Thursday, September 24, 2015

Transformation

               In Chapter 2 of Alcoholics Anonymous titled "There Is A Solution" it is stated, "These observations would be academic and pointless if our friend never took the first drink, thereby setting the terrible cycle in motion.  Therefore, the main problem of the alcoholic centers in his mind, rather than in his body." So, although it is true that an alcoholic has a physical allergy it is the mental obsession which is of the utmost importance.
                Alcoholism is a unique disease in that it is two-fold.  We have a physical allergy which ensures us that each and every time we put alcohol or substances of any addictive nature into our system we get sick and we get drunk or we have the rush we chase after until we get into all kinds of trouble.  But of even more importance is that we have this mental obsession, which ensures that even though we don't want to drink and/or use, sooner or later our minds will tell us it's okay to do so. We will put the alcohol or the substance into our system thereby triggering the physical allergy and we will get loaded once again.
               Dr. Silkworth, the medical benefactor of Alcoholics Anonymous, in the letter he supplied to AA suggests that the thought processes of the alcoholic mind had to be transformed.  His letter goes on to state that this transformation of thought must occur and is essential if an alcoholic is to recover from a seemingly hopeless state of mind and body.  In Bill's story he says, "Simple, but not easy, a price had to be paid. It meant destruction of self centeredness. I must turn in all things to the Father of Light who presides over us all" - a clear description of the transformation which must occur.
                This transformation of thought was difficult for me, even though I understood that it must occur. The difficulty was that I had no understanding of the power and pervasiveness of my human nature and how all-encompassing it is.  I felt a lot of fear in attempting to let go of my mind which was propelled by my human instinct as it was all that I had ever known.  But it is here, in this time and at this moment, when I want to let go and know I need to let go. It is here in this moment now that I must trust in God so that through His grace the transformation of thought may happen. 

2 comments:

  1. Like you, I knew that this transformation of thought must occur. The problem was that I hadn't and couldn't let go of my mind. The fear was too great; the trust necessary to do so had not yet been earned by me. And without a modality of trust, I was forced to rely on faith which failed me. Understanding and incorporating all Twelve Steps into my daily life gave me a structure of action which led to my "feeling" better - within the deepest part of me..It was there that I came to know The Power Within me - through feeling that Power. Transformation, then, had nothing to do with my thought processes. I simply had to follow the path that was lighted for me, and to touch the lives of all I met along the way, freely giving my love and spirit. Transformation is in finding my peace and giving it away.

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  2. Michael thank you for sharing your experience. The transformation of thought which must occur if we are to recover from a seemingly hopeless state of mind and body can only occur when we surrender our nature and live in the will of God...Thanks...Armand

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