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From: Lori B.
Category: Category 1
Date: 11 Apr 2000
Time: 09:37:17
Remote Name: fctnts11d53.nbnet.nb.ca
We have all been confronted with not so spirital practices like gossip,character assassinations,ect ect.But how do we deal with these things in a spiritial way?Do we use the rooms of N.A. as a battle ground by sharing at someone who has hurt us?Myself and a few others have gone to potiums and shared about the damage this stuff can do to our fellowship and to the individial member.And then people say to me things like "it'sjust reality"or "when ever people gather there will be gossip" But what I've come to understand is that these things are in the nature of the diease not just a natural chain of events because I'm human.Jimmy K. once talked about the nature of the addict is to tear down as fast as we can build,and I may agree that thats what happens in our fellowship,although I am also learning that the true nature of recovery is unconditional love,goodwill and empathy for my fellow members.And that spiritial practice can become my way of life if only I focus on my own baggages and leave you to yours.If I continually work other peoples 4th 5th 6th and 7th steps I don't get a lot of freedom,but if I work on my own steps the freedom from my self made prisons is forever limitless.I hear people make excuses for why we as a fellowship tear each other down and one day realized that we focus so hard on the problem we miss the solution...For me the solutions to problems such as gossip,is to work harder at practicing spiritial principles ie;love forgivness,faith,openmindedness,honesty,goodwill,severce to the still suffering addict and those sort of things.Call me an idealist if you must.I just know what I read in the liturature..I am learning that I must learn to rely on the program rather than the fellowship,because it's in working steps and traditions in my own daily affairs that I find freedom from the nature of my addiction and can more understand the true nature of recovery.And learn to love others just where they are not where I would like them to be... I am forever gratful for this program and those who have taught me to look for the solution rather than to remain caught up in the problem... Love to all Lori B.