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.
Today's reading notes AlAnon's spiritual nature, as opposed to a religious one. While we are free to pursue whatever religious concept we prefer on our own, the purpose of AlAnon is to help us create a 'heavenly' oasis from the effects of alcohol in someone we know.
The author notes, however, that some with a strong faith in a particular religious direction may inadvertently push a bit more than is comfortable for others, even though they may have the best of intentions.
Today's Reminder - As per our Traditions, AlAnon is not affiliated with any other organization, including religious, and that assures us that the tenets of any faith (or none!) can be applied to AlAnon principles.
"I pray for the wisdom not to involve myself with the personal lives and beliefs of others, and to help them only by means of AlAnon principles."
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I find this aspect of AlAnon incredibly helpful, for it truly opens up the spiritual benefits to all while keeping religious tension and disagreements outside the doors.
One of my concerns when I first came to the program was "Will this program work for me?' as I didn't believe in the god that most did at my meetings. I took comfort from pages like this that promised that AlAnon does not require any specific religious beliefs, just a concern about someone's drinking.
Members and meetings I have attended followed the guidance above, however, allowing me the time to see how AlAnon gives each the freedom to use a god of their understanding, and 'take what they like and leave the rest'.
I found that I was able to exchange my old, negative views of religion and god for a strong higher power of my understanding and a spiritual view that feels comfortable at any AlAnon meeting. I am so grateful for the wisdom of the program that allows for all to join together in unity, avoiding religious issues that can lead to divisive conflict.
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Paul
"...when we try to control others, we lose the ability to manage our own lives." - Paths to Recovery
Hi Paul Thank you for sharing you thoughts on today's reading in the ODAT. I can identify with the hesitancy of participating in a program that relied heavily on a solid belief in "God" .
When I hit my rock bottom I found the rooms and was pleasantly surprised that, alanon, being a spiritual program and not religious, allowed me to select a Power greater than myself that I could rely on. .Since I had difficulty with the religion of my childhood,(God did not do my will) , I looked about and found that the rooms of alanon and the tool offered me a power greater than myself, so I selected the principles of program and the tools as my HP
Today, after many years in program, I have redefined my HP and found a true belief in a God of my understanding. I do know that recovery is a process and I am so grateful that I can practice a spiritual program and trust God once again.
I say that , I thank God for alanon and alanon for God.
I have finally grown up and understand that it is not my will but thine that I must accept.
I love the higher power I picked out for myself with love. Good Orderly Direction is my HP. Love it. Works for me in all things. I find peace in it. Good Orderly Direction brings me strength and comfort. With it I can face anything that comes my way. I have my fabulous Al-anon toolkit as well. All I need. I feel complete.
Anytime I listen to or read or become aware of "Higher Powers" when I am around program family I relax. I am powerless and since my first marriage was to a raging religious fanatic and my life became unmanageable and my marriage destroyed I also came to understand that I could apply our program to any situation where I was closely involved with or in addictive behaviors with others. It was very disconcerting in the earlier marriage for me because I was actively involved in and with a religion from my birth which was attacked as "of the devil" by my then wife and her organization. Speak of and ISM!! That was and still is insane as long as I let it be. No is a complete sentence. ((((hugs))))
Thank you, Betty, Calm, and Jerry for sharing a part of your journey. AlAnon has helped me so much to let go of things, be more comfortable with the differences of opinion, thought, and action. I am much more capable of growing from my experience, learning from it and feeling the appreciation that comes from small improvements in my views and perceptions.
I am so grateful for the comfort I feel from the higher power of my understanding, and the wisdom and power of the program and the fellowship
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Paul
"...when we try to control others, we lose the ability to manage our own lives." - Paths to Recovery
Happy Wednesday one and all! I am one who came with a background in organized religion from my FOO. I was sure that I was in deep trouble when I read the steps as based on my actions/life choices to date, I was condemned based on that same religion. I missed the teachings as a child about a loving, caring, forgiving creator...
In the program I was encouraged over and over again that this was about my relationship with any HP of my choosing. I was reminded often that this is a personal relationship known to me and him/her only and had no bearing or relationship to religion.
I today have a concept that works well for me. I am also able to allow others to find their own way and I applaud anyone who does.
I have the grand kids today - clearly can not watch two under the age of 3 AND be online! I am out of practice for multi-tasking at this level!!
(((Hugs))) to all - hope it's a great day!
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Practice the PAUSE...Pause before judging. Pause before assuming. Pause before accusing. Pause whenever you are about to react harshly and you will avoid doing and saying things you will later regret. ~~~~ Lori Deschene
