Humility and Recovery
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Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Faraway, CO
Posts: 162
Originally Posted by Andy F
Hi Tracy
I have no problem with anyone else's view, but I personally have no place for 'humility' as any part of addiction abstinence. For me, this is a throwback to AA's religious roots.
Of course, humility is easily understood as acknowledging the truth, whatever that may be.
A lot of people will beat themselves up trying to find 'humility' as the bad and undesirable wretches they believe themselves to be. In fact, what they need is building up, not the eradication of their ego.
I have no problem with anyone else's view, but I personally have no place for 'humility' as any part of addiction abstinence. For me, this is a throwback to AA's religious roots.
Of course, humility is easily understood as acknowledging the truth, whatever that may be.
A lot of people will beat themselves up trying to find 'humility' as the bad and undesirable wretches they believe themselves to be. In fact, what they need is building up, not the eradication of their ego.
I'm relating to what Peck wrote about, that self-love is important and productive but self-esteem can be damaging. He was a Buddhist at the time and his words were definitely not biblical.
[/QUOTE]Hugs,
Tracy
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Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: London
Posts: 448
Hi Tracy
Do you mean Peck as in Scott Peck? I read his stuff about 15 years ago, he was very fashionable for a while. I thought he was a Christian. I read stuff by the Dalai Llama, but I wouldn't put it in the same bed with Scott Peck.
Anyway Tracy, I didn't know you were relating Humility to what Peck wrote. I was just relating it to AAs roots and recovery from addiction. It's part, for me, of the unnecessary and even misguided. But I am only talking for myself.
The issue of humilty is something I am happy to keep simple, even oversimplify or ignore. Though it would have been important when I was looking to a spiritual resolution.
I accept other peoples choice to pursue resolution where they think it is. Today, mine is based in non-spiritual and emotional matters. That is of course, just my choice and everyone is free to choose their own direction
Do you mean Peck as in Scott Peck? I read his stuff about 15 years ago, he was very fashionable for a while. I thought he was a Christian. I read stuff by the Dalai Llama, but I wouldn't put it in the same bed with Scott Peck.
Anyway Tracy, I didn't know you were relating Humility to what Peck wrote. I was just relating it to AAs roots and recovery from addiction. It's part, for me, of the unnecessary and even misguided. But I am only talking for myself.
The issue of humilty is something I am happy to keep simple, even oversimplify or ignore. Though it would have been important when I was looking to a spiritual resolution.
I accept other peoples choice to pursue resolution where they think it is. Today, mine is based in non-spiritual and emotional matters. That is of course, just my choice and everyone is free to choose their own direction
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Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Houston, Texas
Posts: 628
As I read through the posts here, I call to mind who I was when I first came to SR. At that time, my desperation to become sober was heightened by my depression which was damaging to my self-esteem. As I worked through my personal recovery and began reaching increasing levels of sobriety, I began to face all of the unpleasant events of my past. I eventually reached a level of humility that counterbalanced my ego. There was a continual ebb and flow of humility and ego. With the juggling of both humility and ego over an extended period of time, I have found a sweet mix of both that has elevated my self-esteem back to a normal state. All I have to do now to maintain my recovery, is to continually monitor the mix...with the continual help and under the watchful eyes of the higher powers of my understanding.
Val
A day not drinking is a day not wasted.
Val
A day not drinking is a day not wasted.
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Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: Zion, Illinois
Posts: 3,411
Originally Posted by Val-light
As I read through the posts here, I call to mind who I was when I first came to SR. At that time, my desperation to become sober was heightened by my depression which was damaging to my self-esteem. As I worked through my personal recovery and began reaching increasing levels of sobriety, I began to face all of the unpleasant events of my past. I eventually reached a level of humility that counterbalanced my ego. There was a continual ebb and flow of humility and ego. With the juggling of both humility and ego over an extended period of time, I have found a sweet mix of both that has elevated my self-esteem back to a normal state. All I have to do now to maintain my recovery, is to continually monitor the mix.
Val
Val
I think you've got it by cracky...
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Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: Zion, Illinois
Posts: 3,411
Originally Posted by DangerousDan
Why do I get what you mean when you say that? And absolutely believe you and know that it's probably the basis of your solid foundation.
And why am I more comfortable not believing the same for myself?
Oh boy, is this a can of worms we're opening here?
And why am I more comfortable not believing the same for myself?
Oh boy, is this a can of worms we're opening here?
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Join Date: Apr 2004
Posts: 8,709
"on my own and by myself, I'm nothing."
Again, I hear you loud and very clear Music.
I made the decision not to apply that thinking to me. Not because it would deprive me of anything; not because it would be a blow to my addict ego; and certainly not because I don't believe it's an effective way of keeping things simple.
I decide to believe that having cleaned up my body as best I can, worked the steps honestly with my sponsors, and continuing to do so on a daily basis, and most miraculously (big word, I know), knowing in my heart and in my soul that the obsession to drink to escape my life has been lifted, that I am something, standing alone among my peers.
And not only my peers in AA, but my peers in all of society.
We may just be splitting hairs and playing semantics here Music.
It's almost a year ago I found you and SoberRecovery.
And not a day has gone by I haven't learned and laughed and sometimes cried.
You once told me to take the cotton out of my ears and shut up.
You know what? You were right. I needed to listen to you and the other longtimers here and in the rooms, so that I could find my voice, and my direction.
You tolerated me when I ranted sometimes, patiently and without making fun of me.
I've always wanted what you have Music.
And I got a little more of it today, if I may humbly say so.
Again, I hear you loud and very clear Music.
I made the decision not to apply that thinking to me. Not because it would deprive me of anything; not because it would be a blow to my addict ego; and certainly not because I don't believe it's an effective way of keeping things simple.
I decide to believe that having cleaned up my body as best I can, worked the steps honestly with my sponsors, and continuing to do so on a daily basis, and most miraculously (big word, I know), knowing in my heart and in my soul that the obsession to drink to escape my life has been lifted, that I am something, standing alone among my peers.
And not only my peers in AA, but my peers in all of society.
We may just be splitting hairs and playing semantics here Music.
It's almost a year ago I found you and SoberRecovery.
And not a day has gone by I haven't learned and laughed and sometimes cried.
You once told me to take the cotton out of my ears and shut up.
You know what? You were right. I needed to listen to you and the other longtimers here and in the rooms, so that I could find my voice, and my direction.
You tolerated me when I ranted sometimes, patiently and without making fun of me.
I've always wanted what you have Music.
And I got a little more of it today, if I may humbly say so.
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Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Faraway, CO
Posts: 162
[QUOTE=Andy F]Hi Tracy
He is now, more mystic than anything else IMO, and some fundies dubbed him the anti-Christ when he converted. But for his first two "The Road Less Traveled" (20 year bestseller) and "People of the Lie" he was not. He's an interesting human being. Some of his latter work lost me but some I liked. BTW, in his idea of the stages of spirituality, you would definitely place in the upper rungs but since that's a whole 'nother can of worms, I'll PM ya.
Sadly, there's not going to be much more from him as he's suffering from Parkinsons.
Don't know.
I understand and have the utmost respect for your views. I loved your post in personal stories too. You said something in another post about what the recovery field might look like in 200 years. I think about what it might be like to have 22 years of sobriety. If I never pick up another drink, I'll be 66 on my 22nd anniversary. I hope to be as broadminded and flexible as you when I'm 66. 
Tracy
Do you mean Peck as in Scott Peck? I read his stuff about 15 years ago, he was very fashionable for a while. I thought he was a Christian.
Sadly, there's not going to be much more from him as he's suffering from Parkinsons.
I read stuff by the Dalai Llama, but I wouldn't put it in the same bed with Scott Peck.
Anyway Tracy, I didn't know you were relating Humility to what Peck wrote. I was just relating it to AAs roots and recovery from addiction. It's part, for me, of the unnecessary and even misguided. But I am only talking for myself.
Tracy
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Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: sacramento california
Posts: 217
Wow! Just what I needed to read today! I have been listening to the ego and avoiding the humility, big time lately. I haven't posted anything in a couple of weeks and have found doing so makes me humble and helps me not to listen to the ego. It has always been difficult to allow anyone to help me and even harder to ask for help considering myself not to need any help at times; in some areas of my life I have made progress with it, sometimes by having it forced on me and sometimes just giving in to it and allowing someone else to do things for me, difficult for me as I have always been the one to help others. Years ago when I was in recovery via ACA and ALON I found the serinity in just listening to others, and sometimes it was in sharing or chairing; but this is different, this is me needing help to change a life long habit of avoiding humility and listening to the ego. Thanks for posting this thread, it has given me a new perceptive.
Patty
A true friend is someone who reaches for your hand and touches your heart.
Patty
A true friend is someone who reaches for your hand and touches your heart.
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Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: The Basement
Posts: 724
Wow, my favorite subject!!! I had not read that thread in a while. An oldie but goody. I have to go bring my kids to pre-school biut I can't wait to come back and use this thread as a way to remind myself to remain teacheable and practice humility. It's exactly what I am in need of at the moment.
Humility became my favorite topic after I had 5 years of sobriety and thought I knew all the answers. I picked up a drink two days after my anniversary and experienced a relapse that aI cannot believe I made it back from. Scared me to my knees and I've been there ever since. However it's a daily reprieve and sometimes I need a good reminder. thanks Tracy
Humility became my favorite topic after I had 5 years of sobriety and thought I knew all the answers. I picked up a drink two days after my anniversary and experienced a relapse that aI cannot believe I made it back from. Scared me to my knees and I've been there ever since. However it's a daily reprieve and sometimes I need a good reminder. thanks Tracy
On The Bus
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Brattleboro, Vt.
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I Dont Know
Originally Posted by Patsyd1
Humility to me, is "truth"
It's remaining my right size by understanding completely that I am one teenie weenie, itty bitty, microscopic speck in this vast universe, and that I am just simply not that important.
It's remaining my right size by understanding completely that I am one teenie weenie, itty bitty, microscopic speck in this vast universe, and that I am just simply not that important.
We may not be much, but we're all we got!!!!!!
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Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Boston
Posts: 710
Even though we are all just "Dust In The Wind", I believe every single human being is important/special in my HP's eyes.
We may not be much, but we're all we got!!!!!!
We may not be much, but we're all we got!!!!!!
Today I realize that although I am very important in my HP's eyes, that I am a human being, one among many, and that I am not more important than anyone else, and that I am certainly not God. LOL
I learned that for this alkie, there will come a day when no power on earth will keep me away from a drink or a drug.... so I had better get a Higher Power in my life, and it had better not be ME. LOL
Today, I am not all I have. I have God in my life, AA, the 12 Steps of recovery, and all the wonderful people in this program, who help me to remain teachable.
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