The Unity of Opposites
passive mental
\ /
PRINCIPLES
/ \
spiritual active
optimism belief openness contemplation
\ / \ /
HOPE ACCEPTANCE
/ \ / \
trust realism serenity study
freedom vision
\ /
SURRENDER
/ \
weakness release
nurturing inspiration
\ /
SHARING AND CARING
/ \
loving non-attachment
fair integrity
\ /
HONESTY adventure expanding
/ \ \ /
truth reliable OPENMINDEDNESS
/ \
clarity meaning
attitude flexible
\ / honoring attention
WILLINGNESS \ /
/ \ HUMILITY
happy action / \
giving purposeful
learning focusing
\ /
PATIENCE memory convictions
/ \ \ /
unity application FAITH
/ \
intuition experience
strength interest
\ /
TOLERANCE abundance gratitude
/ \ \ /
adhesion effectiveness UNCONDITIONAL LOVE
/ \
oneness fulfillment
Note: Just as an exercise, I tried to list four associated works relating to each principle with the passive factor in the upper left position and the active in the lower right position. Similarly, the mental aspect of the principle in the upper right position and the spiritual aspect in the lower left position.
Since part of the idea of this writing is to illustrate the fact that principles are the focal point of several interactive princi ples, the illustration may buy apt. Also, it might help make clean that while perfection is beyond all of us, we cannot put excuse making along side honesty, gossip and character assassination with tolerance or ingratitude and justification with unconditional love.
Full exposition of what is meant by service and elaboration of lifestyle, results, changes, attitudes, pay offs, advantages, costs, etc.
Awakening. What is meant by awakening, that awakening to our individual reality in a supportive human setting with known assets and liabilities and the opportunity for improvement in a state of acceptance. An end to living up to what others judge best for us and the beginning of our own self determination.
Merit, the concept and reality in spiritual terms. "Most of us did not have to think twice about this question." And so began what for most of us was a long road to recovery. If begins with our simple admission of powerlessness. We find a power greater than ourselves and allow that power to help us heal.
Along the way we meet many new friends and gain a different way of looking at life and our selves.
As we begin to grow spiritually, we are pleased to find that many of the things that have disturbed us are subject to change. This is the purpose of the 12 Steps - to help us change.
After a time, we will find it necessary to give back what we have received. While it is important to let the people who helped us know they did the right thing, our gratitude is mainly expressed by helping another like ourselves who is lost. When they find the way, we know we are on the right path.
While most of us are unable to conceive of personal spiritual growth, except in worldly terms, we find that much is gained by merely slowing down until we get things right.
Ongoing recovery is ongoing personality change. We will find ourselves disoriented prior to adaptation of the new changes.
This is where the meeting, the members and the message of the Twelve Steps helps most of all. We are reminded that others have gone before us. They are willing and able to help us on our way, if they are asked. "
"God is not the we. The power does not lie in the we - the we is but an instrument, and then only if it is based in spiritual principles. " [Rick H. - Kennesaw 12-17-91]
Reprinted from the
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Copyright � December 1998
Victor Hugo Sewell, Jr.
N.A. Foundation Group
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All rights reserved. This draft may be copied by members of Narcotics Anonymous for the purpose of writing input for future drafts, enhancing the recovery of NA members and for the general welfare of the Narcotics Anonymous Fellowship as a whole. The use of an individual name is simply a registration requirement of the Library of Congress and not a departure from the spirit or letter of the Pledge, Preface or Introduction of this book. Any reproduction by individuals or organizations outside the Fellowship of Narcotics Anonymous is prohibited. Any reproduction of this document for personal or corporate monetary gain is prohibited.
Last update June 6, 2001