Opening the Heart
Together prayer and meditation are actions we consciously take to open our hearts and minds not only to the powerful recovery found in Al-Anon, but also to the experience, strength and hope of others.
I built walls around my heart to survive. They kept the pain out, but they also kept the love out. I walked into Al-Anon intellectually open but emotionally fortified. Step Eleven is the practice of lowering the drawbridge. Prayer and meditation are the mechanisms that creak those rusty gates open.
When I open my heart, I become vulnerable to the 'experience, strength, and hope of others.' I admit that I need you. I admit that I cannot fuel my life on my own willpower. This openness allows the recovery to actually penetrate. It's scary because an open heart can be hurt again. But a closed heart is slowly suffocating. Step Eleven gives me the access to a Power that makes it safe to be open, because I know I am not undefended; I am protected by my Higher Power.
I can practice openness in my next conversation. Instead of crossing my arms or planning my exit, I will physically relax my body, uncross my limbs, and listen with the intention of letting the other person's words touch me.
