MYSTERIOUS PARADOXES
Recovery Einstein's Big Book perspective on the AA Daily Reflection for February 23.
The phrase 'mysterious paradoxes' captures the core spiritual truths that seem contradictory to the worldly mind. In the Big Book, we see that to find sobriety, we must first admit we are powerless [Page 59] — a surrender that leads to victory. The great paradox appears in the Promises: we lose interest in selfish things and gain interest in our fellows [Page 84]. This is the mystery of giving to keep. As Bill wrote, 'We who have lost our lives, find them' [Page 25]. The alcoholic's double life of trying to control the uncontrollable is resolved only when we accept the paradox that strength comes from weakness, and freedom from willing dependence on a Higher Power. These aren't logical; they are spiritual truths that work when we stop fighting them.
What is one paradox in your recovery that you initially resisted but later proved to be the key to your freedom?
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 23?
The theme for February 23 is “Mysterious Paradoxes.” The phrase 'mysterious paradoxes' captures the core spiritual truths that seem contradictory to the worldly mind.
What is one paradox in your recovery that you initially resisted but later proved to be the key to your freedom?
These aren't logical; they are spiritual truths that work when we stop fighting them. (Big Book: Chapter 5, pages 59-63, and Chapter 6, pages 83-85)