Having Had a Spiritual Awakening As a Result of These Steps, We Tried to Carry this Message to Others, and to Practice these Principles in all Our Affairs.
ODAT Page 176
The final triumphantstatement of spirituality which is announced in Step 12can come to everyone of us as we live the alanon way.
Having Had a Spiritual Awakening As a Result of These Steps, We Tried to Carry this Message to Others, and to Practice these Principles in all Our Affairs
This Spiritual awakening is a realization that we are not alone and helpless; we have learned certain truths which we are now able to carry to others to help them.
Todays reminder
I will keep myself ready for a Spiritual Awakening which is certain to come to me when I have surrendered my will to Gods will.It will throw new light on many things.It will give me the ability to make my judgmentsand decisions on the spiritual level where I will be governed by Gods goodness and wisdom.
We are asleep, we walk in darkness until we find Gods hand to lead us into His way.the way of spiritual enlightment.
Courage to Change Page 78
I find that sharing my experience s strength and hope with others as an equal is one of alanon greatest Gift.
The only ones among you who will be really happy are those who have sought and found how to serve.
Albert Schweitzer
My Share
When I first entered the rooms of alanon and heard the Steps read at each Meeting, I really felt inspired and hopeful The 12th Step stated Having Had a Spiritual Awakening as a result of These Steps.That was a promise that I needed to begin the task of working the steps with a sponsor.All my life I was looking for guidelines that I could use in order to learn a new constructive ways to respond to life and grow as a person.These Steps promised me that.It said that I would experience something I did not currently have or understand how to obtain.
I do believe that I was in a spiritual coma!!! And the promise of A Spiritual Awakening suggested that I would be able to access another deeper part of myself that I had never reached before.What an adventure and promise.
Carrying the message to others and practicing these principles in all my affairs was equally impressive.I decided to carry the message by attending one meeting a day.Attending, sharing, holding office I was carrying the messagePracticing these principles tooka little timeI needed to determine exactly what were the principles I could live by and then feel comfortable enough to use them as part of who I was.The steps that preceded this one helped me to define my principles and gave me the courage to let go of my destructive actions and trust HP to guide me. Thanks to the God of my understanding and this program I will never again be so lost in a spiritual wasteland.I have the tools and the fellowship to walk with courage, serenity and dignity.
Activities12
1. Describe your experiences in carrying the message to others. Describe an effort that backfired or didn't work. Describe one that you believed was successful.
2. How have you begun to take recovery principles to areas of your life other than your primary relationships? In what areas of your life would you like to experience healing and more growth and change? You may want to turn these wants into written goals.
3. How has your relationship with yourself changed since you began recovery? How do you treat yourself differently now? How does it feel when you treat yourself well and in a nurturing, loving manner?
4. Describe your experiences trying to share or explain your recovery to family members. Get feedback from someone else in recovery, someone you trust, about these experiences.
5. How have you grown spiritually since you began recovery? How would you describe your spiritual awakening?
6. Have you awakened to the beauty and joy of yourself?
DavidG said
May 2, 2012
I think I started the programme on Step 12- I wanted to help everyone and change the world...
I went to an AA and Alanon open meeting when i was 20 because I was really keen to help alcoholics. At the meeting I remember someone took me aside and talked with me about Alanon.
I recall being confused- it was not why I had gone there. But the step one stuck with me and helped to break down my resistance.
The next contact was in a remote community. I had a friend there and his mum and another lady came to spend some time with him. They said they were from Alanon. I still have contact with my friend and his mum...
The third time was when Alanon was started in my community. I recall the first meeting well- I wore gumboots with the tops turned down. yes and my whole life was in those gumboots- and that is where I looked all the way through the first meeting.
I picture the steps like the numbers on the clock... 12 and One are side by side... I don't really push the programme... but will say something If the opportunity is there...
...today the balance I have between giving and getting is fairly good- gained by hanging in there...
thanks Hotrod...
David.
flopadopilus said
May 2, 2012
1. Describe your experiences in carrying the message to others. Describe an effort that backfired or didn't work. Describe one that you believed was successful.
When I first found Al-anon over a year ago I was a mess, but thought I had the answers for everyone else (distraction) and I told a few people they should go to Al-anon since I had found it to really help me. I have since learned not to should on people, because I could be pushing them away. I look for opportunities and only offer information if asked or led to gently. I have a new best friend since I joined Al-anon since I joined most my unhealthy friends have become more like aquintances. My new best friend won't go to Al-anon in the small town we go to and so I give her ESH when she asks and she has been very happy to get literature from me. I pass on the information to people who ask me or seem to want my ESH, but no longer push advice on people.
2. How have you begun to take recovery principles to areas of your life other than your primary relationships? In what areas of your life would you like to experience healing and more growth and change? You may want to turn these wants into written goals.
I use my tools in work relationships and set boundaries with people right away especially to let them know I will not gossip and I am a private person. I can still be easily frustrated and wish I was more relaxed, but I have come a long way and I know it is about progress and not perfection. Changes are occuring in every aspect of my life, because I have the courage to change the things I can and better my life for my kids and I.
3. How has your relationship with yourself changed since you began recovery? How do you treat yourself differently now? How does it feel when you treat yourself well and in a nurturing, loving manner?
I used to keep doing everything I could for everyone and always put myself on the back burner. I was miserable and chaotic. I didn't know I could say no to people and I was a mess. Now I listen to my voice within and give myself enough rest, love, exercise. I take better care of myself in every way Spiritually, physically, emotionally and I am better for it. When I need to slow down I do it, when I need a meeting I get to it, when I need a bath I take it and relax, when I need a friend I call my sponsor. I feel like a new person and I am moving and starting a new life with my HP whom I call God leading the way. I am confident, stable, focused and fun. I still have my moments, but I now accept my humanness since I am human!
4. Describe your experiences trying to share or explain your recovery to family members. Get feedback from someone else in recovery, someone you trust, about these experiences.
My recovery has helped me to get my head on straight and to live in the moment and accept everyone around me right where they are at knowing they are doing the best that they can. I now see my life as a journey and not a race to a destination. I let go of my expectations of others and dettached from my A's. My sponsor, MIP and meetings have been priceless in my growth!
5. How have you grown spiritually since you began recovery? How would you describe your spiritual awakening?
I have gone to church and had organized religion in my life the last few years which it took me awhile to come to since I rebel at first against most things naturally. Spiritually I have awakened and feel a different sense of God in my life, one that works in me and through me and gives me what I need, when I can't do things on my own or have the right words to share. I have also grown Spiritually in knowing others have to find their own HP and it is for them to define and may be different than mine and I don't judge it, just happy they have it!
6. Have you awakened to the beauty and joy of yourself?
I have found myself to be a wonderful person, Mom, friend, employee and child of God. I do my best everyday to be the best person I can be and at times I make mistakes and I am accountable and move through them and get over them all in the name of growth. I do not feel like a victim of my life any longer. I feel like a strong determined woman, who has a good head on her shoulders and I am striving to live this life to the fullest and best of my ability! I am finding time for enjoyment and laughing more and will never live my life walking on egg shells and afraid to believe in myself. I have faced my fears and defects and came out better for it all. I am a hard worker and dependable and have so much hope for my future knowing what I know now after diving into Al-anon and the steps with my sponsor over this last year! I am a forever grateful member of Al-anon and am a great example of what it can do for you and your life! I am a different person with a positive attitude about life and that makes all the difference!
hotrod said
May 3, 2012
Thanks David and Flopadopilus
I hear that both of you have awakened to the beauty and joy of your inner selves.
That is powerful and so very much the point of recovery.
I appreciate your working the Steps with us Now on to the Traditions
flopadopilus said
May 3, 2012
Awesome!!! I look forward to teh traditions and am so appreciative of you leading this for us!
Wolfie55 said
May 4, 2012
Thanks Betty. Sorry I got sidetracked. Step 12 for me is a three-part step. First I have the spiritual awakening as a direct result of taking these steps (1 to 11 and then 12). My sponsor always said that wasn't a promise it was a guarantee. To borrow a quote from non CAL, a spiritual awakening is not about becoming more divine, its about becoming more human. So now that I have had the awakening and have become more human, well there's things I still got to do. I got to carry this message to others. And what message is that actually? I think its a message of hope, that we can find peace and serenity whether the alcoholic is drinking or not, that we can realize that we are no longer alone, and that we can remove those things in ourselves which have been blocking out the sunlight of the spirit. And if we want to continue to live in pace and serenity, if I want to continue to live in peace and serenity, then I need to practice these principles (the ones that are embedded in the steps) in all my affairs.
The best way I have found to practice these principles is by working with others, through service, through sponsorship. For every time I take a new person through the twelve steps, I get to revisit them myself and so I get better at practicing them. I will have to do that for quite some time to come for I still have a lot of growing to do.
Thanks again, Betty - my friend - for taking the time to do this for us.
hotrod said
May 4, 2012
Thanks Bernie
Glad that you shared your ESH with us. I agree the best way to keep this program is by taking another person thru the Steps. Each time I do this I feel the program deeper and deepern and my Spiritual Awakening becomes more real.
Appreciate your sharing the journey
DavidG said
May 5, 2012
Wolfie55 wrote:
Thanks Betty. Sorry I got sidetracked. Step 12 for me is a three-part step. First I have the spiritual awakening as a direct result of taking these steps (1 to 11 and then 12).
Hello Bernie,Betty and others...
...I was advised to 'follow the winners' and the winners are involved, and will share when they need to.
I come from a faraway place, and a small town. When I started Alaon this town WAS a backwater. But it isn't now...
I have heard stateside speakers [mostly AA, actually...] from big-city groups. I used to be awed and overwhelmed by this.
But I suppose small town groups have to be really resourceful to keep membership up. In Alanon I have had very little contacts with men- being a tiny minority in a small organisation. So I have never been a sponsor.
I also belong to another fellowship. Over time I have had mixed feelings about Alanon- the Mommy group. I have had
to learn to 'let go of the apron strings' and detach in a loving way... and detach is not about leaving- it is about seperating and maturing.
Alanon has its own rules about CAL and I have learned to accept that. alaon has been a good carin gloving parent to me. This time last year I visited Lois and Bill's home in upstate New York. I have their photo on my mantlepiece. I bought a copy of "Love is not enough" from their garage. Being there was an awesome experience. And I was able to 'let go' of both Lois and Bill- my pretend parents and role models, and accept that I was sharing their legacy with 10.000's of other people.
I am not sure if I have overstepped the rules here with tis post. But if I have I have the tools to put things right. I feel confident and proud when i go to an AA open meeting. [I went to a great one in inner New York.]
And I feel especially proud to get to an Alanon meeting.
I have a battered green 12x12 Alanon book and am looking forward to going through the traditions with people from around the world.
Thanks for the share...
cheers for now,
David.
hotrod said
May 5, 2012
Hi David
Thanks for the followup share I too have visited "Stepping Stones" Lois and Bills home in Upstate NY, it was an awesome experience.
Since this is a fellowship of equals and this disease affects each one of us who have lived with it- I am sure that world wide meetings either in small towns or big cities we will find loving caring people dedicated to recovery. Our stories may differ but are pain is universal.
The solution the same ,the Steps, the slogans, meetings
____Step Twelve 12_______
Having Had a Spiritual Awakening As a Result of These Steps, We Tried to Carry this Message to Others, and to Practice these Principles in all Our Affairs.
ODAT Page 176
The final triumphant statement of spirituality which is announced in Step 12 can come to everyone of us as we live the alanon way.
Having Had a Spiritual Awakening As a Result of These Steps, We Tried to Carry this Message to Others, and to Practice these Principles in all Our Affairs
This Spiritual awakening is a realization that we are not alone and helpless; we have learned certain truths which we are now able to carry to others to help them.
Todays reminder
I will keep myself ready for a Spiritual Awakening which is certain to come to me when I have surrendered my will to Gods will. It will throw new light on many things. It will give me the ability to make my judgments and decisions on the spiritual level where I will be governed by Gods goodness and wisdom.
We are asleep, we walk in darkness until we find Gods hand to lead us into His way.the way of spiritual enlightment.
Courage to Change Page 78
I find that sharing my experience s strength and hope with others as an equal is one of alanon greatest Gift.
The only ones among you who will be really happy are those who have sought and found how to serve.
Albert Schweitzer
My Share
When I first entered the rooms of alanon and heard the Steps read at each Meeting, I really felt inspired and hopeful The 12th Step stated Having Had a Spiritual Awakening as a result of These Steps. That was a promise that I needed to begin the task of working the steps with a sponsor. All my life I was looking for guidelines that I could use in order to learn a new constructive ways to respond to life and grow as a person. These Steps promised me that. It said that I would experience something I did not currently have or understand how to obtain.
I do believe that I was in a spiritual coma!!! And the promise of A Spiritual Awakening suggested that I would be able to access another deeper part of myself that I had never reached before. What an adventure and promise.
Carrying the message to others and practicing these principles in all my affairs was equally impressive. I decided to carry the message by attending one meeting a day. Attending, sharing, holding office I was carrying the message Practicing these principles took a little time I needed to determine exactly what were the principles I could live by and then feel comfortable enough to use them as part of who I was. The steps that preceded this one helped me to define my principles and gave me the courage to let go of my destructive actions and trust HP to guide me. Thanks to the God of my understanding and this program I will never again be so lost in a spiritual wasteland. I have the tools and the fellowship to walk with courage, serenity and dignity.
Activities 12
1. Describe your experiences in carrying the message to others. Describe an effort that backfired or didn't work. Describe one that you believed was successful.
2. How have you begun to take recovery principles to areas of your life other than your primary relationships? In what areas of your life would you like to experience healing and more growth and change? You may want to turn these wants into written goals.
3. How has your relationship with yourself changed since you began recovery? How do you treat yourself differently now? How does it feel when you treat yourself well and in a nurturing, loving manner?
4. Describe your experiences trying to share or explain your recovery to family members. Get feedback from someone else in recovery, someone you trust, about these experiences.
5. How have you grown spiritually since you began recovery? How would you describe your spiritual awakening?
6. Have you awakened to the beauty and joy of yourself?
I went to an AA and Alanon open meeting when i was 20 because I was really keen to help alcoholics. At the meeting I remember someone took me aside and talked with me about Alanon.
I recall being confused- it was not why I had gone there. But the step one stuck with me and helped to break down my resistance.
The next contact was in a remote community. I had a friend there and his mum and another lady came to spend some time with him. They said they were from Alanon. I still have contact with my friend and his mum...
The third time was when Alanon was started in my community. I recall the first meeting well- I wore gumboots with the tops turned down. yes and my whole life was in those gumboots- and that is where I looked all the way through the first meeting.
I picture the steps like the numbers on the clock... 12 and One are side by side... I don't really push the programme... but will say something If the opportunity is there...
...today the balance I have between giving and getting is fairly good- gained by hanging in there...
thanks Hotrod...
David.
When I first found Al-anon over a year ago I was a mess, but thought I had the answers for everyone else (distraction) and I told a few people they should go to Al-anon since I had found it to really help me. I have since learned not to should on people, because I could be pushing them away. I look for opportunities and only offer information if asked or led to gently. I have a new best friend since I joined Al-anon since I joined most my unhealthy friends have become more like aquintances. My new best friend won't go to Al-anon in the small town we go to and so I give her ESH when she asks and she has been very happy to get literature from me. I pass on the information to people who ask me or seem to want my ESH, but no longer push advice on people.
2. How have you begun to take recovery principles to areas of your life other than your primary relationships? In what areas of your life would you like to experience healing and more growth and change? You may want to turn these wants into written goals.
I use my tools in work relationships and set boundaries with people right away especially to let them know I will not gossip and I am a private person. I can still be easily frustrated and wish I was more relaxed, but I have come a long way and I know it is about progress and not perfection. Changes are occuring in every aspect of my life, because I have the courage to change the things I can and better my life for my kids and I.
3. How has your relationship with yourself changed since you began recovery? How do you treat yourself differently now? How does it feel when you treat yourself well and in a nurturing, loving manner?
I used to keep doing everything I could for everyone and always put myself on the back burner. I was miserable and chaotic. I didn't know I could say no to people and I was a mess. Now I listen to my voice within and give myself enough rest, love, exercise. I take better care of myself in every way Spiritually, physically, emotionally and I am better for it. When I need to slow down I do it, when I need a meeting I get to it, when I need a bath I take it and relax, when I need a friend I call my sponsor. I feel like a new person and I am moving and starting a new life with my HP whom I call God leading the way. I am confident, stable, focused and fun. I still have my moments, but I now accept my humanness since I am human!
4. Describe your experiences trying to share or explain your recovery to family members. Get feedback from someone else in recovery, someone you trust, about these experiences.
My recovery has helped me to get my head on straight and to live in the moment and accept everyone around me right where they are at knowing they are doing the best that they can. I now see my life as a journey and not a race to a destination. I let go of my expectations of others and dettached from my A's. My sponsor, MIP and meetings have been priceless in my growth!
5. How have you grown spiritually since you began recovery? How would you describe your spiritual awakening?
I have gone to church and had organized religion in my life the last few years which it took me awhile to come to since I rebel at first against most things naturally. Spiritually I have awakened and feel a different sense of God in my life, one that works in me and through me and gives me what I need, when I can't do things on my own or have the right words to share. I have also grown Spiritually in knowing others have to find their own HP and it is for them to define and may be different than mine and I don't judge it, just happy they have it!
6. Have you awakened to the beauty and joy of yourself?
I have found myself to be a wonderful person, Mom, friend, employee and child of God. I do my best everyday to be the best person I can be and at times I make mistakes and I am accountable and move through them and get over them all in the name of growth. I do not feel like a victim of my life any longer. I feel like a strong determined woman, who has a good head on her shoulders and I am striving to live this life to the fullest and best of my ability! I am finding time for enjoyment and laughing more and will never live my life walking on egg shells and afraid to believe in myself. I have faced my fears and defects and came out better for it all. I am a hard worker and dependable and have so much hope for my future knowing what I know now after diving into Al-anon and the steps with my sponsor over this last year! I am a forever grateful member of Al-anon and am a great example of what it can do for you and your life! I am a different person with a positive attitude about life and that makes all the difference!
Thanks David and Flopadopilus
I hear that both of you have awakened to the beauty and joy of your inner selves.
That is powerful and so very much the point of recovery.
I appreciate your working the Steps with us Now on to the Traditions
The best way I have found to practice these principles is by working with others, through service, through sponsorship. For every time I take a new person through the twelve steps, I get to revisit them myself and so I get better at practicing them. I will have to do that for quite some time to come for I still have a lot of growing to do.
Thanks again, Betty - my friend - for taking the time to do this for us.
Thanks Bernie
Glad that you shared your ESH with us. I agree the best way to keep this program is by taking another person thru the Steps. Each time I do this I feel the program deeper and deepern and my Spiritual Awakening becomes more real.
Appreciate your sharing the journey
Hi David
Thanks for the followup share I too have visited "Stepping Stones" Lois and Bills home in Upstate NY, it was an awesome experience.
Since this is a fellowship of equals and this disease affects each one of us who have lived with it- I am sure that world wide meetings either in small towns or big cities we will find loving caring people dedicated to recovery. Our stories may differ but are pain is universal.
The solution the same ,the Steps, the slogans, meetings
Glad you shared