My morning meditation today

[navysteve]

This morning as I sat in contemplation I saw a river. It was strong and brought life with it and enhanced the lives of alll who lived near. It touched many lives. Then it broke off into tributaries. It was weaker and seemed less potent than the mighty river, but it touched many more lives. Many who could not bear the rough waters. The stream was shallow and in some spots little more than a stagnant pond, but it carried life nevertheless.

I don't normally have moments like this in my meditation. They are often bland and colorless. Maybe a little insight into my motives or behaviors. But every now and then I get pictures like this.

I was sitting in a meeting a few days ago and the term "watered down AA" came to mind. I have been contemplating this thought for awhile and go back and forth about it, the term doesn't sit right with me. I am still processing this and not sure if posting it here is a good idea. But I have never been accused of having all good ideas.

I like drawing lines in the sand and saying "this is right and you are wrong" I am not proud of that logic, I am just being honest. On the flip side I am no relativist, I do not believe that what is true for some is not true for others. Some things are just true:

Water means life
The message of AA saves many lives
Some fish live in salty water, some in fresh, some in ponds, some in rivers and streams.
Some AA's dive right in, some wait years of just going to meetings.

I don't know folks, I am tempted to just erase this. But here goes...

[jimhere]

I have these kinds of moments every so often in meditation.

I have no problem with the term "watered down AA." Pretty much describes what I see and hear most of the time. If it's watered down it's watered down. Might as call a spade a spade, and you know the old saying, "If it walks like a duck..." You are right, some things are just true.

What is also true is that many of those who wait the years of just going to meetings and not drinking in between no matter what die the alcoholic death. That death takes many forms. For some it is active alcoholism, because they are unable to pull off the "...in between meetings" part of not drinking. For some it is suicide, unable to bear the shame and guilt or the pain of daily living. These things I know to be true as well. The buy the lie of watered down, MOTR AA.
Jim

[AW2486]

Steve,

I’m not sure this relates but I’ll post it anyways.

I was one of those who waited years and went to meetings. Luckily some how doing the steps and having the spiritual experience that saved my life. I was one of those on the tributaries.

I think its up to every individual alcoholic where they end up on the river. If they are ready, it goes fast. If not ready, they do the steps slow.

I was with a sponsee yesterday that just does not want to do it the “Big Book” way. He balks and makes excuses every time I bring it up. I thought.. I could make a big issue of it and drop him, or I could get that information to him somehow. Instead of forcing him to guzzle a big glass of water, I’ll try and spoon-feed it to him. The water is the same. Same as in the river you described. When I left him yesterday, I feel we made a little progress. Next time hopefully a little more. That’s all I can do for this man.

Nice Post Steve

Andy

[jimhere]

Andy.
Instead of trying spoon feeding him food he doesn't want, why not just let him do it "his way" and see what happens?

Personally, I think you are wasting time with the guy. Time that could be better spent working with an alkie that does want to do the deal.
Jim

[navysteve]

Andy,
I don't drop too many guys formally ( but have had to on a few occasions) and I don't make demands upon them. I simply tell them that this is how I was shown to do this and if they want what I have they will do what I do and leave it up to them to decide. Because I have met so many alkies that are thin skinned to the extreme I try not push them, they set the pace. But I always use the Big Book.

[chris1959]

Being an active member of AA for many years I have heard many debates about "diluted AA" and "watered down." I used to really resent the courts for making peeps go to AA due to alcohol related charges. Then there was NA and I held resentments toward them. (even though i'm a drug addict also) and all these other groups, "add infinitum." How dare they invade my AA! Thank God for people with more wisdom and knowledge then I. Thank God for the fellowship.

God is either everything or he is nothing. My book says he must be everything. So in my little pea brain It don't matter what I think about it. To me it is His will and His plan. Love and tolerance, no?

I have seen many come into the rooms full of hate and contempt but kept coming back. Bravo!!!
Who am I to make judgment or even have an opinion. I have one primary purpose in my life. "And besides, we are sure that our way of living has its advantages for all."

See you in the rooms

All quotes from the 1st edition of Alcholics Anonymous

[chris1959]

I like the river analogy

[navysteve]

Well before you get the wrong idea. I do not think the fellowship of AA is for all people. I am also an addict and I do not find the need to discuss drugs in AA because my purpose is to align myself with his will.

Love and tolerance, no?

Does not mean anything goes. I do understand the frustration many feel about the "anything goes" fellowship that seems so prevelant in so many areas. But I think there are better ways than drawing a line in the sand and daring others to cross it.

"And besides, we are sure that our way of living has its advantages for all."

The spirit of that sentence can be seen in a CA meeting ( Cocaine Anonymous). They use the Big Book of alcoholics anonymous and the AA program for a fellowship that centers around drug addiction.