Have I found the Power?

[NoMoBeer]

"To one who feels he is an atheist or agnostic, a spiritual experience
seems impossible, but to continue as he is means disaster. To be
doomed to an alcoholic death or to live on a spiritual basis are not
always easy alternatives to face. But we have to face the fact that we must find a spiritual basis of life--or else. Lack of power is our
dilemma. We have to find a power by which we can live, and it has to
be a power greater than ourselves." Have I found that power by which
I can live?

[Dan]

Good topic Ken.
Just a thought...
At face value, the phrase a power greater than myself, taken by itself, does not imply any kind of search for what is often refered to as divine or supernatural intervention. In my mind, anyway.
If I alter the phrase slightly... a power greater than my addicted self, I open the door for anything that can relieve my condition/disease/maladaptive behavior, etc...

Whatever we choose to call a higher power may be, those of us who go that route have but one requirement to succeed in making the thing work. In my case, it's admitting that part of my self is broken. Not irreparable, but definitely broken. Nice and simple... broken.
I could write a thesis and a half on the whys and whens and reasons, but in the end, the biggest reason I was able to enjoy as long a period of sobriety as I did up until recently was that I threw in the towel, and sought help from something/someone that reveals itself to me only when I am receptive to it.
And being receptive to it is what is meant, I think, when we say we are responsible for our recoveries.

[NoMoBeer]

You know, that is one of my favorite phrases -- "doomed to an alcoholic death or live on a spiritual basis.."

OK, Ken -- choose.... uhhhhhh..... No brainer for me today! Lack of power was my dilemma -- but I do have to exert my self will and decide which of those 2 paths I will pursue! One road tells me where it leads -- death. The other road (spiritual) I have NO IDEA! But I have to say, I know I don't want the guaranteed outcome on that first road... so I must accept the unknown and live on a spiritual basis to the best of my ability...

I'm babbling.... I'll shut up now...

[findingout]

Originally Posted by NoMoBeer

You know, that is one of my favorite phrases -- "doomed to an alcoholic death or live on a spiritual basis.."

Reminds me of one of my favorite phrases

"You have to get busy living or get busy dying"

Shawshank Redemption - Stephen King

Tony

[Millwallj]

Bob Dylan actually!: he not busy being born, is busy dying.

[findingout]

Same thought, different words

"Open your eyes and look within:
Are you satisfied with the life you're living?"

Exodus - Bob Marley

The message of recovery shows up all over the place once you start looking for it. So much so in fact that I must have been blind or drunk (or blind drunk ) to have missed seeing it for so many years.

One Love, One Heart,
Tony

[doorknob]

Originally Posted by DangerousDan

Good topic Ken.
Just a thought...
At face value, the phrase a power greater than myself, taken by itself, does not imply any kind of search for what is often refered to as divine or supernatural intervention. In my mind, anyway.
If I alter the phrase slightly... a power greater than my addicted self, I open the door for anything that can relieve my condition/disease/maladaptive behavior, etc...

Whatever we choose to call a higher power may be, those of us who go that route have but one requirement to succeed in making the thing work. In my case, it's admitting that part of my self is broken. Not irreparable, but definitely broken. Nice and simple... broken.
I could write a thesis and a half on the whys and whens and reasons, but in the end, the biggest reason I was able to enjoy as long a period of sobriety as I did up until recently was that I threw in the towel, and sought help from something/someone that reveals itself to me only when I am receptive to it.
And being receptive to it is what is meant, I think, when we say we are responsible for our recoveries.

Thank you Dan. This is very helpful for someone like myself.

Doorknob

[Wilky]

Originally Posted by DangerousDan

Good topic Ken.
Just a thought..

Whatever we choose to call a higher power may be, those of us who go that route have but one requirement to succeed in making the thing work. In my case, it's admitting that part of my self is broken. Not irreparable, but definitely broken. Nice and simple... broken.

This concept is definately the reason you did not stay sober.

Originally Posted by DangerousDan

I could write a thesis and a half on the whys and whens and reasons, but in the end, the biggest reason I was able to enjoy as long a period of sobriety as I did up until recently was that I threw in the towel, and sought help from something/someone that reveals itself to me only when I am receptive to it.
And being receptive to it is what is meant, I think, when we say we are responsible for our recoveries.

This is NOT in the BB. Are you reading the same book that I am? The blue book that says "Alcoholics Anonymous" on the cover?

My book said: "As we drew near to Him, He disclosed Himself to us." This says nothing about being "receptive". After all...how "receptive" is an emotionally, and mentally, ill person?

I, for one, am not "responsible" for my recovery. God is.

I think a closer look at step one would give a great amount of insight into the idea of personal powerlessness!

Wilky

[NoMoBeer]

Wilky:
I don't remember Dan's post mentioning the Big Book. I also cannot recall where in my Big Book I have been given the power to pass judgement on others or determine the "definate" -- I mean definite (check your spelling) reasons others do or do not stay sober.... maybe you are the one who needs a refresher on powerlessness...

[doorknob]

Hey Ken, Dan, Tony, Millwall, (bows down) Wilky. Thanks for the threadage!

Paul

[Dan]

Originally Posted by Wilky

My book said: "As we drew near to Him, He disclosed Himself to us." This says nothing about being "receptive". After all...how "receptive" is an emotionally, and mentally, ill person?

You're argueing this after exactly how many years sober, Wilky?

[Gooch]

Originally Posted by Wilky

This concept is definately the reason you did not stay sober.

according to who's expert opinion?

Originally Posted by Wilky

This is NOT in the BB.

This place would be pretty boring if all we did was post quotes all day. I might be mistaken but I thought I heard that the value of AA was one drunk sharing his experience in his own words with another.

Everytime anybody critiques your experience you cry "foul! your taking my inventory!." Yet I have a hard time finding a post of yours that doesn't find fault with someone elses experience, strength, and hope.

Whats really goin on with you bro?

[Millwallj]

HA ha ha ha this thread has been Wilkyied.

He seems to be a parody on the ULTIMATE BIG BOOK THUMPER. Is he for real?

I like him anyway. At least he says it how he sees and does not um and rrr about it.

Wilky - SR's tormented prophet.

[livenletlive]

and sought help from something/someone that reveals itself to me only when I am receptive to it.

I like this statement. Hits the nail on the head for me. I have a hard time trusting myself, people, let alone someone/something I can't see. But with courage and faith, I can see it, but not with the eyes.