I think I had a spiritual experience...
Being Sober is Awesome
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2017
Location: Oregon
Posts: 507
I think I had a spiritual experience...
I met with my new sponsor for the first time yesterday. We went through some of the steps. I got too the 3rd step and he asked if I was willing to do anything to stay sober and I said yes so he suggested we get on our knees in public outside of the starbucks and do the 3rd step prayer. I agreed and we did it in front of many people walking by. It was raining a little and our knees got wet. Afterwards I can only explain it as being one of the most peaceful experiences I have ever felt. It was like time stopped for a minute and I had a moment of clarity. He said I never have to drink again, I felt my obsession leave. I am hoping this was not just a pink cloud moment. I start 4th step tomorrow and thats the one I have got hung up on before but I am determined to do it and the rest of the steps. He is old school and goes right through them then to 12th stepping. I am very excited to see where this journey leads me. Thanks for reading, hope you have a great day! 
Member
Join Date: May 2014
Posts: 2,950
That was a very emotional experience that you shared with another person. Emotions can fade and change, return or not return.
When I was "saved" last August, it helped me to quit, but the emotional buzz of having made that great big spiritual shift wore off. I didn't feel as good any more and after six months of feeling like a failure as a Christian, I gave up on sobriety.
I am not sure how we go about maintaining that feeling or staying in that higher place..
When I was "saved" last August, it helped me to quit, but the emotional buzz of having made that great big spiritual shift wore off. I didn't feel as good any more and after six months of feeling like a failure as a Christian, I gave up on sobriety.
I am not sure how we go about maintaining that feeling or staying in that higher place..
Forum Leader
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Wisconsin, USA
Posts: 16,945
Sounds like a pretty moving experience Steve and I'm happy that you've found some peace along the way. I don't think it really matters if it's caused by a "pink cloud" or not...it's a profound feeling and one you can always think back to.
I can't say I've ever had a similar experience - but I do remember the day that I quit drinking the last ( and hopefully final ) time. When I woke up that morning I simply knew I had to quit drinking. I had been binging for at least a couple of weeks over the holidays, literally drinking from about 9am until I passed out each and every night. Not sure why that day was any different from the others but something changed and I simply knew that that day was the day I had to quit...that moment. I still remember it very vividly almost 5 years later.
You've come a very long way in your time here on SR - congratulations and thank you for sharing.
I can't say I've ever had a similar experience - but I do remember the day that I quit drinking the last ( and hopefully final ) time. When I woke up that morning I simply knew I had to quit drinking. I had been binging for at least a couple of weeks over the holidays, literally drinking from about 9am until I passed out each and every night. Not sure why that day was any different from the others but something changed and I simply knew that that day was the day I had to quit...that moment. I still remember it very vividly almost 5 years later.
You've come a very long way in your time here on SR - congratulations and thank you for sharing.
Member
Join Date: Sep 2013
Posts: 1,095
I did some of my Step work at a library with my sponsor. The reason we were there was because he had to work a blood drive and afterwards we hung out in a room at the library.
Other people saw us get down on our knees and pray while doing Step Seven - asking God to humbly remove my shortcomings. I felt great when I left the library. I continue to feel good the more and more I pray and ask for God's help.
Other people saw us get down on our knees and pray while doing Step Seven - asking God to humbly remove my shortcomings. I felt great when I left the library. I continue to feel good the more and more I pray and ask for God's help.
12 Step Recovered Alcoholic
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: New Zealand
Posts: 6,613
About your experience from the Big Book
" This was only a beginning, though if honestly and humbly made, an effect, sometimes a very great one, was felt at once."
How to keep it going, from the Big Book.
"Next we launched out on a course of vigorous action, the first step of which is a personal housecleaning, which many of us had never attempted. Though our decision was a vital and crucial step, it could have little permanent effect unless at once followed by a strenuous effort to face, and to be rid of, the things in ourselves which had been blocking us. Our liquor was but a symptom. So we had to get down to causes and conditions."
Well done Steve. The best is yet to come, and it will come if we don't delay.
Sounds like you have found a really good sponsor.
" This was only a beginning, though if honestly and humbly made, an effect, sometimes a very great one, was felt at once."
How to keep it going, from the Big Book.
"Next we launched out on a course of vigorous action, the first step of which is a personal housecleaning, which many of us had never attempted. Though our decision was a vital and crucial step, it could have little permanent effect unless at once followed by a strenuous effort to face, and to be rid of, the things in ourselves which had been blocking us. Our liquor was but a symptom. So we had to get down to causes and conditions."
Well done Steve. The best is yet to come, and it will come if we don't delay.
Sounds like you have found a really good sponsor.
Trudgin
Join Date: Jul 2014
Posts: 6,348
I can tell - there's a light around your avatar
Those experiences became cumulative for me leading to an awakening. After all , I certainly was asleep.
It's a beautiful prayer and among my favorites - the prayer of StFrancis I find holds many truths as well.
Keep working my man - yer doing well
Those experiences became cumulative for me leading to an awakening. After all , I certainly was asleep.
It's a beautiful prayer and among my favorites - the prayer of StFrancis I find holds many truths as well.
Keep working my man - yer doing well
Member
Join Date: May 2014
Posts: 319
I love this. Thank you so much for posting it. I was a 20+ year drinker. Eight to 16 drinks almost every day. I never maintained any serious sobriety. Not too long ago, after a very bad, ugly night. I woke up absolutely horrified, terrified and physically ill. I got into the tub to try and get ready for work. I started crying uncontrollably and begging God, as I had many times, to free me from this affliction. Or kill me. I didn't care which. I just needed it to stop.
I drank a few more times after that but my heart felt different and I knew things were changing. I quit for good June 14, 2016= Have not had a drop or any insurmountable cravings since then. I go to an addiction doctor, read SR and pray every day. Especially with immense gratitude. I have never once not been completely moved by the changes in me. Life isn't close to perfect but it is bearable. I have found my natural recovery has included many of the traditions and beliefs of AA. But there's many different paths. I wish you continued success. God bless!
I drank a few more times after that but my heart felt different and I knew things were changing. I quit for good June 14, 2016= Have not had a drop or any insurmountable cravings since then. I go to an addiction doctor, read SR and pray every day. Especially with immense gratitude. I have never once not been completely moved by the changes in me. Life isn't close to perfect but it is bearable. I have found my natural recovery has included many of the traditions and beliefs of AA. But there's many different paths. I wish you continued success. God bless!
non-drinker
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
Posts: 13,833
Sounds great, Steve! I had my "moment of clarity" on Day 1 as I was lying in the ER due to an alcohol fueled panic attack. I can't really describe it, other than to say that I truly feel my obsession was lifted at that moment. I'm now nearly 8 years sober, so it obviously stuck with me.
Being Sober is Awesome
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2017
Location: Oregon
Posts: 507
Originally Posted by Gilmer 
How are you doing now, SteveAlex?
Continuing joyful, I hope.
Continuing joyful, I hope.
Very well. Thanks for asking. Going to a meeting tonight then meeting with my sponsor to start the dreaded 4th step.
Member
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: West Tn
Posts: 3,043
Thanks for sharing this, Steve.
It gave me goose bumps to read it.
I think that God entered your life, as we request in the 3rd step prayer (which I say everyday, along with the 7th step prayer and several others).
This is what recovery is all about.
You have a first class sponsor, too, which I am sure you know.
It gave me goose bumps to read it.
I think that God entered your life, as we request in the 3rd step prayer (which I say everyday, along with the 7th step prayer and several others).
This is what recovery is all about.
You have a first class sponsor, too, which I am sure you know.
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