Today most commercial flying is done on a radio beam. A directional beam is produced to guide the pilot to his destination, and as long as he keeps on this beam he knows that he is safe, even if he cannot see around him for fog, or get his bearings in any other way.
As soon as he gets off the beam in any direction he is in danger, and he immediately tries to get back on to the beam once more.
Those who believe in the All-ness of God, have a spiritual beam upon which to navigate on the voyage of life. As long as you have peace of mind and some sense of the Presence of God you are on the beam, and you are safe, even if outer things seem to be confused or even very dark; but as soon as you get off the beam you are in danger.
You are off the beam the moment you are angry or resentful or jealous or frightened or depressed; and when such a condition arises you should immediately get back on the beam by turning quietly to God in thought, claiming His Presence, claiming that His Love and Intelligence are with you, and that the promises in the Torah are true today.
If you do this you are back on the beam, even if outer conditions and your own feelings do not change immediately. You are back on the beam and you will reach port in safety.
Keep on the beam and nothing shall by any means hurt you.
- - Emmet Fox
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Below is the typical OTB List found at many 12-Step Sites . . .
These are handy for checking yourself, through the day.
Sort of like Dashboard Gauges or Lights for me.
Side-by-side they pretty much match up as opposites.
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ON THE BEAM
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OFF THE BEAM
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Honesty
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Dishonest
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Faith
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Fear
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Considerate
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Inconsiderate
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Humility
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Pride
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Giving
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Greedy
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Calm
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Anger
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Grateful
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Envy
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Patience
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Impatient
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Tolerance
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Intolerant
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Forgiveness
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Resentment
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Love
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Hate
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Self-Forgetfulness
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Self-Pity
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Humility
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Self-Justification
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Modesty
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Self-Importance
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Self-Forgiveness
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Self-Condemnation
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Trust
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Suspicion
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Moderation
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Gluttony
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Action
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Sloth
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Acceptance
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Rejection
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Courage
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Frightened
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Its not unusual for us to find ourselves off the beam, the idea is to get back on again. The daily inventory is essential to this requirement.
In order that all members may recognize a few of the "off the beam" positions, it may be well to list some of them:
1. When we have forgotten that we are addicts
2. When complacency lowers our guard and allows resentment and intolerance to creep back into our lives
3. When we ease up on the practice of honesty, humility and making amends
4. When we become cocky with our success and cease contact with God (IMO: For me that is forming a self delusion that I've licked it and "cured")
5. When we lack interest in new members and feel it inconvenient to help them (IMO: Failure to help anyone who comes for help, when you can help them)
6. When we demand authority or expect praise for our sobriety
7. When boredom makes an appearance (IMO: or Laziness or procrastination)
8. When we start missing meetings (IMO: Or doing things, routines and daily rituals and activities that help with our recovery)
9. When we stop studying the AA/SA Books (I keep a Kindle version with me all the time so I can read it and some other SA/AA literature anywhere).