Just For Today | June 21 | New Levels of Honesty

“We have been experts at self-deception and rationalization.”
Basic Text, page 27

Understanding Honesty in Recovery

When we come to our first meeting and hear that we must be honest, we may think, “Well now, that shouldn’t be too difficult. All I have to do is stop lying.” To some of us, this comes easily. We no longer have to lie to our employers about our absence from work. We no longer have to lie to our families about where we were the night before. By not using drugs anymore, we find we have less to lie about.

This initial stage of honesty is straightforward: stop lying. With courage, determined practice, the support of our fellow NA members, and the help of our Higher Power, most of us eventually succeed at this kind of honesty. However, this is just the beginning.

Beyond Surface-Level Honesty

Honesty, though, means more than just not lying. The kind of honesty that is truly indispensable in recovery is self-honesty, which is neither easy nor simple to achieve. In our addiction, we created a storm of self-deception and rationalization, a whirlwind of lies in which the small, quiet voice of self-honesty could not be heard.

Challenges of Self-Honesty:

1. Self-deception: We often convince ourselves of things that aren’t true to avoid facing reality.
2. Rationalization: We justify our actions and thoughts to maintain our self-image.
3. Fear of truth: Facing the truth about ourselves can be uncomfortable and frightening.

The Journey to Self-Honesty

To become honest with ourselves, we first must stop lying to ourselves. This requires us to dig deeper and confront the truths we have been avoiding. In our Eleventh Step meditations, we must become quiet. Then, in the resulting stillness, we must listen for truth. When we become silent, self-honesty will be there for us to find.

Steps to Cultivate Self-Honesty:

• Practice meditation: Create a daily routine of quiet reflection to clear your mind and listen to your inner voice.
• Journal regularly: Writing down your thoughts and feelings can help you identify patterns of self-deception and rationalization.
• Seek feedback: Engage with trusted friends or mentors who can offer honest perspectives on your behavior and attitudes.

Embracing Silence and Stillness

In our fast-paced world, finding moments of silence and stillness can be challenging. Yet, it is in these moments that we can truly connect with our inner selves and uncover the truths we need to face.

Benefits of Silence and Stillness:

• Clarity: Quieting the mind helps to clear away the mental clutter, allowing us to see things more clearly.
• Inner peace: Silence fosters a sense of calm and tranquility, which is essential for deep introspection.
• Connection with Higher Power: In the stillness, we can better sense the guidance and presence of our Higher Power.

Just for Today

“Just for today: I will be quiet and still, listening for the voice of truth within myself. I will honor the truth I find.”

This daily meditation encourages us to seek out the deeper levels of honesty necessary for true recovery. By embracing silence and stillness, we open ourselves to the quiet voice of truth within us, guiding us toward a more authentic and fulfilling life.

Actionable Steps

To deepen your practice of honesty in recovery, consider these actionable steps:

1. Set aside quiet time: Dedicate a few minutes each day to sit in silence and reflect on your thoughts and feelings.
2. Write a truth journal: Each day, write down one truth you have discovered about yourself, no matter how small.
3. Engage in honest conversations: Practice honesty in your interactions with others, sharing your true thoughts and feelings respectfully.

By incorporating these practices, you can develop a stronger sense of self-honesty and continue to grow in your recovery journey.