What is Our Common Solution?

The feeling of having shared in a common peril is one element in the powerful cement which binds us. But that in itself would never have held us together as we are now joined.

The tremendous fact for every one of us is that we have discovered a common solution. We have a way out on which we can absolutely agree, and upon which we can join in brotherly and harmonious action. This is the great news this book carries to those who suffer from alcoholism.”

~ Alcoholics Anonymous, “The Big Book”, page 17

Our common solution, refers to us as alcoholics and addicts, whether we used alcohol, heroin, cocaine, meth, pot or pills, etc. I believe in identification in order to connect the common problem. However, even though our illness may present itself differently mentally and/or physically, we all suffer from the same spiritual malady.

According to the Big Book, “when the spiritual malady is overcome, we straighten out mentally and physically.” That is, in fact, “our common solution.” As important and perhaps vital as it is to completely identify and relate personal experiences to same substances -- as stated on page 18 in the Big Book: “That the man who is making the approach has had the same difficulty, that he obviously knows what he is talking about…” -- my own personal experience and belief is that the solution, our common solution, truly is the same.

We treat the spiritual malady and get connected to a Power greater than ourselves and the mental obsession gets removed. Consequently, if we don’t put the chemical in, no matter what its shape or form, we do not have the physical allergic reaction.

Once we have reached a level of identification and conceded to our innermost selves that we have lost power, choice and control over a particular substance(s), and that we will always go back to it if our spiritual malady is not treated, then our recovery process becomes a journey beyond self. From selfishness, self-centeredness, and living in spiritual sickness, we become useful to God and our fellows, safe and protected, living in the world of the Spirit. As long as we continue to grow in understanding and effectiveness and pass on our experience to others, we find that we are all on the same journey – the spiritual life.

That is our common solution.

Thursday, August 25, 2011

Acceptance is NOT the Answer

Stating that “Acceptance is the answer” gives a false impression that all I have to do is accept my situation and everything will be okay. It implies that I have the power to do so.

The truth is, if acceptance was the answer to all my problems, then page 45 would have read, “Lack of acceptance,  that was our dilemma.”
But it says “Lack of Power” is my problem and POWER is the answer to all my problems. Not my power, but power from a Higher Source.

The statement “Acceptance is the answer” comes out of the back of the Big Book from a story, originally entitled Doctor, Alcoholic Addict in the Third Edition. It is not mentioned as such in the 164 pages of the text book.

Acceptance is in fact a promise that comes by being connected to power and staying connected. The fact is, I need to accept things I cannot change, but without power, that is impossible for the real addict or alcoholic.

Taking it one step farther, belief in the Power is NOT access. I must get unblocked and connected if the Power is going to flow through me.

And there is an entire process, which took 164 pages, not a few paragraphs from someone’s experience, to explain.

“Power” is the answer to all my problems.

Please see my post,
“ To Understand the Solution, I Must Understand the Problem”.
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