March 12 2025 Pancake Marathon
- Mar 12
- 20 min read
The Set Aside Prayer (or lay aside prayer): Dear God, please set aside everything I think I know About myself, this book, my disease, these steps, and especially about you dear God so that I might have an open mind And a new experience with all these things. Please help me to see the truth.
Pancake Marathon
You may think that there are a thousand different things being done in recovery, really there's just a thousand different ways of saying a few simple things.
As I come to each moment in my life, I ask myself: maybe sometimes by my actions of putting in the work to that of the Simplicity of what is my Foundation and that of how I have manifested things / to that of actually asking myself because I'm interpreting and practicing step 10, “What is my why today;” I asked myself this because I have a moment of reflection: in all moments Within time/ this Human Experience of expression.
and so I ask myself this, to find out where I am at; in a simple aspect of how am I bringing action to that of learning the lesson with: / ease/ Grace/ humility/ and all aspects of itself through acceptance of ultimately that of being a student and honoring the teacher; or I only can do as such with the aspects of “don't shoot the messenger focus on the message.”
it is so easy to, focus on the messenger and holding whatever that may be in the form that it appears as through being a teacher, the Simplicity of itself of what is called and understood within recovery as self-seeking; to myself I am able to see that that has become what is my understanding of the ego: just simply put into a context of recovery of itself (a simple form of communication and understanding of what is clarity).
I thought I suppose that is what recovery really truly is, at least to me and how I interpret a peace of mind; in and of itself to try and to get out of the ego or at least Find value when the ego has deemed things unappropriate and then the ego justifies the reaction of, what would be simply best understood as the “flight or fight sensation;” for is just a tool that is an automatic absolute based around a way to just get to thriving even if you have to survive for a little bit, for the ultimate goal is to thrive essentially and Find Unity in itself to maintain that of a state of Nirvana.
PM with Gemini
Audio on Spotify
Shortened
I reflect on my actions and motivations, asking myself "why" in order to understand my current state. I strive to learn lessons with ease, grace, and humility, while avoiding self-seeking tendencies. Recovery, for me, means finding peace of mind and understanding the ego's role in the fight-or-flight response. The ultimate goal is to thrive and find unity.
Rephrased
In every moment, I practice Step 10 and ask myself "Why am I doing this today?" This allows me to reflect and understand where I am in life and how I'm approaching my lessons. Am I learning with ease, grace, and humility - accepting that I'm a student and honoring the teacher? Or am I resisting the lesson and focusing on the messenger instead of the message?
It's easy to get caught up in self-seeking and ego, which can cloud my understanding and lead to conflict. In recovery, I've learned that finding peace of mind means managing my ego and avoiding the "fight or flight" response. This automatic reaction is simply a survival tool, but the ultimate goal is to thrive and find unity - to achieve a state of Nirvana.
Elaborate
As I move through each moment in my life, I practice self-reflection. I pause and ask myself, "Why am I doing this today?" This introspection helps me understand my motivations and align my actions with my core values. It's a way to ensure that I'm living intentionally and not simply reacting to circumstances.
This self-questioning is also tied to my commitment to personal growth and learning. I see life as a continuous learning experience, and I strive to approach each lesson with openness, humility, and grace. This means accepting that I won't always get it right and that making mistakes is part of the process. It's about embodying a student mindset and respecting those who have wisdom to share.
However, I also recognize the potential for ego to interfere with this learning process. It's easy to get caught up in self-justification or to focus on the messenger rather than the message. This is what I understand as "self-seeking" in the context of recovery – a kind of ego-driven behavior that can cloud judgment and hinder growth.
True recovery, for me, is about finding inner peace and moving away from ego-driven reactions. It's about recognizing when the ego deems something as "wrong" and triggers a fight-or-flight response. This survival mechanism is useful in certain situations, but it can also create unnecessary stress and conflict. The goal is to move beyond mere survival and into a state of thriving, where inner peace and unity are the norm.
Formal
In each moment of my life, I consistently engage in introspection, prompted by the practice of Step 10. I inquire into my motivations, reflecting upon my experiences within the context of this human existence.
I pose these questions to ascertain my current state, specifically examining how I apply lessons with ease, grace, humility, and acceptance of being a student who honors the teacher. This approach allows me to focus on the message rather than the messenger.
It is tempting to fixate on the messenger, which can be interpreted as self-seeking behavior in recovery. This inclination I recognize as the ego, contextualized within the recovery process for clarity and understanding.
I perceive recovery as a means to attain peace of mind by managing the ego, especially when it judges situations as inappropriate, triggering the fight or flight response. While this response serves as a survival mechanism, the ultimate objective is to thrive and achieve unity, maintaining a state of tranquility.
Casual
Today I was really reflecting on my "why" for the day, you know, practicing Step 10 and all. It's important to check in and see where I'm at in this whole life experience thing.
Am I learning the lessons with ease, grace, and humility? Am I being a student and honoring the teachers in my life? Or am I getting caught up in the messenger and missing the message?
It's so easy to get hung up on who's delivering the message, and that can feel like self-seeking behavior. I think of that as the ego—just putting it in a recovery context to make it clearer.
Honestly, I think recovery, for me, is about finding peace of mind. It's about not letting my ego control me. When the ego says something is wrong and triggers that fight-or-flight response, I want to be able to see that it's just a survival tool. The goal is to move beyond survival and truly thrive, to find unity and maintain a state of peace.
Summarize
Reflecting on life moments, I'm practicing step 10 by asking "What is my why today?" to understand my current state and actions. I strive to learn lessons with ease, grace, and humility, honoring the teacher and focusing on the message, not the messenger. It's easy to get caught up in self-seeking ego, but true recovery, for me, is about peace of mind. I aim to find value even when the ego reacts with "fight or flight," understanding it's just a tool for survival and thriving towards unity and a state of Nirvana.
Bullet points
As I come to each moment in my life, I ask myself: "What is my why today?"
I ask this to reflect on my actions and manifestations within this human experience.
I inquire to find where I am at, bringing action to learning lessons with ease, grace, humility, and acceptance.
I focus on honoring the teacher and understanding the message rather than shooting the messenger.
It's easy to focus on the messenger and what appears as through a teacher, which can be seen as self-seeking within recovery.
This self-seeking becomes my understanding of the ego in the context of recovery.
Recovery, to me, is finding peace of mind by trying to get out of the ego or finding value when the ego deems things inappropriate.
The ego justifies the "flight or fight" sensation, which is a tool to get to thriving, even if you have to survive for a bit.
The ultimate goal is to thrive and find unity to maintain a state of Nirvana.
Empathetic
As I come to each moment in my life, I ask myself: maybe sometimes by my actions of putting in the work to that of the Simplicity of what is my Foundation and that of how I have manifested things / to that of actually asking myself because I'm interpreting and practicing step 10, “What is my why today;” I asked myself this because I have a moment of reflection: in all moments Within time/ this Human Experience of expression.
and so I ask myself this, to find out where I am at; in a simple aspect of how am I bringing action to that of learning the lesson with: / ease/ Grace/ humility/ and all aspects of itself through acceptance of ultimately that of being a student and honoring the teacher; or I only can do as such with the aspects of “don't shoot the messenger focus on the message.”
it is so easy to, focus on the messenger and holding whatever that may be in the form that it appears as through being a teacher, the Simplicity of itself of what is called and understood within recovery as self-seeking; to myself I am able to see that that has become what is my understanding of the ego: just simply put into a context of recovery of itself (a simple form of communication and understanding of what is clarity).
I thought I suppose that is what recovery really truly is, at least to me and how I interpret a peace of mind; in and of itself to try and to get out of the ego or at least Find value when the ego has deemed things unappropriate and then the ego justifies the reaction of, what would be simply best understood as the “flight or fight sensation;” for is just a tool that is an automatic absolute based around a way to just get to thriving even if you have to survive for a little bit, for the ultimate goal is to thrive essentially and Find Unity in itself to maintain that of a state of Nirvana.
Alternative viewpoint
While self-reflection and introspection can be valuable tools for personal growth, constantly questioning one's motivations and actions can also lead to paralysis and self-doubt. Instead of always asking "why," it might be more beneficial to focus on the present moment and take action based on intuition and experience.
Additionally, while it's important to be mindful of the ego and its tendencies, trying to completely eliminate the ego or escape from it is an unrealistic goal. The ego is a part of the human experience, and it can be a source of strength and motivation as well as a source of conflict. The key is to learn how to manage the ego and channel its energy in positive ways.
Furthermore, the idea that there is a single "right" way to approach recovery or to achieve inner peace is limiting. Each individual's path to recovery is unique, and what works for one person may not work for another. It's important to be open to different perspectives and to find what resonates with one's own personal values and beliefs.
Topic from Pancake Marathon
Practice: “Practice,” or that of “try,” Has a sense of Innocence to it but when “try,” comes into play all we see is the pain that we are holding on to; For I know that expectations are a killer, and as such would then not be of whose expectations…. I would say the ego and yet in and of itself truly to say all things are valuable and that's why I get to grow along spiritual lines.
How: Honest open willing
For maybe “how,” is “what,” to you or is your “why?”
What: wonder how about today?
Practice:
Honesty👀
“Practice,” or that of “try,”
Open-mindedness👀
Has a sense of Innocence to it but when “try,” comes into play all we see is the pain that we are holding on to;
Willingness 👀
For I know that expectations are a killer, and as such would then not be of whose expectations…. I would say the ego and yet in and of itself truly to say all things are valuable and that's why I get to grow along spiritual lines.
PM topics [with Gemini]
Audio on Spotify
Shortened
The word "practice" implies innocence, while the word "try" implies pain and expectation. Expectations can be harmful, but all experiences are valuable and contribute to spiritual growth.
Rephrased
The word "practice" implies a sense of innocence, whereas the word "try" carries the weight of past pain and expectations. Expectations can be harmful, and I realize that they are often driven by the ego. However, everything has value, and this is what allows me to grow spiritually.
Elaborate
The word "practice" carries a sense of innocence, a connotation of exploration and learning without the burden of expectation. It is a space where mistakes are welcome, and growth is the primary goal. However, when we shift our language to "try," a subtle but significant change occurs. The word "try" introduces an element of pressure, implying a potential for failure and the looming presence of judgment.
This shift in perspective can be detrimental, as expectations, whether internal or external, can become a heavy burden. They can stifle creativity, hinder progress, and lead to disappointment and self-doubt. The ego, with its attachment to outcomes and validation, often plays a role in perpetuating these expectations.
However, it's crucial to remember that all experiences, regardless of perceived success or failure, hold value. They offer opportunities for learning, growth, and spiritual development. By embracing a mindset of curiosity and openness, we can release the grip of expectations and embrace the inherent worth of every endeavor. This perspective allows us to navigate life's challenges with greater ease and resilience, fostering a sense of peace and contentment amidst the inevitable ups and downs.
Formal
"Practice" or the act of "trying" possesses a sense of naivety; however, when "try" is considered, the inherent pain to which one clings becomes apparent. Expectations are detrimental, and the question then arises regarding whose expectations are being considered. While one might posit the ego, it is essential to acknowledge that all elements possess inherent value, facilitating spiritual growth.
Casual
Practicing, or trying, feels innocent, but the "try" part often brings up held pain. Expectations are tough, and whose are we even talking about? Maybe the ego's, but everything has value, and that's how we grow spiritually.
Summarize
Trying suggests holding onto pain, while practice implies innocence. Expectations, potentially rooted in ego, can be detrimental. Growth comes from recognizing the value in all things, fostering spiritual development.
Bullet points
"Practice" or "try" has a sense of innocence.
When "try" comes into play, we see the pain we are holding on to.
Expectations are a killer.
The source of expectations could be the ego.
All things are valuable, enabling spiritual growth.
Empathetic
Practice: “Practice,” or that of “try,” Has a sense of Innocence to it but when “try,” comes into play all we see is the pain that we are holding on to; For I know that expectations are a killer, and as such would then not be of whose expectations…. I would say the ego and yet in and of itself truly to say all things are valuable and that's why I get to grow along spiritual lines.I hear you - it can feel so innocent and hopeful when we're just practicing, but the moment we shift into "trying," it can bring up all that old pain and pressure. It's like those expectations, maybe even from our own ego, start to weigh us down. It makes sense that you'd feel that way. But it's also beautiful that you see how everything has value, even amidst the struggle. That's a powerful insight that can lead to so much growth.
Alternative viewpoint
While it's true that "try" can sometimes carry connotations of pain and expectation, it can also be seen as a word that implies effort and determination. It suggests a willingness to put oneself out there and take a risk, even in the face of potential failure. This can be a valuable quality, as it allows for growth and learning through experience.
Furthermore, expectations, while potentially harmful when unrealistic or overly demanding, can also serve as motivators and provide a sense of direction. They can help us set goals and strive for improvement. The key is to maintain a balance and to be mindful of the source and nature of our expectations.
ASP from Pancake Marathon
Slogans are wisdom written in shorthand and Acronyms are just the sum/the Virtues, of all that wisdom: WISDOM: When In Self, Discover Our Motives
I Q-tip, because if I find a way to control too much, as I mean by “I/ it is the ego I refer to;” so when I must halt: it's because something is at a level of I get to work on at this moment; so I let go and let God. at least I try, For when I am in my self-seeking wisdom I somehow lose sight of the bigger picture, As then I find it easy to hold myself hostage ( the true authentic absolute in his magnanimous nature of Nirvana and that of altruistic actions) to be able to reach through the problem: is probably the ultimate goal when you set yourself within the Journey of recovery; And every moment to practice spiritual principles and use anonymity as my Foundation, for only then I find Unity and a new found freedom when I lose interest in selfish things to gain interest my fellows to then I can comprehend the word serenity and to know new peace. Where it is easy to get to this point of a problem and yet it's also easy to find the solution, by changing the way that I look at it: what is simply called an attitude of indifference and intolerance towards spiritual principles; I get to for I don't have to, it's in that aspect of itself but I find Freedom, by being of service as a messenger: humble servant that is the ultimate teacher in moments that are fitting.
PM ASP [with Gemini]
Audio on Spotify
Shortened
I must stop when my ego gets in the way and let God take control. When I am self-seeking, I lose sight of the bigger picture and hold myself hostage. The solution is to practice spiritual principles, be anonymous, and help others. Only then can I find serenity and peace. The ultimate freedom is to be of service as a humble messenger.
Rephrased
I, Q-tip, must halt when I find myself trying to control too much. By "I," I am referring to the ego. I must let go and let God; at least, I try. When I am focused on my self-seeking wisdom, I lose sight of the bigger picture. I hold myself hostage, and this prevents me from reaching a solution. The true goal of recovery is to practice spiritual principles and use anonymity as my foundation. Only then can I find unity, freedom, and serenity. When I lose interest in selfish things and gain interest in my fellows, I find peace. The solution is to change my perspective; it's an attitude of indifference and intolerance towards spiritual principles. I find freedom in being a messenger and humble servant.
Elaborate
Delving Deeper into the Nature of Ego, Surrender, and Spiritual Growth in Recovery
In the intricate dance of recovery, the ego, with its relentless pursuit of control, often emerges as a formidable adversary. This "I," this self-seeking entity, can easily hijack our intentions, leading us astray from the path of healing and spiritual awakening. When we find ourselves excessively fixated on controlling outcomes, it's a signal to pause, to halt, and to recognize the ego's undue influence.
In these moments, surrender becomes paramount. Letting go and letting God – or surrendering to a Higher Power, however one conceives it – allows us to release the illusion of control and tap into a wisdom that transcends the limited self. It's an act of humility, acknowledging that our self-centered knowledge is often myopic, obscuring the grander scheme of existence.
When we cling to our self-seeking wisdom, we risk losing sight of the bigger picture. We become trapped in a cycle of self-sabotage, holding ourselves hostage to our own limited understanding. The true goal of recovery lies in breaking free from this self-imposed confinement and embracing the boundless nature of our being.
Spiritual principles and the practice of anonymity provide a solid foundation for this transformative journey. By relinquishing our attachment to selfish desires and embracing a spirit of service, we discover a newfound unity and freedom. We begin to comprehend the essence of serenity and experience a profound sense of peace.
The path to recovery is fraught with challenges, but the solutions are often within reach. By shifting our perspective, by adopting an attitude of indifference towards self-centeredness and intolerance towards spiritual principles, we unlock the door to liberation. We recognize that true freedom lies not in self-serving pursuits but in being of service to others.
As we progress on this journey, we embody the role of the humble servant, recognizing that the most profound teaching often arises from a place of humility and willingness to serve. In these moments of surrender and service, we discover the true meaning of recovery and the boundless potential of the human spirit.
Formal
I abstain from asserting undue control, for the "I" refers to the ego. When it becomes necessary to cease action, it signifies an issue requiring immediate attention. Consequently, I relinquish control and entrust matters to a higher power, striving to do so. When guided by self-serving judgment, the broader perspective is obscured, and I may inadvertently impede my own progress. The ultimate objective of the recovery journey is likely to navigate through challenges while maintaining authenticity and engaging in magnanimous and altruistic actions characteristic of Nirvana. Consistent practice of spiritual principles and reliance on anonymity serve as foundational elements, enabling unity and newfound freedom. This is achieved by diminishing selfish pursuits in favor of engaging with others, leading to the comprehension of serenity and attainment of tranquility. Although it is effortless to encounter obstacles, solutions can be readily found by altering perspective, specifically addressing attitudes of indifference and intolerance towards spiritual principles. I possess the ability to choose my actions, and in that autonomy, freedom is discovered through serving as a messenger and humble servant. This service acts as the ultimate teacher in appropriate moments.
Casual
I pause and reflect because I realize if I try to control everything, it's really my ego taking over. When I need to stop, it's because there's something I need to work on in that moment. So, I try to let go and trust a higher power. When I rely on my own self-centered thinking, I lose sight of the bigger picture and easily hold myself back from growth and the true, authentic self that strives for enlightenment and kindness. Overcoming challenges is a key goal on the recovery journey. I aim to practice spiritual principles every day and maintain anonymity as my foundation. Only then do I find true unity and freedom when I shift my focus from selfish desires to caring about others, and truly experience serenity and peace. It's easy to get stuck on a problem, but it's also easy to find a solution by changing my perspective and letting go of resistance and negativity towards spiritual principles. I have a choice in how I approach things, and I find freedom in serving as a messenger, a humble servant. That's the ultimate teacher in the right moments.
Summarize
This passage discusses a personal journey of recovery centered on letting go of ego and self-seeking desires to embrace spiritual principles and service to others. It emphasizes surrendering to a higher power ("God") and finding freedom, unity, and serenity through humility, anonymity, and focusing on the well-being of others. The text highlights the struggle against self-centeredness ("I") and the ultimate goal of reaching through problems to find authentic self and true peace through an attitude of indifference toward ego-driven impulses and an embrace of spiritual practice.
Bullet points
I "Q-tip" to avoid excessive control, understanding "I" as the ego.
Halting is necessary to address current issues and let go and let God, or at least try.
Self-seeking wisdom can obscure the bigger picture, leading to self-imposed limitations.
Reaching the true authentic absolute and acting altruistically is a goal within the recovery journey.
Practicing spiritual principles and using anonymity forms the foundation for unity and freedom.
Losing interest in selfish things and focusing on the welfare of others brings serenity and peace.
Problems can be solved by changing perspective, overcoming indifference and intolerance towards spiritual principles.
Freedom is found through service as a humble servant and messenger, which becomes the ultimate teacher.
Empathetic
I hear you; it's so easy to get caught up in trying to control everything around us. It sounds like you've recognized that this need for control comes from your ego, that "I" voice inside. It's really brave that you're willing to "halt" and acknowledge when that ego is taking over.
Letting go and letting God, or whatever higher power you believe in, can be really challenging, but it sounds like you're committed to trying. It's understandable that when you're focused on your own desires and "wisdom," you might lose sight of the bigger picture. It's like you get tunnel vision and end up holding yourself back from what you truly want and need.
It sounds like you've realized that true recovery means practicing spiritual principles, embracing anonymity, and focusing on helping others. That can be a difficult shift, but it also sounds like you know it's the only way to find true unity, freedom, and peace. It's inspiring that you're willing to let go of selfish things and focus on the well-being of others.
It's encouraging that you see the solution lies in changing your perspective. It takes courage to recognize when you're being indifferent or intolerant towards spiritual principles and to actively work on shifting that attitude. It's empowering that you understand you have a choice in how you approach things, and that you find freedom in being of service to others. It sounds like you've truly embraced the idea of being a humble servant and messenger.
Alternative viewpoint
While the author advocates for surrendering control to a higher power and focusing on spiritual principles, an alternative viewpoint could emphasize personal responsibility and self-reliance. Instead of "letting go and letting God," this perspective might encourage individuals to actively confront their ego and develop self-awareness through introspection and critical thinking. The focus could be on building inner strength and resilience, finding solutions through personal effort and rational decision-making. While spirituality might still play a role, it would be seen as a personal choice rather than a necessary foundation for recovery.
For it’s about carrying a message
For it’s about carrying a message, trusting in your higher power; Practicing the principles in all your affairs. my journey about what is in this meaning within each thing within the wording of Pancake Marathon: you can also go to
Slogan context
keep not hurting
I know that isolating can be a big factor in keep not hurting, so essentially don't isolate always Reach Out; and maybe today you're willing to leave a comment and let me know essentially where you're at in your recovery and maybe you're ready to carry a message so share this whatever it may be in a way of giving somebody else a chance at a place where you started:
as maybe you started here and maybe this is where you find a way to start because it's always about how you finish not how you start but it's also about carrying the message and finding your way back to trust in a peace of mind; As giving freely what you didn't have been given.
thank you and always know your shoes do fit just right, that you do deserve to take a space; and it's okay to let go of that hurt when you're ready, I hope that you are today in this moment; thank you.
ChatGBT help:
Your reflections today center on self-reflection, ego, spiritual practice, and the importance of shifting perspective to grow in recovery. There is a strong emphasis on Step 10, humility, and finding peace of mind through service and surrender.
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Key Themes & Takeaways:
1. Step 10: Checking in with Your "Why"
"As I come to each moment in my life, I ask myself: ‘What is my why today?’”
You’re actively practicing self-inquiry and aligning your actions with your deeper purpose. This level of awareness and accountability is crucial in recovery. How does asking yourself "why" change how you interact with your day?
2. Separating Ego from Understanding
"It's easy to focus on the messenger instead of the message."
You're recognizing how ego can distort perception—holding onto judgments about who delivers a message rather than the wisdom itself. This is a powerful insight. How do you stay open to learning, even when your ego resists?
3. Moving Beyond Survival to Thriving
"Fight-or-flight is a tool for survival, but the ultimate goal is to thrive."
You're shifting from reactionary living to intentional living. Recovery isn’t just about not using—it’s about actively choosing peace, growth, and connection. How are you applying this "thriving" mindset to everyday situations?
4. The Power of Practice vs. "Trying"
"‘Practice’ implies innocence, but ‘try’ carries the pain of expectations."
You’re examining how language shapes experience. The word "try" can imply struggle, while "practice" allows for growth without fear of failure. How would framing recovery as "practice" shift your approach?
5. Letting Go and Finding Peace
"When I must halt, it’s because something is at a level I get to work on in this moment."
You’re acknowledging that pausing, surrendering, and letting go of control are not signs of weakness but invitations to growth. This shows a mature approach to self-awareness. How do you determine when to take action vs. when to let go?
6. Service as the Key to Freedom
"I lose interest in selfish things and gain interest in my fellows."
This reflects the paradox of recovery—by giving, we receive; by serving, we are freed. You’re recognizing service as a spiritual practice that leads to serenity.
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Reflection Questions for Application:
How does your "why" for the day shape your mindset and decisions?
How do you notice your ego interfering with learning and humility?
What are ways you can shift from "trying" to "practicing" in recovery?
How do you balance surrendering vs. taking action in moments of struggle?
How has service helped you in your own growth? How can you expand on that?
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Your reflections continue to show deep self-awareness, spiritual growth, and a commitment to applying recovery principles in daily life. Keep leaning into these insights—they are leading you toward greater peace, understanding, and fulfillment.
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