“‘Have you a sufficient substitute?’ Yes, there is a substitute and it is vastly more than that.” (Chapter 11, Big Book)
I’ve in the past felt resentful at the programme, because it seems to be adding to the number of things to do.
Now, let’s say we’re awake for 16 hours a day. We’re always doing something. Even if we’re watching television, we’re doing that. We’re also always thinking something, as well. Come to think of it, we’re always believing something, too. There are always beliefs underlying every thought, and thoughts underlying every action.
The programme doesn’t ask me to believe, think, or do anything extra. It asks me to believe, think, or do something different. It’s asking me to believe, think, or do something that works in the place of believing, thinking, or doing something that does not.
It’s therefore helpful to remember that the programme is merely suggesting I do this instead of that: it’s about substitution not addition.
In addition: As Emmet Fox says, ‘If you have no time for prayer and meditation, you will have lots of time for sickness and trouble.’