The material presented
here is not Al-Anon Conference Approved Literature. It is a method
to exchange
information, ideas, feelings, problems and solutions on a personal
level.
I have always struggled with the "higher power" concept which has prevented me from completing the 12 steps. I'm sure I'm not the only one who has this problem. So I thought I would share some information that helped me.
We discussed this very issue during Family Education night at the treatment center where my husband is at. The counselor explained that the higher power does not have to be a spiritual power. It could be a counselor, and Al-Anon group, a sponsor and so on. Just anyone that is more knowledgeable than myself. This really made sense to me finally.
I discussed this with my own counselor and she brought up another point of view. She said that I can try to envison myself as Freud did, with the id, ego and supergo. The id of course is the pleasure principle, ego is the middle man trying to balance, while the superego is the conscience. She explained it that the superego is "the higher adult thinking self". And that the superego could be my higher power. That maybe I could turn everything over to MY higher power.
It was an interesting view on the subject, one I had not heard before so I thought I would share. Maybe it helps someone out there to finally "click"
Interesting points karrele, Thank you for sharing. I imagine there are a great deal of people struggling to find a HP, I will keep you in though and prayer that you will find what works for you.
Peace, Twinmom~
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"The people who don't mind matter and the people who mind, don't matter". (Dr. Seuss)
Thank you for the suggestion. I have been attending 3 meetings/week for a year and doing everything my sponsor says and I am no closer to any God or higher power. I find it tremendously discouraging and feel like dropping out often. I was assured if I did all I was told that I would have this spirtiual awakening. I feel nothing. I finished step 5 which is supposed to give you relief, but again, nothing. Actually I've been feeling worse about myself ever since. I feel hopeless. Thanks, still, for your suggestion. Lisa
