Originally Posted by mdeso123
Greetings all,
However, I do believe that other people can, have and will attain enlightenment and a sense of spirituality outside of 12 step recovery. Long before there was 12 step there was spiritual practice around the world and I find that some in the group seem to believe that the only enlightened people are those that come into the rooms. When we read in our meetings we also read this, "There is one thing more than anything else that will defeat us in our recovery; this is an attitude of indifference or intolerance toward spiritual principles. Three of these that are indispensible are honesty, open-mindedness and willingness. With these we are well on our way." If we are going to be open minded about our recovery and how this program works for us, then we should and must be open minded about the fact that it may not work for others, and that there are MANY different paths to enlightenment and serenity.....
.....I am not discouraged by this. God Bless,
Mark
Hi Mark and welcome!
I can't agree more... nicely said. AA was all that I was aware of when I sought out a recovery option, I went and have stayed. However, and I'm repeating myself from another post. Given the diversity, beliefs, values, cultures that are prevelant in our world in my opinion it is unreasonable to assume there is only ONE way that will work. This community has opened my eyes to the various options now available for people in need of help. It doesn't matter to me how you did it so long as you did, for that I applaud anyone, no matter their program of choice. What's important to me is "your" way is working and if it works for you then it most certainly has the potential to work for someone else. There are millions of us still suffering still looking for an answer and I think when asked I'll share my way but also offer the other options that may be more in tune to an individual values, beliefs and culture should they decide AA is not for them.
Congrats to you on 6 months! Keep up the good work and I look forward to reading more!