Koan: Unmon said: “I do not ask you about fifteen days ago. But what about fifteen days hence? Come, say a word about this!” Since none of the monks answered, he answered for them: “Every day is a good day.”
When we read about Step 10 in the Big Book and 12 and 12, we are urged to review our day – to see if there are any instances regarding our behavior that day where we need to make amends. This is where the awareness comes in. We do need to look upon just this day. There’s no need to look at what happened fifteen days ago since we did Step 10 on that day, too. Amends were taken care of on that day or shortly thereafter.
In the morning we plan our day in a thoughtful manner. Steps 4-9 have given us an awareness of who we are and what we’re capable of, the good and the not so good. So what about today? Well, we could say that this day only is a safe distance of time for us to be looking into the future -- anything beyond, not so useful. And during the day is a time for taking “spot checks” concerning our behavior to see if we’re staying true to ourselves and others.
For yesterday is but a dream,And tomorrow is only a vision,
But today, well lived,
Makes every yesterday a dream of happiness
And every tomorrow a vision of hope.
Look well, therefore, to this day.
From a Sanskrit Proverb
Step 10 helps me to clear away the hindrances that keep me from seeing what is true.
“Every day is a good day” to work Step Ten. This is where the results occur. This is where we put our awareness into action. Practicing Step 10 each day is like opening a door, an open doorway and effortless passage to Step Eleven.
And better said from the Twelve and Twelve (Page 98): "There is a direct linkage among self-examination, meditation, and prayer. Taken separately, these practices can bring much relief and benefit. But when they are logically related and interwoven, the result is an unshakable foundation for life."
From afar Nina writes: "Time is a sort of slippery thing, but, regardless, program suggests we try to live in the present- maybe time is just a series of nows...that yesterday and tomorrow won't do us any good in keeping our side of the street clean....its now that counts. so...today now is a good time....now is always on...now and now and now and now......and owning our stuff is the activity we need to focus on. and nothing but good can come from that.....so no losers in this ongoing situation of personal responsibility. good advice for those prone to selfishness and ego-driven behaviors. poor little ego.....doesnt stand a chance! but then, happiness and peace of mind do have a really good chance...and that is good news. "
Bill K.