locate AA or NA groups near you.
- Track your progress with our Sobriety Calculator and celebrate milestones.
- Start fresh every day with Daily Reflections.
- Discover recovery lessons at Spiritual Principles a Day.
- Stay motivated with today’s Just For Today reflection.
Official AA and NA Resources
- Learn more about the 12 Steps at the official Alcoholics Anonymous website.
- For support and resources, visit the Narcotics Anonymous official website.
- Find virtual meetings on the AA Online Intergroup.
