Sobriety? What does it mean? That was the subject of today’s meeting. Someone asked for a definition. Interesting meeting.
When he asked us to discuss this, the first thing that ran through my mind was something my sponsor said to me a long time ago. Take your sobriety seriously, but don’t take yourself seriously. Of course that was a problem with me. I always took myself too seriously. My ego and wanting to be in control of everything. Fortunately the Second Step was also part of the meeting today.
My turn came to talk and that’s exactly where I started. The Second Step. That’s because it was that Step which began my getting sober for me. The need to lead a spiritual life. The basis of my sobriety. Coming to believe in a Power greater than myself. My Higher Power, who is not only how I got sober in the first place, but who helps me to maintain my sobriety. Without my Higher Power I really don’t believe I’d be here.
Of course everyone sober in this program can have whatever they believe their Higher Power to be. As long as it makes sense to them. It could be the program itself, as it is for some I have read or known. It could be the group. Or, as so many I know, the God of our understanding, as stated in the Third Step. As long as I understand that my sobriety is contingent on my spiritual condition. At least that’s what I understand and believe.
It was a really good meeting for me and many others. Interesting to hear the various members in our group describe their thoughts. Most went to the spiritual life, as the basis of their ability to maintain sobriety. And, as many stated, the result of the practice of these Twelve Steps. The spiritual awakening, the restoration to sanity. So many told how insane they were, when they came here. Me too.
Almost everyone talked about how they have to practice this program on a daily basis. To keep our primary purpose in our minds. To help another alcoholic. And, of course, to change and lead a better life than before. In other words to practice these principles in all of our affairs.
Almost everyone had their own personal thoughts and ideas. Too many for me to remember them all. But it was for me a fruitful meditation. Brought my mind back to thinking about my Higher Power and all that I have been given.
And at the end of the meeting that thought about not taking myself too seriously came back. I pray that I can keep that thought current. I need to stay out of my own way and let the God of my understanding be in charge and not me. But I have to admit that’s why I go to meetings, because it is so easy for me to forget and I need to be reminded.