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.
The author of this page offers insights as to how one can find their higher power. Step 11 suggests we improve our conscious contact with God through prayer and meditation. The writer says how one finds their HP is up to the individual, but makes some suggestions: you can look for guidance from people, events of unexplained circumstances, one can look away from logic and reason, you can look at feelings, instincts, or dreams, you can pursue a spiritual path, or you can use all the above.
Quote: The spiritual exercise suggested by the Eleventh Step is a powerful force for good in our lives. Let me not ever think I have no time for it.
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My take away from Step 11 at this point in my recovery, is that I cannot recover on my own. I tried for years and just ran around in circles. I find that all the tools and the fellowship of the program, move me along my path.
I have tried everything available to help myself on my journey and have found that above all else,my HP is my greatest source. It doesn't matter how hard I try to work this program,without my HP it simply doesn't help or work.
Thank you sisters in recovery. You also remind me of a slogan my former (now deceased) sponsor built with me when I was dragged into the program fighting to have my ego recognized...I got crazy trying to be "the one" until I was handed my Sponsor Don.T. Don't get it...I still don't and the slogan he built with me remains in practice...."Listen, Listen, Listen....Learn, Learn, Learn....Practice, Practice, Practice". He would encourage me to give that slogan away out of love and service. Keep coming back. ((((hugs))))
Thank you Lyne for your service, and all above for your ESH.
I wrestled with the higher power concept early on, but was amazed and grateful for the flexibility of forming an hp of 'our choosing'.
For me, the most important point was that it not be me...anything but me trying to guide my steps was better. I was able to construct a concept that delivered every attribute Alanon attributed to a hp, but as a concept that did not violate or negate my other beliefs.
This allowed me to have something that I truly have faith in, look towards for peace and comfort. I would not have been moved to complete such a challenging task if not for the gift of desperation that I had received from trying to address someone else's alcohol use with my own tools.
Grateful for the reminders, and great to have you here Jerry
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Paul
"...when we try to control others, we lose the ability to manage our own lives." - Paths to Recovery
