[greybeard]

'd like to address Greybeard for a moment. I am an addict and have been bouncing in and out of NA for years. I just got sixty days back yesterday, and the group voted me to lead the Friday night meetings. This is new for me because I always would 'pass' and take off at the end of meetings. THIS TIME, I am getting involved, and it FEELS different. Like a connection to a Higher Power is being forged by helping other addicts, even if it is just something I share in a meeting. I've been hitting two and three meetings a day (I am disabled and don't have to work). I have to be careful about letting this become another addiction . . . but although I'm unsure of the path to Enlightenment (above links appreciated) I think I am learning that the path to awareness is simple: helping other people - somehow.

Hi Wyzyrd
As you know its a day at a time, but sixty days congratulations!!!!
If you haven't been there you don't know.

I think you have it right, its not possible to overdose on meetings at the stage you are at.
Im very happy for you. Lets face it we overdosed on whatever!!
Ive been sober and clean for thirty years but didn't get it first go either.
When you are ready get a sponsor to guide you through the twelve steps one at a time.

Higher Power is whatever appeals / works for you.
However having said that the traditional God/creator is the most trodden path and therefore safe route.
there is no evidence that aliens are more or less spiritually advanced than us

I would strongly recommend Eckhart Tolle's book "The Power of Now" .
Its just made for folk like us.
Also "Power versus Force" by Dr David Hawkins. He helped to set up AA.

You might like to look at the "Ego what is it?how to transcend?" thread.
The main obstacle to continued success in NA, which I have been to, is the ego.
The thought that I know it now, I can make it on my own, I dont need help, I dont need a Higher Power, is from the ego and its a killer for us.
Being addicted to the path of enlightenment is the only safe addiction I know.
The first high that we get from dugs alchol is very similar to the feling that you get when you find God within.
The cause being all inhibitions, fears drop away, for the first time we get a glimpse of what we really are, unfortunately as you know while we seek the same high it takes more and more usage to even get a tase of that first experience then the alchol or substance just dosent do anything for us but we are left with a chemical addiction. Heavy drinkers live for drink, Alkies drrink to live.
Been there done it.
By the Grace of God and the fellowship of AA I am sober today.
With love
Chris