Students who find the path of
Living on the Spiritual Basis
through the 12 step process have an advantage, the advantage of clear
cut simple directions. The directions found in the “Big Book”,
Alcoholics Anonymous, are straight forward and concise. Even so I have
had students relate all kinds of curious interpretations of the process
they heard someone (often an old-timer) relate in an AA meeting. Their
problem, which is shared by many who seek enlightenment and answers regardless of path chosen, is that instead of actually studying the path,
chose to base their understanding on individuals and gatherings rather than on
their own work and effort. I
understand,
why do hard things like studying the path and really working towards
enlightenment,
when there are easy things like going to gatherings, seminars and activities,
relying on others “easier softer way” interpretations as gospel.
Eventually spirituality by osmosis (lots of activity, little real work)
wears thin and they find themselves faced with a crisis they can no longer evade or
postpone, that no amount of “sharing” or talking about will help. They truly believe they have been
“working” toward a raised consciousness, but this perception is based on
wishful thinking. In truth they have been doing
some of the work, but not all, like trying to make a cake but leaving out an
important ingredient, then blaming the recipe when the cake is inedible.
The good news is we can change our point of view and start reaping
the benefits immediately. Kinda like going on a diet and losing five
pounds just by deciding to go on the diet, pretty cool. The 12 step process isn't
about not drinking or using drugs, it is about learning to live on a new basis, the Spiritual Basis and is illustrative since,
Alcohol (and drugs)
is but a symptom, the bottle (syringe, pipe, pill bottle, etc)
only a symbol. For
those who do not sufferer from addiction, substitute life and living
for symptom and fear for the symbol and if you have the willingness,
this simple path of enlightenment will provide answers to all of life's
problems,
but a price has to be paid, that price is the surrendering of self which entails consistent effort and unselfish, constructive action and service. Cheers.
© Vincent Lee Jones Living In Spirit
All Rights Reserved
The Secret, Wayne Dyer, Serenity,
Enlightenment, Zen, Emmet Fox, How To Be Happy, Golden Key, Pope Francis,
Chopra, Jesus, Einstein, AA, McRaven, Healing Path
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