11. Spirituality

[Bruce M.]

Both abundance and lack exist simultaneously in our lives, as parallel realities. It is always our conscious choice which secret garden we will tend…when we choose not to focus on what is missing from our lives but are grateful for the abundance that’s present–love, health, family, friends, work, the joys of nature and personal pursuits that bring us pleasure–the wasteland of illusion falls away and we experience Heaven on earth.–Sarah Ban Breathnach

defined as:…1: of, relating to, consisting of, or affecting the spirit : incorporeal…
2 a: of or relating to sacred matters b: ecclesiastical rather than lay or temporal…
3: concerned with religious values…4: related or joined in spirit…5 a: of or relating to supernatural beings or phenomena… b: of, relating to, or involving spiritualism : spiritualistic


The recovery process has taught me that it is all about a relationship with myself, others and a spiritual power. For this to happen I needed to have the initial contact, meeting, and re-introduction. After that was put in place it was my responsibility to do my part in developing that relationship, maintaining the contact through the act of communicating, and active listening. In the rooms of recovery people were talking about “improving their conscience contact” with those relationships. Spiritual growth is the process of inner awakening, and becoming conscious of my inner being. It means the rising of the consciousness beyond the ordinary existence, and awakening to some universal truths. It means going beyond my mind and ego and realizing who I really am. This process uncovers my inner spirit that has always been present, but hidden and covered up by my active use and selfish behavior. Spiritual growth has been the basis for a better and more harmonious life. By discovering who I really am, I take a different approach to life. I am learning to not let outer circumstances influence my inner being and state of mind. There are some methods I have used for growing and becoming a stronger, happier and more responsible person. A balanced life requires that I take care not only of the necessities of my body, feelings and mind, but also of my spirit. I feel this is my role for spiritual growth. I try to read as much of spiritual and uplifting books I can find. I process what I read, and find out how I can use the information in my life. I try to meditate for at least fifteen minutes every day. There are many forms of meditation you can use. It was important for me to find a practice of meditation that was comfortable for me. It is easy to find books, websites or teachers who can teach meditation. It took on a deeper form of active listening that I spoke about earlier. I have learned to make my mind quiet through concentration exercises and meditation. This helps me receive new, and clearer information. I acknowledge the fact that I am a spiritual being with a physical body, not a physical body trying to be more spiritual. When I really accepted this idea, it changed my attitude towards many things in my life. I began to look more often into myself and into my mind, and tried to find out what it was that makes me feel conscious and alive. I was feeling more in control of what entered my mind. I was opening the door for the positive, and closing it on the negative. I was developing a happiness habit, by always looking at the bright side of life and giving myself permission to be happy. Happiness comes from within. My will power was less of a threat to me and I was making better decisions in my life. My attitude was based on gratitude for what I was getting from this deep relationship. In doing this, I have also developed more tolerance, patience, tact and consideration for others. I believe spiritual growth is my birthright. It is the key to a life of happiness and peace of mind. It has manifested an enormous power of my inner spirit. It truly has been a spiritual awakening.

Love and Respect, Bruce M.

[Jan Edward Williams]

Bruce,
Thanks for that soothing spiritual message. I also have found in my recovery that I must work on my relationship with my source of spiritual strength (God), just like any other relationship I value. For me, enhancing the relationship means adhering to what I call daily spiritual disciplines. In the morning I spend 30 minutes reading daily meditation books I have, reflecting on their messages, and asking my source of spiritual strength for the strength to do what needs to be done that day, including, of course, to stay sober and clean. I also pray at that time for specific people in my life. At night, before getting in bed, I again read from a meditation book, plus an excerpt from the new testament: it 's amazing how many 12 Step principles can be found there ("In weakness power reaches perfection...for when I am powerless, it is then that I am strong." ). I also, before retiring, do a 10th Step review of my day, giving thanks for a day of sobriety, for the positives of that day, and ask for strength to do better with the negatives of the day (opportunities for growth). I have done these spiritual disciplines for over 31 years now. The result of my relationship with my source of spiritual strength is the ability for me to know that "fundamentally all is well", no matter what the realities of life I currently face.