Step Twelve - Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these Steps, we tried to carry this message to others, and to practice these principals in all our affairs. From: Paths to Recovery pg 119 (copyright 1997, by Al-Anon Family Group Headquarters, Inc. Limited use by express written permission of Al-Anon Family Group Headquarters, Inc.) When awakening is slow, internal and quiet, it can often be overlooked. We sometimes question, if indeed, anything at all has happened, especially when familiar problems continue to appear in our lives. What does a spiritual awakening look like to us? Obviously it varies with each individual, but many of us have similar experiences. Instead of obsession on constant crisis, we find more inner peace. We may have less interest in judging others and ourselves, or act spontaniously instead of with fearful control. Moments of appreciation for little things happen more frequently. Some of us experience feelings of connection with and delight in nature, or find ourselves relaxing and going with the flow. We find ourselves giving and receiving unconditional love. Suddenly we may become aware that some of these good feelings have come into our lives but not know exactly when it happened. Love in Recovery - Dot

Hi all - I wasn't really interested in a spiritual awakening - which I attributed to religion. In time, as I became aware, I realized that things worked out better when I practiced the first three Steps and let go of control. I stopped feeling responsible for the happiness and welfare of others and found I had much more time for myself and also was able to listen to others without taking on their problems as my own. For me, these were the first awakenings I had - to begin to understand that I didn't control any person or thing other than myself - that there was a Power Greater than me who could do the job withour my help. Love and hugs - Dot

-- Edited by dot at 19:08, 2006-05-07

Hi Dot , very sorry to hear about your niece , will be thinking about you . Thanks for the share. Yes learning to let go of outcomes can be a big challenge for some of us. Coming from some crazy spaces I think sometimes there is a longing to be more in control of life , which can then be difficult to unlearn. Again a life's work for some of us . I find admitting powerlessness over this kind of thing works for me , using the programme tools , these patterns gradually ease along with the tension that they create , c soon , mail if I can help , lol Vickyr x