FILLING THE VOID
Recovery Einstein's Big Book perspective on the AA Daily Reflection for February 3.
The void we tried to fill with alcohol is really a spiritual emptiness, a restlessness that no bottle could ever satisfy. The Big Book tells us that ‘the great fact is just this, and nothing less: that we have had deep and effective spiritual experiences which have revolutionized our whole attitude toward life’ [Page 25]. Recovery fills that void not by adding something, but by removing the self-centered fear that created the hole. As we work the Steps, especially the daily practice of Step 11, we ‘begin to see the truth’ and find that ‘the answer will come’ [Page 86]. The Promises assure us that ‘we will not regret the past nor wish to shut the door on it’ – the emptiness is replaced by gratitude and purpose [Page 83].
What have you found that truly fills the space left by alcohol – a connection, a service, or something else?
Start each day with Einstein's Big Book perspective — a quiet moment before the world gets loud.
This is Recovery Einstein's original Big Book perspective on the day's theme — not the official AA Daily Reflections text. For the official reflection, follow the aa.org link above. Page references are to Alcoholics Anonymous (the Big Book), 4th Edition.
Quick answers
What is the AA Daily Reflection for February 3?
The theme for February 3 is “Filling the Void.” The void we tried to fill with alcohol is really a spiritual emptiness, a restlessness that no bottle could ever satisfy.
What have you found that truly fills the space left by alcohol – a connection, a service, or something else?
The Promises assure us that ‘we will not regret the past nor wish to shut the door on it’ – the emptiness is replaced by gratitude and purpose [Page 83]. (Big Book: Chapter 4, pages 44-57 (We Agnostics); Chapter 6, pages 85-87 (Step 11))