Is sobriety all that we are to expect of a spiritual awakening? No, sobriety is only a bare beginning; it is the first gift of the first awakening. If more gifts are to be received, our awakening has to go on. As it does go on, we find that bit by bit we can discard the old life-- the one that did not work-- for a new life that can and does work under any conditions whatever.
Regardless of worldly success or failure, regardless of pain or joy, regardless of sickness or health or even death itself, a new life of endless possibilities can be lived if we are willing to continue our awakening, through the practice of AA's Twelve Steps.
Grapevine, December 1957
__________________
~~"It's hard to be hateful when you're grateful."~~
Thanks for posting these, Joni. I remember when I first started to read the literature in my early days of sobriety I was touched & impressed by this man's quiet & sincere wisdom. Whatever criticism that has come after I don't think could be half as true or valid as these words coming from the same man. I believe in these grassroots & tis a part of what keeps me coming back. His spirituality & all those who interpret, experience & share on this stuff, staying sober since, inspires me. Carry on, lady. They're a big help. Danielle x
__________________
Progress not perfection.. & Practice makes Progress!
Thanks Joni, I love "as bill sees it". It's AAs greatest hits pulled from all the books and grapevine. When I used to lead open meetings I'd pass around my ABSI book and we'd read all the pages on a topic and have the best discussions afterward. That book makes for a great repair manual when you're bumping your head (or someone else's) against the wall.
this particular passage is often forgotten by AAs. Too often we hear "If you didn't take a drink today, you are a winner". But you know that's only true for us in the first few years. After that we should be working on all the other aspects of our life. All those other hats that we wear regularly like father, daughter, wife, brother, neighbor, empolyee, citizen, friend, driver, caretaker of our health, finances, retirment, recreation... there is lots of work to do in all those compartments.
Once I heard that sobriety is like climbing a mountain. We climb up and rest a little to enjoy the view, then continue climbing. If we stay at one level too long we take the view for granted and become ungrateful, disillusioned, dissatisfied, and discontent. Then we lose our footing and slide back down.
Dean, Aaawwwweeee. "Should be working on all the other aspects of our life." Yes! That was the summation of my recent shares. Coping with AH's alcoholism was what brought me. Was fallin on my rear. OUCH! Some of them rocks are really jagged. Some ridges realllly steeeeeep! Yep, got tired almost before I got started and had to assess serveral things...... namely ME. Once I got that part figured out........WOW....the scenes get more breathtaking the higher I go.
