"If you keep and open mind you will find help". I sat in last nights meeting with an open mind. One of the members a female originally from Fiji was very clear on how the disease affected her, her family, her culture and future. I understand and understood clearly as a Hawaiian culture national born and raised within the disease on both sides of my family. She reschooled my mind and spirit. I kept my mind and spirit wide open and applied compassion and empathy all along. I remembered not knowing also and not knowing that I wasn't knowing and how I needed a u.s. raised sponsor to constantly teach and guide me. The was and still is soooo much to understand even after 41 years of recovery in Al-Anon. Don't let that depress your efforts. If you apply your efforts as this Fijian wahine (woman) is you will find hope and gratitude as she is sneaking up on.
Her progress keeps me coming back with lots of awe and gratitude as I sit and learn what she is learning. Thank you God or in my language Mahalo Akua another gift along with my MIP ohana...family. (((((hugs)))))
-- Edited by JerryF on Friday 28th of February 2020 11:54:09 AM
-- Edited by JerryF on Friday 28th of February 2020 11:55:12 AM
DavidG said
Feb 28, 2020
Great share, Jerry...
the big grog in Fiji is kava... and some families become slaves to it. As with wine it once was a sacrament- and the preserve of chiefs!
I take me where ever I go- and will stay in Kadavu- which was the seat of the eastwards migration many years ago. My higher power leads me, goads me, and sometimes prompts me. But, in the end, it is always about whanau, ohana, or family... and aloha... aroha... ... ... ... ...
JerryF said
Feb 28, 2020
David it came to be when I started to get some understanding that the elders who knew had mana I needed to have to slow and then years later bring to a halt the insanity of alcoholism and drug addiction and help me to keep the understanding I started to hear the voice of my HP Akua and feel Akua's love for me and others.
Alcoholism was and is entrenched and walks the entire face of this planet and without hesitation touches and embraces then destroys those we love. I won't forget the understanding she shared with and in the room though because of native origins may have had the most useful understanding. I consider increasing the availability of our recovery to and with native peoples. Praying on it. Mahalo for your support ((((hugs))))
DavidG said
Feb 28, 2020
Kia miharo... Jerry... I and nearly half Welsh as well... and Fiji is methodist, choir singing and rugby mad- just like Wales. My wife's great grandmother introduced four part harmony to the islands. So, since it is a part of the family legacy- I went back last year to learn the tenor part. Sang for a wedding [in choir] a funeral and numerous services. But I was also interested in the farming, as well as the culture. First hand experience cannot be beaten! Taking our programme out into the world- is the next step... ...
mamalioness said
Feb 28, 2020
((((((((((((((((((Jerry))))))))))))))))))))) WOW!!!! love that humility in you, beautiful share..........
and I so agree!!! the darkness of alcohol finds every corner, every spot...NO culture of people are impervious to this sneaky and Oh so thorough killer , alcohol ....
My brother called me up drunk the other night...i had to tell him someone was at the door and had to run (fibbed) I just cannot talk to him when hes "loaded" it makes my heart cry to see my beautiful brother and best ever male friend, killing himself, refusing return to AA, I am powerless...I have to and DID turn him over to his HP.....
and David, I liked what you said about taking programme out in the world...yep....Good on you!!!
JerryF said
Feb 29, 2020
((((Rose)))) way to go with the excuse about someone at the door. I have used that method myself rather than anything else.
Went with my wife to the morning meeting and got a reminder of the disabling affect of our disease. I was asked to start off the subject matter but found myself unable to respond because I was still disabled from the night before. My brain was triggered into paralysis and someone else had to step in. I spent much of the early part of the meeting inventorying what happened and found I was still locked up on the cultural aspect and affect from the night before. I again was super amazed that the subject matter derives from when I was a child over 70 years ago. I've got more letting go to do with letting God to feel the release from our disease.
When I was able to share I spoke to the disability alcoholism can and will create mentally and emotionally with me. Abandoning myself to God as I understand God is stronger (((((hugs)))))
Lyne said
Feb 29, 2020
Thanks all--I love these shares. At times the old pain can cloud my thinking. I know I must stay close to program to hold onto balance and health. I cannot do it alone, and I can't ever think I'm finished. Lyne
PosiesandPuppies said
Feb 29, 2020
Thank you for the positive message! I love how you both (Jerry and David) write about Recovery with your specific cultures at the forefront. Not only does it show me that while different, we are truly all the same, but I find it fascinating!
The older I get, the more I understand that if we keep "Being" in any one place with an open heart, we can spiritually grow!
&
Iamhere said
Feb 29, 2020
Lovely share Jerry - great, awesome awareness! All I know is one day at a time, with willingness and an open-mind, I continue to learn more about all that I don't know but thought I did! Humility is a blessing and there's no greater gratitude I feel than when I am with others in a meeting, sharing, growing, exploring and recovering together.
Love and Light - (((MIP))).
mamalioness said
Mar 1, 2020
When I was able to share I spoke to the disability alcoholism can and will create mentally and emotionally with me. Abandoning myself to God as I understand God is stronger (((((hugs)))))
"If you keep and open mind you will find help". I sat in last nights meeting with an open mind. One of the members a female originally from Fiji was very clear on how the disease affected her, her family, her culture and future. I understand and understood clearly as a Hawaiian culture national born and raised within the disease on both sides of my family. She reschooled my mind and spirit. I kept my mind and spirit wide open and applied compassion and empathy all along. I remembered not knowing also and not knowing that I wasn't knowing and how I needed a u.s. raised sponsor to constantly teach and guide me. The was and still is soooo much to understand even after 41 years of recovery in Al-Anon. Don't let that depress your efforts. If you apply your efforts as this Fijian wahine (woman) is you will find hope and gratitude as she is sneaking up on.
Her progress keeps me coming back with lots of awe and gratitude as I sit and learn what she is learning. Thank you God or in my language Mahalo Akua another gift along with my MIP ohana...family. (((((hugs)))))
-- Edited by JerryF on Friday 28th of February 2020 11:54:09 AM
-- Edited by JerryF on Friday 28th of February 2020 11:55:12 AM
the big grog in Fiji is kava... and some families become slaves to it. As with wine it once was a sacrament- and the preserve of chiefs!
I take me where ever I go- and will stay in Kadavu- which was the seat of the eastwards migration many years ago. My higher power leads me, goads me, and sometimes prompts me. But, in the end, it is always about whanau, ohana, or family... and aloha... aroha...
... ... ... ...
David it came to be when I started to get some understanding that the elders who knew had mana I needed to have to slow and then years later bring to a halt the insanity of alcoholism and drug addiction and help me to keep the understanding I started to hear the voice of my HP Akua and feel Akua's love for me and others.
Alcoholism was and is entrenched and walks the entire face of this planet and without hesitation touches and embraces then destroys those we love. I won't forget the understanding she shared with and in the room though because of native origins may have had the most useful understanding. I consider increasing the availability of our recovery to and with native peoples. Praying on it. Mahalo for your support ((((hugs))))
and I so agree!!! the darkness of alcohol finds every corner, every spot...NO culture of people are impervious to this sneaky and Oh so thorough killer , alcohol ....
My brother called me up drunk the other night...i had to tell him someone was at the door and had to run (fibbed) I just cannot talk to him when hes "loaded" it makes my heart cry to see my beautiful brother and best ever male friend, killing himself, refusing return to AA, I am powerless...I have to and DID turn him over to his HP.....
and David, I liked what you said about taking programme out in the world...yep....Good on you!!!
((((Rose)))) way to go with the excuse about someone at the door. I have used that method myself rather than anything else.
Went with my wife to the morning meeting and got a reminder of the disabling affect of our disease. I was asked to start off the subject matter but found myself unable to respond because I was still disabled from the night before. My brain was triggered into paralysis and someone else had to step in. I spent much of the early part of the meeting inventorying what happened and found I was still locked up on the cultural aspect and affect from the night before. I again was super amazed that the subject matter derives from when I was a child over 70 years ago. I've got more letting go to do with letting God to feel the release from our disease.
When I was able to share I spoke to the disability alcoholism can and will create mentally and emotionally with me. Abandoning myself to God as I understand God is stronger (((((hugs)))))
Thank you for the positive message!
I love how you both (Jerry and David) write about Recovery with your specific cultures at the forefront. Not only does it show me that while different, we are truly all the same, but I find it fascinating!
The older I get, the more I understand that if we keep "Being" in any one place with an open heart, we can spiritually grow!
Love and Light - (((MIP))).
((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((Jerry))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))) Amen, Brother!!!!!