LIGHTING THE DARK PAST
Recovery Einstein's Big Book perspective on the AA Daily Reflection for May 2.
Ah, my friend, 'Lighting the Dark Past' is a beautiful way to describe what happens when we take the Steps. The Big Book tells us that resentment is the 'number one offender' (Page 64), and that we need to thoroughly examine our past to be free. In Step Four, we 'search out the flaws in our make-up which caused our failure' (Page 72). By shining the light of honesty and inventory, we see that many of our dark memories are just shadows—old grievances and fears that no longer have power over us. As we share them in Step Five, the darkness lifts. The Promises come true: 'We will not regret the past nor wish to shut the door on it' (Page 83). That's the gift of lighting the dark past—it becomes a teacher, not a tormentor.
Think of one memory from your drinking days that still holds shame or anger. How might you shine the light of Step Four on it today to see it differently?
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 May 2?
The theme for May 2 is “Lighting the Dark Past.” Ah, my friend, 'Lighting the Dark Past' is a beautiful way to describe what happens when we take the Steps.
Think of one memory from your drinking days that still holds shame or anger. How might you shine the light of Step Four on it today to see it differently?
That's the gift of lighting the dark past—it becomes a teacher, not a tormentor. (Big Book: Chapter 5: How It Works, pages 64-71; Chapter 6: Into Action, pages 72-84)