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.

Saturday, September 24, 2011

The 12 Steps of ‘misunderstanding’

          
1. I drank too much and that’s why my life is unmanageable 
2.  came to believe in a power greater than myself
3.  turned my life over to God every morning, but
     took it back every day
4.  made a list of all the bad things I had done in my life
5. told someone about all those bad things
6. made a list of defects I needed to work on
7. started working on being better
8. made a list of people I hurt
9. when God put these people in my path, I told them I was sorry and made living amends
10. told you I was sorry when I did something wrong to you
11. prayed everyday and read some devotions
12. told you how to do all this and cleaned ashtrays


*PLEASE NOTE if you are brand new or have been misled, this is meant to be sarcastic. This is NOT the correct explanation of the 12 steps.

*PLEASE SEE ARTICLE ON “UNDERSTANDING THE REAL PROBLEM OF ADDICTION/ALCOHOLISM”

EXPLANATION

1. The unmanageability talked about in the first step is an internal condition known as the spiritual malady.Alcohol/drugs did not cause this, they treated this.
“We were restless, irritable, discontented until we could experience the ease & comfort that comes at once by taking a few drinks (drugs)” Dr’s opinion.
The truth in the 1st step is that:
 I lack Power to stop once I start because of the physical allergy described in the doctors opinion (Power of control).
I lack Power to keep myself stopped because of the mental obsession described in pages 23 – 43 (Power of choice). The unmanageability was already present before I ever took a drink or drug.

2. The 2nd step is about laying aside prejudices (old ideas), being “willing” to believe there is a Power greater than myself, and then making a choice (p.53)  “Is God everything or nothing?”

3. The 3rd step involves  being convinced of self will, a decision to change, a position to take in regarding a relationship with God and a prayer. It is about a commitment. I will fall short from time to time, but at no time do I “take back” my decision. The 3rd step has no evidence unless at “once” I follow with 4th (pen to paper).

4. The 4th step is about finding the things that are blocking me from the Power that I lack in Step 1 by searching within myself fearlessly. It is an effort to face and be rid of these things. My troubles are of my own making. I MUST find MY mistake. It’s not “their” fault.

5. I must be completely honest with someone, holding nothing back or I am liable to drink/use again. Hopefully that someone will help point out my defects of character that were driving me and my self will that we discovered in Step 4. Follow the directions at the bottom of page 75.

6. Answer questions at top of page 76, following instructions.

7. We ASK GOD to remove our defects of character. I cannot “WORK” on them. I can become aware of them and ask God for them to be removed.

8. Finish list started in 4th step of people that I harmed and pray for willingness to make amends to them ALL.

9. GO OUT to my fellows and FIND these people I harmed out of MY effort to run on self will and begin “cleaning up” the past by asking how I can make things right. Continuing to pray for willingness and guidance in questionable situations.

10. Step 10 is about self awareness. It’s about growing in understanding and effectiveness. Watching for selfishness, dishonesty, resentment & fear - my 4th column in Step 4 and practicing Steps 5 – 9 on a regular basis. Gaining experience with the “vital” 6th sense. As I grow & practice this, I will make fewer amends (current) and begin to see where I am wrong before I say or do something wrong. It is NOT my nightly (end of the day) inventory. That comes in Step 11. Step 10 is my 24 hr. a day, walking-around inventory as I live day-to-day life.

11. Reading is such a small part of Step 11. There are strict disciplines for morning, during the day and at the end of the day. Meditation combined with prayer are daily practices improving my conscious contact with God.

12.  The result of the previous 11 Steps is an awakened spirit. I take this awakened spirit out into all of my activities helping others, living the spiritual life. It’s about sharing with the next addict/alcoholic taking them through the same process, constantly being shown intuitive direction how to be of service.


The 12 steps on the wall do not even come close to describing this process. There is so much more to this process than can be written in such a short form. That is why it is essential to have a guide that has had the experience described in the first 164 pages including the doctor’s opinion.                
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