The last thing we expected was an awakening of the spirit.
Basic Text, p. 49
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Few of us came to our first Narcotics Anonymous meeting aching to take a personal inventory or believing that a spiritual void existed in our souls. We had no inkling that we were about to embark on a journey which would awaken our sleeping spirits.
Like a loud alarm clock, the First Step brings us to semi-consciousnessalthough at this point, we may not be sure whether we want to climb out of bed or maybe sleep for just five more minutes. The gentle hand shaking our shoulders as we apply the Second and Third Steps causes us to stand up, stretch, and yawn. We need to wipe the sleep from our eyes to write the Fourth Step and share our Fifth. But as we work the Sixth, Seventh, Eighth, and Ninth Steps, we begin noticing a spring in our step and the start of a smile on our lips. Our spirits sing in the shower as we take the Tenth and Eleventh Steps. And then we practice the Twelfth, leaving the house in search of others to awaken.
We dont have to spend the rest of our lives in a spiritual coma. We may not like to get up in the morning but, once out of bed, were almost always glad we did.
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Just for today: To awaken my sleepy spirit, I will use the Twelve Steps.
After my relapse I came back to the program seeking a spiritual awakening. I was hungry for real change in my life and I believed that finding the God of my understanding would facilitate that change. I was right.
Yes I floated along free of active drug addiction for awhile not realizing I was still a very sick addict who just wasn't using drugs.The Steps,applied in the actions and behaviors of all areas of my life,reenforced by a new relationship with the God of my understanding brought me into recovery and not just abstinence, a day at a time.We have many spiritual awarenesses starting with our first Step but like our literature tells us the awakenings are evidenced by the change in our lives and make us better able to carry the message of recovery to the still suffering addict..WE do realize though ,that our message is meaningless unless we LIVE it, and our actions and lives have much more meaning than any words or even literature can. The definite SOLUTION, coupled with the God of my understanding on top for this old hardhead.
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Our purpose is to remain clean,just for today,and to carry the message of recovery.
