In the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous it says, "We shall describe some of the states that precede a relapse into drinking, for obviously this is the crux of the problem. What sort of thinking dominates an alcoholic who repeats time after time the experiment of the first drink.....therefore the main problem of the alcoholic centers in the mind rather than in the body."
If our thought processes are propelled by the will of God rather than our human instincts we will not drink. Our character defects cannot manifest themselves in our behavior if we are in His will. Instead, our character has been perfected, as we are now the human being that God created us to be.
In THE FOURTH DIMENSION OF LIFE we become a human being that cares about others in such a genuine way. We become a human being that wants to help others. We think of other's needs before our own. In the Big Book it states, "Our very lives as ex-problem drinkers depends upon our constant thoughts of others and how we may help meet their needs."
We benefit in using all tools of recovery but, above all, we must turn from our human nature and live in the will of God. By doing so we will live a human life we could have only imagined we would. We will manifest THE FOURTH DIMENSION OF LIFE - a life free from the bondage of ourselves.
Written by Armand
The Fourth Dimension sounds ephemeral, otherworldly, celestial. It seems to indicate a form of both transformation and transportation to a higher place, a sacred state. My experience in AA is that it is not as vague as it first sounds. Precisely as you point out, by incorporating The Twelve Steps into my daily life, my spirit has been awakened, and my life as I knew it simply changed. This is primarily due to the awareness of the presence of The Power Within me and within you. The spiritual void has been switched from powerless me to the all-powerful Source within me. It is only from that place that I can grow in understanding and effectiveness. It is only from that place that I have anything of value to contribute to my life and to the lives of others. Once we understand and have experienced The Fourth Dimension, it becomes the desired destination for us, the place of peace regardless of circumstantial life. In my experience, it cannot be fully described but it can be fully felt. A miraculous process and the ultimate gift of Recovery in AA.
ReplyDeleteMichael well said. I especially liked, my life is changed due to the awareness of the presence of the Power within me and within you. Once We have the awareness our spirit is at peace and that peace is extended to all those around us...Thank you...Armand
DeleteThe ego's judgements, deeply rooted insecurity, and self righteousness (human nature) keep us from living in God's fullness. Bill W.s focus on patience, tolerance and live are valuable touchstones if we wish to live spiritually. It's an inside job.
ReplyDeleteSpiritual Being When a recovered alcoholic, who is recovered as they have abandoned their nature and are living in the will of God, patience tolerance and love can't help but be manifested in their behavior...Thank you...Armand
DeletePatience, tolerance and love are an important part of the spirit's renewal in recovering.
ReplyDelete