"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."
Basic Text, p. 18
When we first came to NA, many of us had great difficulty accepting the spiritual principles underlying this program-and for good reason. No matter how we'd tried to control our addiction, we'd found ourselves powerless. We grew angry and frustrated with anyone who suggested there was hope for us, because we knew better. Spiritual ideas may have had some bearing on other peoples' lives, but not on ours.
Despite our indifference or intolerance toward spiritual principles, we were drawn to Narcotics Anonymous. There, we met other addicts. They'd been where we'd been, powerless and hopeless, yet they'd found a way not only to stop using but to live and enjoy life clean. They spoke of the spiritual principles that had pointed the way for them to this new life of recovery. For them, these principles were not just theories but a part of their practical experience. Yes, we had good reason to be skeptical, but these spiritual principles spoken of by other NA members really seemed to work.
Once we admitted this, we didn't necessarily accept every single spiritual idea we heard. But we did start to think that, if these principles had worked for others, just maybe they'd work for us, too. For a beginning, that willingness was enough.
Just for Today: Just maybe the spiritual principles I hear spoken of in NA might work for me. I am willing, at least, to open my mind to the possibility.
Open mindedness to new ideas is key in early recovery. I thought I was open minded, but learned that I wasn't. I thought that my acceptance of a wide range of beliefs proved open mindedness. It was pointed out to me by someone who's recovery I greatly admired that I was "broadminded" and in fact was pretty close minded about being challenged on my broad minded views. It took me awhile to wrap myself around this, but ultimately "I got it" and realized he was right. This insight opened up alot of doors for me. I moved forward in my ability to accept and embrace the program in a fresh new way.
I also agree I thought because I always had such a close relationship with the God of my understanding that what else could I learn.Hello ,like everything.!!!..Starting from realizing I suffer from addiction,Im not just a drug addict or alcoholic It for me is all inclusive.By actually meditating,taking action by work on the spiritual priciples it has allowed me to see what My God had been talking about all along ,I just kinda had my own agenda!!!I have also been able to open my mind and allow in "new thoughts" I love the steps/traditions/concepts and my first and foremost Sponsor ,God.,like we say'WHEN THE STUDENT'S READY THE TEACHER WILL ARRIVE.!!!
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Our purpose is to remain clean,just for today,and to carry the message of recovery.
In the beginning ,yes, showing up was all we needed to do.Of course we needed to cease and desist from using too..but I have seen people who were still using, showing up, and eventually as their spiritual principles grew -they stopped using and relyed on their HP instead. When I read that sentence that popped into my head for some reason.lol
Now. I once thought too that I was an open minded person until I threw myself into this program and realized that was just another lie I was telling myself. It wasnt towards spiritual principles , but towards changing everything. All my ways that I knew for so so long. I have often heard here that the drugs were just a symptom and I believe this is a powerful statement . I am still weaving in and out of the program. Knowing what the right thing to do is and my indifference to it will keep me sick. My staying inside myself scares me. Not using is not enough.
i need to be willing to do what it takes if I am going to live my life .Right now I am just existing. Thats not living.
Hey Carol...We talk about "progress not perfection in all areas.I agree,for me after the obsession and compulsion to use was lifted,I found the 'real work beginning!You see what's going on and that is a real move forward,Remember when we would not even entertain the thought we were sick!I would suggest trusting in your HP as it seems you know the solution but haven;t completely crossed over yet.The life of "recovery" is definitely light years away from just not using!Thanks for sharing from your heart it brings us into the light...
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Our purpose is to remain clean,just for today,and to carry the message of recovery.
My staying inside myself scares me. Not using is not enough.
This sums up my motivation to stay in the program better than I ever said it myself. Thanks for that. Keep coming back. My sponsor tells me that "keep coming back" is the most important phrase in Narcotics Anonymous. No matter what, just keep coming back.
