Finding Serenity: Bree L.'s Journey with Prayer and Meditation
Episode Overview
Bree's initial scepticism about prayer and meditation Her journey through various forms of prayer, including Catholic prayers The impact of Steps 11 and 12 on her spiritual practices Visualising positive outcomes to avoid resentment Finding peace and connection through heartfelt prayer
Prayer from the heart makes me feel good. I'm going to keep doing it
Bree L. takes us on a journey through her evolving relationship with prayer and meditation in this heartfelt episode of The Point San Francisco. Initially dismissive of these practices, Bree saw them as something for the elderly or yogis, not for someone with a busy, self-willed life. She recounts her early experiences with prayer, from childhood prayers to a brief stint with transcendental meditation, which quickly fizzled out.
Bree's conversion to Catholicism in her late teens expanded her prayer repertoire, but she still found herself going through the motions without real spiritual connection. It wasn't until she reached Steps 11 and 12 in her recovery journey that prayer began to take on a new meaning. Guided by her sponsor, Bree learned to slow down and savour each word of the third step prayer, making it a cornerstone of her daily routine.
She shares how visualising positive outcomes for her loved ones, like her strong-willed daughter who prefers Heineken Light over AA meetings, helps her find peace and avoid resentment. Bree also talks about dealing with challenging personalities in AA meetings by generating love and tolerance towards them. Throughout the episode, Bree emphasises that prayer and meditation keep her connected to her Higher Power's will.
She candidly discusses her doubts about whether her prayers are heard but finds comfort in the relief and intuitive thoughts that follow her heartfelt prayers. Bree's story is a testament to the transformative power of prayer and meditation in recovery, offering hope and practical insights for anyone on a similar path. If you're looking for inspiration and practical advice on incorporating prayer into your recovery journey, this episode is a must-listen.