Spirituality is the ability to get our minds off ourselves."
When I was newly sober, all I thought about was myself. How was I going to not drink tonight, or tomorrow; how was I going to work the program if I didnt believe in God; who was going to pay my bills if I couldnt find work; what if that bump on my neck turned out to be cancer, etc. Every morning I woke up in a cold sweat as all those thoughts of myself descended on me. I was so heavy with self obsession, it was sometimes hard to get out of bed
Once I got to a meeting, I felt better. For the hour I spent listening to others, or interacting and helping in some way, I forgot about myself and felt free. I often went to fellowship where I would listen to the experience, strength, and hope of other sober people, and I felt a part of something larger than myself. As I worked through the Steps, I acquired tools for getting outside of myself, things like sponsoring others, being of service at meetings or at work or even at gatherings. And most of all, I learned to turn to God.
I was taught early on that I could not be in fear and faith at the same time. Whenever I find I am in fear, it is usually because I am thinking about myself. The solution is to shift my focus and awareness to God. I begin by repeating all that I know about my Higher Power: that right now, I am surrounded by the loving presence of God; that God has infinite resources at His disposal; that every single time I have turned any situation over to His care, it has always worked out. By thinking about God, I cease thinking about myself.
And by the peace and serenity I experience, I know that I am practicing true spirituality.
