Entering the world of the Spirit.....

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Entering the world of the Spirit..... - 6/29/2006 7:39:01 AM

oceans11

Posts: 1356
Joined: 7/6/2005
Status: offline

(BB p83) The spiritual life is not a theory. We have to live it.

(BB p84) We have entered the world of the spirit.

Steps 10, 11 and 12 have come into my focus in a new and practical way. I always thought that spiritual exercise was an act of will. "I" pray and then "I" wait for HP to answer and then "I" try to "be good" so "I" can get what "I" want. I also thought growing along spiritual lines meant I'd grow some kind of mental hotline to God and be able to tell others what God's will is for them!!! Such is spiritual infancy, eh? Whew.....not just a little dangerous.

After going to a Step workshop in Tampa, I began to see the divine connection between all the steps. I was able to see some of it as I ventured through steps 4-9. After a thorough housecleaning, seeing my destructive patterns of thinking (and behaving), and asking HP to remove them I felt a sense of incredible freedom while making amends to those I had harmed. And it was like a euphoria! I felt super happy and super grateful and then!!! Some of the promises started happening for me......Bang, Bang, BANG!! Like a drug, it was!! And like any drug, you gotta come down........

I thought it was the amends that had me feeling so good and like I was really making progress, working a good program! And it was.....partially. The amends had great meaning because they were a vital part of cleaning my spiritual home. In re-reading step 10, my lightbulb began to quiver and shake. OMG.....I could see that as I kept my side of the street clean, the path was cleared for the SUNSHINE OF THE SPIRIT!!!!! I could suddenly realize that when I ask, I am shown clearly where I took a wrong path, had a wrong motive, where I had been selfish, fearful, dishonest and resentful. If I asked, it was forgiven and in that knowledge I could make haste with my amends. With crystal clear pathways I could once again enjoy a pure bond with my creator......what a reward. All my petty concerns, troubles and feelings would vanish and I felt loved and strong. Step 11 shows me simple meditation....short and sweet, (lest my selfish desires take hold again, which they invariably do!!!) "How can I help your kids, my Creator? You take care of me...I'll look around for one of your kids that need some help, K?"

The changes inside my heart are nothing short of miraculous. My thoughts are changing and my motives come up speaking of being helpful and useful. And the REAL shock of shocks? It's really fun! HOW is that posible?? I have no idea. I really don't. But, it's true. This low bottom, drooling, jittery, crawlin' sweatin', gagging drunk......has gotten free. I know I cannot rest on my laurels. I've lost years of sobriety because of doing just that. (I learn the hard way.....how 'bout you?) Practice is my key.

So, I'm here to ask one and all.......how do you live your spiritual life? What works......what doesn't for you when it comes to steps 10, 11 and 12?? Please share.....As Ang says, the floor is open.....

Oceans11

_____________________________

There will be an answer...let it be

Post #: 1

RE: Entering the world of the Spirit..... - 6/29/2006 7:48:09 AM

Serpster1

Posts: 7580
Joined: 6/25/2004
Status: offline

Good morning my dear friend... I just wanted to say that I really "enjoyed" reading this most wonderful thought-out post just now.

I cannot share of being around these steps.. yet, because I am bouncing
along step 4 right now.

The reading here was very good, and beautifully thought out..
but, I was just wondering(without getting pounced on)..
shouldn't this post have waited a few days?

Today is only Thursday, and many topis begin for the week.

Sorry if I caused any havoc here. Have a good day friends. Maryserp

_____________________________

"I will remain the same person until the pain of remaining the same, becomes greater than the pain of change."

(in reply to oceans11)

Post #: 2

RE: Entering the world of the Spirit..... - 6/29/2006 7:56:43 AM

notplastered

Posts: 12651
Joined: 4/13/2004
From: Bernalillo, New Mexico
Status: offline

How can anyone forgive if their visioin is clouded by resentment and anger? How can anyone love if they are immersed in themselves. How can anyone hear if they are doing all the talking? Goes for the spirit, too. Can't see the light with blurred visions, blurred by ego, resentment, guilt, or fear. Can't walk in the spirit if one is sitting down even wallowing in self absorbed pity. How can we love if we are filled with hate.

The steps demand change. First by understanding who we are, good and bad; then by giving us steps 6 and 7 to effect the change; allowing us to demonstrate to those we've harmed that we indeed changed in steps 8 and 9; and, finally allowing us to make mid course corrections in daily life through step 10. We stay connected to the spirit in the remaining steps.

Of course none of this works with a drink or a drug.

_____________________________

AA I O U

(in reply to Serpster1)

Post #: 3

RE: Entering the world of the Spirit..... - 6/29/2006 10:06:58 AM

MamaBear

Posts: 20921
Joined: 5/15/2002
From: Illinois
Status: online

((((((Oceans))))))
Beautiful Lead! Thank you!

At Akron.... it seemed everywhere and in everything... while chilled to the bone by the weather... there was the sunlight of the spirit.

I said to a very dear friend, that it was too intense. It was a glimpse for me, of what could be. But it had to be explained -- it was unsettling to me. That friend, has just explained it here, as well. In Akron... for those few days I was lifted, lifted above who I AM by the joy, the love, the absolute gratitude of being spared.

My vision was unclouded just as Not Plastered described... and the whole of the experience was bathed in the sunlight of the spirit for me. I cried easily -- all joy -- I felt more intensely. I was AWARE, I was PRESENT. I not only KNEW what was meant by the phrase "we are all related" but FELT the connection. This was NOT just FEELING, but EVENTS -- Things that HAPPENED... TANGIBLY... like Lara's God Box! No coincidences... none!

I thought... I had glimpsed the sunlight of the spirit before... but -- in the days of Akron, I realized I had never known more than a summer night illuminated by lightening bugs. I have been renewed in my quest.

I have to get me MORE of THIS! And the path to MORE is less of ME. That is the the path of those maintenance steps. I am convinced that every day here midst the corn fields and soybean fields, I COULD be PRESENT... I could SEE those activities... but I'm not there yet. So I'm going to keep working those steps.

Someone said here the other day, that just as our disease is progressive, so is our recovery. So definitely is our Spiritual Journey. I kept quoting MLK, while there calling Akron a mountain top experience.

So, the steps have led me through a series of "mountain top" experiences... each one the Highest mountain imaginable to me at the time. Today, looking back... some of those mountains were hardly more than the rolling land of Illinois, then there were the mounds, then the foot hills... and Akron? Maybe the Sierra Nevada?

Enjoy your journey! And treasure all those moments where you say to yourself, "It doesn't get better than this!" but... keep trudging -- because it DOES -- and today, I know it WILL get even better.

_____________________________

In the Fellowship of the Spirit, MamaBear (MPH)
Sometimes you see that things have been taken out of your hands and are following a supernatural order. At this point, just do your best at what you have to do --and stay out of G-d’s way.
--Tzvi Free

(in reply to notplastered)

Post #: 4

RE: Entering the world of the Spirit..... - 6/30/2006 1:39:28 PM

TimmyT

Posts: 379
Joined: 9/24/2005
From: Rantoul, Illinois
Status: offline

(((Kim))),

Very nice post. This is a part of my life I spend a lot of time on recently. It wasn't always that way though...I struggled with the whole higher power thing for quite a while. Let me explain a little...

When I was younger, like a lot of people my higher power, or GOD was defined mainly by my parents. So, it turns out I was Methodist, because that's what my parents where. We never really practiced religion, never went to church, but when asked, we where Methodist! I experimented a little by going to church with a few different friends of different religions, but nothing really stuck.

Over the years, I had a belief in my heart, but never attempted to follow it. I've always been the type of person who doesn't ask anyone for anything. I was responsible for me, no one else. If I wanted something, I went after it. If I failed at something, it was my fault. Never asked anyone for help, so I could never blame anyone but myself. Praying for help, or guidance never even occured to me.

When I got sober, and started working the steps...I struggled with the whole higher power issue. I decided in the beginning, I would just consider AA my higher power while I tried to sort it all out. After all, AA was doing for me what I couldn't do for myself. I still had that mentality of not asking for help, and I struggled with a sponsor, I struggled speaking at meetings, I struggled with asking for advice. I still was trying to project the image that everything was hunky dory. Only thing is, in a room full of alcoholics, that isn't going to get your very far. They can spot your BS a mile away.

Somewhere around step 6 (the one that seperates the men from the boys), I realized that I always knew who my higher power was, it was that belief that was always in my heart that I never followed. The problem was, I never had, nor did I know how to have a relationship with him. I finally broke down and asked my sponsor about it. His advice was simple. He said "Pray about it", even if it don't feel right, even if you don't want to, just do it. What's it going to hurt? You don't have a relationship with him now do you? So that night, I got down on my knees (which I had never done before), and I prayed to the GOD of my understanding...I sat there waiting for an answer! I didn't think I got one at first. I slowly started the habit of praying in the morning, reading some meditation books, and praying before bed. It was a struggle at first. I had to literally force myself to do it. Eventually though, I started to do it second nature, I actually started to enjoy the readings. I would stop in the middle of the day and say the serenity prayer. I uncharacteristacly began asking others for advice, asking for help, and giving both also, which I never had done before.

There are times I slack on my prayers and readings, and I can tell almost immediately. My spiritual condition just feels off. I have to literally come to a stop and say a few prayers to myself. I can feel my mood and I can slow feel my day start to turn around.

The more I work on my spiritual side, the more I get involved in the program, the more I work with others, the closer I feel to my HP.

My life is more than a little chaotic at times, but the relatioship I have learned to have with my higher power through practicing the steps has put me in a position to handle just about anything. I still face the same problems and issues I did before, only I don't have to drink over them.

The spiritual life isn't a theory, it works when I live it. When I get complacent, or try to inject my will into his plan, that's when the problems start to arise.

I hope I didn't rattle on to long. Great topic, thanks for letting me share.

< Message edited by TimmyT -- 6/30/2006 1:45:59 PM >

_____________________________

Timmy T
DOS: What's it matter? Only got today right?

(in reply to MamaBear)

Post #: 5

RE: Entering the world of the Spirit..... - 6/30/2006 1:59:30 PM

markymark

Posts: 3361
Joined: 7/28/2005
Status: offline

Thanks (((Kim))) for the great thread. I have been really enjoying my spiritual life and pray often as I get on my knees every morning in prayer. First things first, eh! I thank the Good Lord for my sobriety and ask him/her to help me be of service to others and to take away any character defects I may have that are in my way of growth. Just acknowledging those pesky character defects helps me so much to make progress -- like positive self talk.

I think every opportunity to pray is a good one -- and not just for Sunday worship! Even if it's a glorious sunset, a memorable moment with my kids, I thank my HP.

Thank you S24 and family!
Mark

< Message edited by markymark -- 6/30/2006 2:58:23 PM >

_____________________________

Morning is the dream renewed, the heart refreshed, earth's forgiveness, painted in the colors of the dawn.

(in reply to TimmyT)

Post #: 6

RE: Entering the world of the Spirit..... - 6/30/2006 8:19:34 PM

oceans11

Posts: 1356
Joined: 7/6/2005
Status: offline

Wow Timmy......I got goosebumps reading your post. I'm smilin' like a fool! I have the same experiences. When I ask God to direct my thinking (BB p86) I find myself having thoughts that are VERY unlike me. Patient....kind.....generous......slow to judge/giving the benefit of the doubt. These things from a self-centered alcoholic?????? No way! But, that is exactly what happens! Thank you so much for sharing. Very cool.....
((((((((Mark)))))) I've come to a deeper understanding of getting on my knees.....it focuses my attention....has me concentrating on the matter at hand.....mainly, connecting to my MAIN MAN! Thanks....as always.

Ya know Sue, we have those times of absolute connection.....a rising into the smoke, if you will. Days where that sunlight blinds us with the joy you speak of. I remember reading Bill W's story....the part where he has the "Light" in his very room and experiences a total psychic change..........and 6 months later, he was thinking of drinking in that famous hotel lobby. He'd "forgotten". I think this happens with everyone (IMO) Like we just get wrapped up in life....and we forget what happened in Akron..or on that retreat that took our breath away etc. Daily meditation gives this alcoholic grounds to touch base and a shot at keepin it green for me. Thanks for your treasured thoughts.

Lovin' you all......and so grateful you've shared with us all

_____________________________

There will be an answer...let it be

(in reply to markymark)

Post #: 7

RE: Entering the world of the Spirit..... - 6/30/2006 9:28:20 PM

FROGODAT

Posts: 2629
Joined: 5/15/2002
From: Texas sod 3-3-93 navtivename winds_overwater vicky
Status: offline

Thanks Kim Great Topic The First Time Ifelt I had entered into the Sunlight of the spirt was In early recovery When a momnet of clarity Hit and I relized Wow some awesome force is keeping me sober ....cloudy by manythingsin my life threw steps 4-9 things began to clear and The struggle for a God of my understanding came very slow my spirtual life has been one of experinces as things I could see around happening Like folks staying sober was a big one.. happiness in peoples life ... I beagin to pratice those prayers thirdstep and seventh step prayer Asking in Am only for His will to be done in my life To be of maxium service whew that was very hard being the athesit I was at the time As the experince Of things took place I began to think less of self and more of others ..   Serving others was Another Big experince in the spirt .

Around about five years sober Anew mountain top came   Iwas thirsty for more

Iwent to my sponsor at the time said Ihave Fear of God and feel very dry

She had me write what all things idesire in a good friend to this gave me anew freshness Ihad be reborn... thats when my name changed from sable here on site to Frogodat=Fully Rely on God one day at time ... then about 11years sober Iwas thirsty for more and looked to navitive american and Was Honered with the given name to me winds~overwater by a very great woman

Today I say the Third step prayer and 7th In am   Knowing That Gods large and in Charge and of maixum serivce to him and of those I can that come across my path.. When I carfully revew my day I continue A step  10 threw out the Day

step 11 In mediation  for me is to be quite and listen and alot at meetings I do listen and bring into my spirt for the neccary changes to take place As far as mediation formally Up before sunrise and listen quietly to the moring sounds with moring prayer threw some reading and asking God to guide my thinking actions threw out the day....... In   step 12 I carry The message having had A spirtual Awaking I practice the principles in all my affairs in outof rooms   May The spirt of the sunlight shine threw me and beable to be used to serve you in maixum service to him To bring what ever it may be to your life threw him

_____________________________

Newcomers are the Lifeblood of the Program.
But our Oldtimers are the Arteries. SoberOdat 3-3-93

(in reply to oceans11)

Post #: 8

RE: Entering the world of the Spirit..... - 7/1/2006 9:41:48 AM

oceans11

Posts: 1356
Joined: 7/6/2005
Status: offline

((((((Wind)))))

Your story is a true testament of the miracles that are possible for those who are WILLING. (BB P47 in "We Agnostics") Thank you for sharing your story.......and I love your name....

_____________________________

There will be an answer...let it be

(in reply to FROGODAT)

Post #: 9