There’s a fairly new book out now, which kind of bears out what AA is all about and the results which keep us sober. It’s called How God Changes Your Brain. It’s the result of studies by a physician, (a neuropsychiatrist) and a therapist. They did studies on all sorts of people and religions, including atheists and agnostics, who practiced meditation. The results showed how people were changed and improved, mentally, physically, and spiritually. Just like what happens to us.
I was thinking about this today. It’s amazing how the program and its Steps have brought about a radical change in my life. Like the 12th Step says, having had a spiritual awakening as the results of these steps. It’s been true. It worked for me. I not only am sober as a result, but my attitudes, my motivations, my ideas, everything is different. A nearly 180 degree turn from where I was before I came in. My brain and everything connected to it has been changed.
It’s all due to the way the program progressively moves us to grow along spiritual lines. The introduction of a higher power into my life; the 2nd Step. The presentation of my being powerless, not only over alcohol, but my whole life. The concept of unmanageability. The 3rd Step, where I had to decide to turn my will and my life over to the God of my understanding.
The housecleaning Steps, which helped me clear away the wreckage of the past. And finally the attainment of a conscious contact with my higher power. The results are obvious to me anyway.
The most important thing is that I am sober today. To me, nothing can top that. But the changes in my personality and outlook on life comes in a close second. And all of it, because AA introduced me to the God of my understanding. I know today that my will has to be to do God’s will and then the next right thing. I have found happiness in this program. I came to understand that happiness cannot be pursued for itself alone. I did that before and found it elusive. I know today that it is the byproduct of right living.
My life is still imperfect. That I believe is the way it’s supposed to be. I’m imperfect. The spiritual life is imperfect. It’s an imperfect world. But, in spite of that, me and my mistakes, I am at peace and content. I know I suffer from and incureable disease, but, as long as I don’t drink, I know my life continues to improve day by day. Indeed, I believe God has changed my brain for the better.