How Do You Get Close To God?

[On~Fire]

This is the only thing that is going to save me. Im just not getting it. I am literally spiraling out of control. I got in a fight last night with about 5 guys. At the same time i might add. I was picked up in a paddy wagon twice by the same cops. The mere fact that i didnt go to jail is a miracle. I have no idea where my car is. Thank God because i might have drove and that would of just been really stupid. Im just not doing this right and im not sure how to fix it.

[Ann]

Initially, I got close to God at a time when I too was out of control, sad, desperate and fresh out of options.

I found my way to a church, I didn't care at the time what church, I just wanted one that was open where I could sit and pray and ask God to help me. I poured my heart out to Him and although I didn't get any answers right away, I felt that He heard me and I felt a relief of having my load lifted.

Today I find God not only in churches but when I walk on the beach or through the woods, alone so that I can listen to the waves and the wind and the birds and somehow when I do that I feel that the earth is not just a cosmic accident but a divine plan and that there truly is a higher power, that I choose to call God.

You were spared last night for a reason, you were not killed in a fight or driving impaired. Instead you are alive to think this thought today and to reach out, just as you have here. There is a reason for that, although you may not know it right now, but there is something for you to do or someone for you to cross paths with, and when that happens you will feel the connection and the world will begin to make sense again.

Keep reaching out, my friend. Try a meeting if you haven't already and if you have, try again. Make yourself available to positive influence. Perhaps find a quiet place and say a prayer to the universe and know that it will be heard.


Hugs

[Fluttering]

On~Fire

Hi...Our Big Book has the answer to your question...It says "We have ceased fighting anything and everyone...."

How I gto close to God was total absolute surrender. No, it didn't hapen all at once...For me it was a process What i have come to relize...and I can only tell you this in retrospect--is I had to work the steps over and over again. Steps 1, 2, & 3 are where I go when i am aware of the rebel in me diggig in my heels . After reworking those steps many times I finaly realized the more I surrender and accept Life on Life's terms...not only do I acquire more balance and serenity but also I get to a deeper level of honesty and willingness. Tho I have been in recovery for quite a number of 24 hours...I am a slow learner. For example...I have often ehard and even repeated the analogy about the layer so f the onion...But it was not at a level of understanding I have today. Part of that understanding is...the morelayers i peel away the smellier the inside is...but more importantly becaseu of my willingness and surrender I am quicker to relaize I need to ask for help with whatever I am going through and the more teachable I become and the more willing I am to actually listen for the solution and begin to apply the priniciples.
When the Big Book states "We have ceased fighting.." I have come to realize much of the fight is within me and it is within me I must go to find the willingness to change and to do the footwork. The longest journey is the journey within...I am not sure who originated that comment but I have found many truths in those words

When I listen for truth...I am walking closer to God.
My last suggestion is...Don't beat yourself up....It is progress not perfection that we aim for.

[indigo]

I find that the Universe is the basis for my spirituality, that we are all a part of the whole. Blessed be The Absolute, kind of like a big jigsaw puzzle there are no pieces in my jigsaw though.

[citychick]

I usually start by saying 'Thank You'...when I feel gratitude I usually start to feel a lightness in my heart.....................and love..it's a good start.....and I try to let it expand from there.

[Rusty Zipper]

OF

How Do You Get Close To God?

OF... the word "I" was used about 10 times...

for me, it was stop unidriving, and let someone else do the driving...

had to turn it ALL!!! over, believe, have faith, and trust in a power that be, and that aint me!

good wishes OF

xxoo

rz

[Clamhan]

For me it needed to be a step away from what I believed was conventional, i.e a step away from viewing God as a supernal all knowing and seperated form. I found it difficult to grow close to such a being that was yet so distant.

I see divinity entirely different nowadays, I see divinity in every living and natural thing and this way I able to grow close to it. When I am in need I simply reconnect to the land and earth energies which pull me through tough times. This can be as simple as going for a long walk in the woods or disappearing for a few days in the country with a backpack and a tent.

I spent years praying and getting no real answers yet when I truly listened to my surroundings, to the land, to the sea, to the trees, I found they sang to me and offered more wisdom, more support and more strength than I could have ever asked for.

Just my perspective.

Gary

[barb dwyer]

a very nice perspective , Gary! I liked that. well said!

[phoenixn]

By attending at least twice annual meditation retreat. I'll be heading to next one tomorrow over Holidays and New Year.

I attribute sobriety to regular Vipassana meditation more than any other factor; including AA in my case.

[kevin 311]

By relaxing into It

By remembering that It is never elsewhere

By remembering that we all arise from It and live within It

By accepting that It is inconceivable and that I don't need to figure It out

A little informal prayer now and then

By practicing present-moment awareness (e.g. along the lines of Eckhart Tolle's books)

By practicing trust, patience, acceptance and appreciation

Often by repeating an internal prayer or mantram to calm my mind and remind me of the above, e.g. "I keep the face of the One before me equally everywhere"

With the help of spiritual writing from different traditions

Hope this helps!

Wishing health, peace, comfort and joy to all,

Kevin