We need to tune in to the voice of our conscience and listen to what it tells us. When we feel a nagging feeling that something is wrong, it's a good idea to pay attention to it.
It works, Tenth Step
Thanks to the NA program, the days of making excuses for our bad behavior are mostly in the past. Of course, we still make mistakes, sometimes big ones, but we repair our damage faster. Instead of backing down or making excuses when we lash out or self-destruct, we let our mistakes remind us that we remain sharp people and need regular spiritual maintenance.
“That's what happens when you're in recovery, isn't it?” one member shared. "I am aware of myself and the world around me. When I'm doing it, I can't pretend that everything is rosy - although sometimes I still try." A cache may seem like an attractive substitute for a clear consciousness. But it is not so. All too often this leads us to look for new distractions to help us forget. Fortunately – although it may sometimes seem the opposite – we cannot forget what we know about ourselves. We recognize our role in all our difficulties and identify our weaknesses even when they appear in new guises. As much as we try to close ourselves off and fight, we have developed consciousness.
Instead of waiting until 3:00 in the morning for our consciousness to awaken, the Tenth Step offers us a way to stay clear and present. We enter – and sometimes re-enter – the habit of regular meditation, taking time to tune into our inner regulator of consciousness. We examine our behavior with empathy, asking ourselves: "Have I treated others as I would like to be treated?". We tell ourselves the truth, noting when we responded admirably and when we need to work on a better approach for next time. Cultivating consciousness is a byproduct of this practice, and living a consciousness-driven life is worth the effort.
Today I will live according to my conscience, taking the time to develop it further as I reflect on my mistakes and enjoy the benefits that come from living by my values.
