How often do we sit in AA meetings and hear the speaker declare, “But I haven’t yet got the spiritual angle.” Prior to this statement, he had described a miracle of transformation which had occurred in him –not only his release from alcohol, but a complete change in his whole attitude toward life and the living of it. It is apparent to nearly everyone else present that he has received a great gift; ” . . . except that he doesn’t seem to know it yet!” We well know that this questioning individual will tell us six months or a year hence that he has found faith in God. LANGUAGE OF THE HEART, p. 275
A spiritual experience can be the realization that a life which once seemed empty and devoid of meaning is now joyous and full. In my life today, daily prayer and meditation, coupled with living the Twelve Steps, has brought about an inner peace and feeling of belonging which was missing when I was drinking.
GETTING THE "SPIRITUAL ANGLE"
Previous post: CONVINCING "MR. HYDE"
Next post: I DON'T RUN THE SHOW
{ 33 comments }
February 9 | AA 12 Steps In Action | Step 2 | 2012 | Today’s AA daily reflection: “looking for the spiritual angle” is always difficult because if we are looking for the spiritual angle we are missing it in the moment of now. In my living, living in the moment means my mind, body and breath are complementary to what is happening, where my feelings fit with what is going on. And if I know my feelings, I recognise how I am thinking and what actions are influenced by the “spiritual angle of now”…
Looking for the spiritual angle is almost like or probably is like looking for the holy Grail. The more we search for it, the more we miss the point what is going on right now. I guess after all these years of trying to control everything, the holy Grail and the spiritual angle is always with me in the moment. The range and depth and richness in this moment is as good as it gets based on anything and everything that has happened and is happening around me and inside me. And I realise today, past and present is and always has been spiritual, I just didn’t know it back then and now today I do…
Spiritual can be good, bad or indifferent. Happy joyous and free is a state of being in the moment and similarly, unhappy without joy and constrained is also spiritual. Every experience of life is enriching and as I have heard “nothing goes to waste in God’s economy” and although the God of my understanding is not likely to be exactly the same as anybody else’s, the understanding that nothing is wasted if we understand how we learn from nature and providence…
Everything seems to be connected in some way or other, how we live and interact with everything we encounter. The ability to keep on learning, is the very essence of humility for me and not knowing is an opportunity to find out more. Letting go the fear of the unknown, and letting everything possible into my living today means I find more truth in the moment and this seems to be at the heart of spiritual just for today…
DonInLondon 2005-2011
Spiritual Angle? Living spiritual is living reality, open honest and willing. Ever present, in the imperfectly perfect moment, happy or sad, exhilerating to excoriating ~ Stephen Covey “We are not human beings on a spiritual journey. We are spiritual beings on a human journey.” -/-
Spiritual is not some thing we can pick or choose, like serenity we develop our ability to live in the moment, where spiritual is constant change in real time.. ~ Mohandas Gandhi “Spiritual relationship is far more precious than physical. Physical relationship divorced from spiritual is body without soul.” Truth is now..
Spiritual understanding for me is explicit in the serenity prayer, can do, cannot do, wisdom in the moment, and then choices.. ~ Similarly Oprah Winfrey “It isn’t until you come to a spiritual understanding of who you are – not necessarily a religious feeling, but deep down, the spirit within – that you can begin to take control.” Working what works for us..
AA Daily: GETTING THE “SPIRITUAL ANGLE” ~ FEBRUARY 9, How often do we sit in AA meetings and hear the speaker declare, “But I haven’t yet got the spiritual angle.” Prior to this statement, he had described a miracle of transformation which had occurred in him –not only his release from alcohol, but a complete change in his whole attitude toward life and the living of it. It is apparent to nearly everyone else present that he has received a great gift; ” . . . except that he doesn’t seem to know it yet!” We well know that this questioning individual will tell us six months or a year hence that he has found faith in God. LANGUAGE OF THE HEART, p. 275
A spiritual experience can be the realization that a life which once seemed empty and devoid of meaning is now joyous and full. In my life today, daily prayer and meditation, coupled with living the Twelve Steps, has brought about an inner peace and feeling of belonging which was missing when I was drinking.
-/-
RE: “spiritual angle of now”…
Thanks Don, as usual you are so on target. I spent most of my life searching for the spiritual angle when I have no idea what that really means. Sure, I had a lot of advise from the narrow perspective of others and ended up with little more than my own narrow perspective. As you pointed out the spiritual angle arises naturally in the ‘present” in all my deeds and reflections, the good, the bad, the ugly and my “heaven forbid” my indifference. Even my drinking was a spiritual experience, or as Carl Jung put it, “alcoholism is the equivalent, on a low level, of the spiritual thirst of our being for wholeness, expressed in medieval language: the union with God. Alcohol (spirits) in Latin is “spiritus”. We use the same word for the highest religious experience as well as for the most depraving poison.
As Harry pointed out, “we look at not only ourselves but into the deeper parts of all that is occurring around us.” and discover the magic and beauty of life and our role as a willing participant in making this world a better place for generations to come. AA certainly has given me unique lens to view the world very differently. The “me against the world view” was shifted by the understanding and compassion of the good people of this program who really did want the best for me, and without any selfish motives of what was in it for them. For me, the spiritual angle is simply a view of everything through the lens ground by the experience, strength and hope of those who have trudged this rugged road to happy destiny, before me. That lens is a lens of honesty, openness, willingness and non-judgement.
As Don articulate so well, “And I realise today, past and present is and always has been spiritual, I just didn’t know it back then and now today I do…” and for that I am grateful. Peace
My spiritual awakening came a year ago today when I, in utter despair and agony asked my higher power who I chose to call God for help. My request was crazy – help me or let me die like I thought at the time deserved. He showed me, that His power and love are all seeing and ever forgiving; despite my lack of faith. I thank the program, and God working in and thru me in it for my sobriety today.
Be blessed, stay sober and have a great day!
Congratulations Brian! A miracle indeed!
The concept of rigorous honesty requires that we look at not only ourselves but into the deeper parts of all that is occurring around us.
The Greek philosopher Plato, a student of Aristotle, instructed us that, “A life unexamined is not worth living”. – An example of looking at something in depth.
Knowing that there had been little success in encountering and helping the widespread disease of alcoholism before the AA movement that started in 1935 and being instructed in the history of its timid yet remarkable success led me to wonder about it.
It seemed apparent that if this could have been done by man’s own efforts it would have happened a long time before but this movement is imbued with a spirit and a purpose that has brought about over 75 years of success.
Could this have happened without help?
I think not!
From what source did this help come?
I’m Harry, grateful alcoholic. – Georgia, USA.
so well put Harry…….
I love it when the Master gide our pens…..
Hello AA family! At a woman’s meeting I attend, there sets a FROG stuffed animal in his very own chair. After a few weeks of thinking they were nuts. I finally asked, ” What is with the frog?” I was told it’s so we remember to: Fully Rely On God. I now carry a frog charm on my keychain. Because, if I don’t rely on a higher power I will never make it. It is as simple as that for me.
~A~ on Cape Cod
I like it! Hadn’t heard of that one before. Thanks
How could the grass get any greener or the snow any whiter than right here in Michigan. It’s beautiful no matter where I am for God follows me wherever I go actually he’s the driver of my bus. A beautiful journey into a spiritual Oasis. AA for me is a hospital for the spiritually sick. The doctors or long timers are very wise and have much experience, the nurses and orderly’s were the first ones I connected to, I was fearful of the doctors, they make me more accountable for my actions., but they’re the only doctors I know who can help me with a disease of the mind, body and spirit. They were patients themselves so they understand like no other ever could! Well, thank God I met the doctors, nurses and orderly’s . No religious leader could’ve helped me like this, they’ve not experienced what we have. AA’s the only game in town for me, thank you all for playing the game! The game of life!
Good MorningFamily
I am greatful for my sobriety yesterday and prayed this morning for my sobriety today. I am greatful for my wonderful son that God blessed me with. Will probably share more through the day while I am on my work breaks.
Happy Recovering Alcoholic
Tree in SoFLA
I was taught earlier on in so many words that a relationship with God is paramount and that the entire recovery program in the Big Book – the 12 steps – is spiritual and if you would: God given. This reading makes no claim otherwise than that a relationship (faith)with God is one major goal for the new person.
For me there is no substitute for God – even some of what we hear in the fellowship: GROUP OF DRUNKS for example. All my life I spent with a group of drunks and it never seemed to help…even when not drinking all we did was try to figure out a way to drink or where to drink etc.
The other thing I hear is GOOD ORDERLY DIRECTION. That in itself is a good thing I guess, however, the people in my life: parents, teachers, police, etc were always giving me good orderly direction. I never took it but it was given.
What is different about AA is that we have a loving higher power (God) who through this group of drunks, our liturature, our meetings, and program, transmits good orderly direction.
So I am convinced today and solid in my stance that there need be no substitute for God as you understand Him – no doorknob, no chair, no clever acronym…just God. And for this sick alcoholic who had crossed that line through which there is no return through human aid…see pg 25 of the Big Book if you would get the point.
I have learned to put my HP in charge of everything in my life, big and small. I need help getting through a day that is packed with too many obligations. I need help remaining unruffled when I have to be in the company of ignorant or aggressive people. And I certainly need help with the bigger, trickier things I undertake – buying a house or car, looking for a job, handling a health crisis, determining how to care for elderly parent. I liked what I heard in a meeting about handling work difficulties, to remember that “God is my employer.” I have used this principle to help me remember that there is a higher authority that I choose to follow, and if I do so in all my affairs, the bigger picture will always remain in focus. One time when I was stressing over a home purchase, when I had too much desire, yearning and attachment invested in the outcome, I came to the realization that “God is my realtor” and finally I was able to calm down. When I shared that in a meeting people laughed and someone asked me if God was wearing a little red jacket too. Today God is my General Contractor and will make sure my home improvement job is done correctly and within a reasonable budget. Instead of pouring over the first estimate in complete dismay, I will do the footwork of getting a few bids, and I will pray about which one to choose. Like it always does, the right answer will emerge and become obvious. God drives a clean white truck with a golden retriever in the back. Living in the angle, Zuzu in San Francisco
God is working to pull me coser to him today.
Thank you all for being a part of my program.
Last night something terrible happened to me, while I was at my home group someone keyed my truck. This is the second time something like this has happened to me in the past year. I am forced into action and even have considered moving. I have talked with my sponsor, my counselor and now you. I feel terrible. I am trying to continue to remember that nothing happens in Gods world by mistake. And that there is always a reason for the things that happen.
Thanks Don for this message: “Every experience of life is enriching and as I have heard “nothing goes to waste in God’s economy””
Today I have a lot of work to do, with insurance companies and reaching out to other group members.
I am glad I am today connected to my Higher Power. Please join me in prayer for the still sick and for me as I struggle with understanding the actions of others, of which I am powerless.
Chuck D.
Puget Sound, WA
Thanks all for your sharing. Happy 1 year Brian! Going through some troubled times, but I know through my past experience and all of yours that ill see the light at the end of the tunnel. Right now its a very dark tunnel, cold, wet, rats, full of fear, lonely, tired racing mind.. But I know by staying active in my spiritual growth, getting out of myself to help others and keep moving forward ill see that little pin of light. Very grateful for God and AA for teaching me how to deal with the hard part of life and letting it go instead of just packing it away.
Grateful alcoholic in Minneapolis, Jason
HALT
Thank you all for the posts this morning as it is always a comfort and pleasure to read them, even though some are saddening. Keep your chin up Chuck. The one thing worse than having that happen to your truck is having to be the person who performed the act. God will pull you thru it and I keep you in my prayers. Today is my 30th day of sobriety thanks to all of you and my fellow members at AA home group. Nothing can keep us down!!
Thank you Trisha. I know the people who do stuff like that are spiritually sick and being at the meeting may help them even If it hurts me when they act out.
Time and time again I reach the point of desperation to which I ask my Higher Power for help. It seems to be my nature to try it my own way until I paint myself in a corner. Then I ask for help. Help comes, then the cycle begins again. Not sure if this is supposed to be the way it works.
This is the way it works for me. The progress I have made is that I am lots less resistant to asking for human help, and the corners I paint myself into seem to be a little bigger than when I started coming around. My experience tells me to beware those sober folk who proclaim that their lives are coming up aces…
Thanks for the reminder that it works when you work it!
I know when my “experience” began, I became happy, I became confused, I became cautious. I was for once feeling good about myself, and what was happening, yet the fear of losing that went through my mind constantly and I started to protect it as if it were mine to keep. But deep inside I wanted to share this with everyone and let them see that this can happen. Again the thoughts raced through my head of what others might think or if they believed me. Over and over in my head I would tell myself what I had heard so many time before: “To keep it, you must give it away”! When I started sharing this with others, without fear and without doubt, it was like the doors to the possiblity of a new way of life opened up for me. What a change took place. One of the great benefits for me in this program is to watch people grow and begin a different life with a new attitude and to believe in themselves again. To have hope! To grow right along with them, day by day by day. ScottA.- A very grateful alcoholic in GI, Nebr.
True ambition is not what we thought is was. True ambition is the deep desire to live usefully and walk humbly under the grace of God
love it. thank you, rsp.
“How often do we sit in AA meetings and hear the speaker declare, “But I haven’t yet got the spiritual angle.”” This subject is dear to my heart. To me it’s a case of not being able to see the forest (spirituality) for the trees (the stuff of life). How can this be? Every piece of the stuff of life has value. It supports where I want to be or proves the results of my former research were less than desirable, where I no longer want to go. When I look at life without one foot stuck in the past, I see the unmistakeable evidence of how spirituality got me here. It wasn’t one big boom like Bill had., but lots of stepping stones taking me to hope and serenity. Taken all together, I can see the forest.
Not only am I teachable, I’m still learning.
I think people are born to believe in goodness.. That we are born good…that we seek it, nuture it.
We learn to be agnostic.
We learn to be atheist.
We learn to be corrupt.
Our psyche is predetermined. We learn to alter it. Modify and codify it.
We learn to improve our belief in God or our higher power.
We loose our way. We choose to loose our way. No matter what reason.
Religion, for many, defines or controls their lives.
I am here today because I was able to overcome my own loss of reason.
With my God’s guidance, my life is now returning to the state it once was.
Open.
Honest.
Unfearing.
Pure.
Nuturing.
Peaceful.
Content.
Chuck, I pray for you. Shrini, alcoholic from india.
Thank You Shrini. I know many prayers have been said. I am greatful for this fellowship.
Trisha, congratulations.
Tree, great to see you happy:)
AinV – that’s well said. Very insightful. Thank you.
Shrini, alcoholic India.
Harry, pardon me, Socrates said that (“unexamined life is not worth living). And Plato was the teacher of Aristotle not the reverse.
Shrini, with all due respect.
Most of what we think we know about Socrates comes from a student of his over forty years his junior, Plato. Socrates himself wrote–so far as we know–nothing. Plato (427 to 347 B.C.E) is especially important to our understanding of the trial of Socrates because he, along with Xenophon, wrote the only two surviving accounts of the defense (or apology) of Socrates. Of the two authors, Plato’s account is generally given more attention by scholars because he, unlike Xenophon, actually attended the one-day trial of Socrates in Athens in 399 B.C.E.
wheres the humility? you just got it wrong. avoid dabbling in philosophy and just stick with passing on the wisdom of the bb and 12/12. drivel.
RSP that is my favorite line in the 12+12 , says it all. !
thank you very much for this web site!
The best comments on this site arise in response to those daily reflections concerning our very human concept of a “spirit of the universe”, “higher power”, “God of OUR understanding”and simply and plainly – God. I have always appreciated Bill W’s statement in the Big Book that “God either is or isn’t”. For me, He is. And I base my 30 year recovery on that truth. God does operate in my life daily if I apply and live by the principles of the twelve steps of recovery. AA and sponsorship has taught me that.
AA has tried to teach me to be patient and tolerant of others’ opinions. But sometimes I really have to bite my lip and not react when some of my fellow recovering alcoholics start a tirade against God, spirituality and the communal practice of spiritual principles. But you see, God is placing those sufferers in my life to teach me patience and tolerance. That’s how it is supposed to work.
And thanks to HarryS for reminding me about that Plato/Socrates quote about the unexamined life. If I don’t actively but humbly seek to understand God as best as I can, I will wither and spiritually die. The faith of my youth taught me that. That faith has continued to grow but only because I work for it with the grace of God.
I have to remember that it is all in the first 164 pages if the Big Book – patience, tolerance, God, religions, atheists, agnostics and my story. Recovery and growth never ending.