The material presented
here is not Al-Anon Conference Approved Literature. It is a method
to exchange
information, ideas, feelings, problems and solutions on a personal
level.
Hello. I am new to Al Anon. Been going to my "home" group for about 2 months. Taking it slow. Absorbing. I don't have a sponsor yet, but am waiting for that to happen organically for me. I'm doing reading, but haven't started working the steps.
I am not a Buddhist, but am certainly not a Christian. I know I will find my way around (through) the words "God" and "prayer", concepts I don't believe in. I can accept that there is a higher power in my life, and am still exploring who/what that might be. I believe that meditation will play a big part of my progress.
I have a strong connection with the Buddhist Deity Kwan Yin - the goddess of mercy and compassion - I think a good companion on this journey of self exploration and change.
Just wanted to say hello, see what others who do not believe in a Judeo/Christian higher power might have to share with me about their experiences.
Hello Denise, Welcome to MIP. I'm glad you found us. It's really good that you have a f2f home group. Mine has been my rock, even though it has gone through some changes.
I understand your meaning about the "God" and "prayer" thing, but really we do not discuss spacific religions. All of us are free to believe what is right for us. Tose words do confuse some who first come in the door. It was explained to me as that "God" was the language of the time when Al-anon was created. There just wasn't any other frame of reference and so that is what was used to get the point across. Some of us use Higher Power (HP). It works, though it doesn't exactly roll off the tongue easily. LOL The word prayer just means talking to your HP. We pray to speak to HP and meditate to listen. Meditation to me is just learning how to quiet my chaotic mind so I can get my HP's message.
Anyway, I hope that helps. I would also suggest looking at the pamphlets on anonymity. Your home group probably has them or can order them. The concept of anonymity is much more than just not sharing your last name. It pertains to religion and many other aspects of our lives.
In recovery,
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~Jen~
"When you come to the edge of all you know you must believe in one of two things... there will be earth on which to stand or you will be given wings." ~Unknown
There's a great slogan in Alanon that I apply to the Christian connotations as well as people and situations. It's "take what you like and leave the rest". With that in mind you'll do just fine. No one tells you how to think or what to do. It is a program that you work your way, at your speed with lots of support from other members. For example, when at f2f meetings I still join hands with the members but I don't recite the Lord's Prayer. I say my own prayer. No one has ever questioned it and I am the one choosing to be a part of it, I wouldn't have to. No worries. Feel free to join us and heal
Christy
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If we think that miracles are normal, we will expect them. And expecting a miracle is the surest way to get one.
One of the things that appealed to me greatly in al-anon is the fact that I would have to make up my own idea about the god/higher power of my understanding. I think ur deity of compassion is a fabulous aspect of god to know & relate to.
I know a lot of ppl come here with no understanding of god. I don't think I would have found al-anon w/out god in my life, I've always had a personal spiritual experience that was uniquely my own and thanks to the ideology of al-anon, am learning to be ever less judgemental and simply manifest that force in my life. Gratitude, acceptance & forgiveness being the main tenets I practise.
I hope u get a lot out of al-anon, I know for me, it has enabled me to cope with life. It works when u work it.
Also, welcome to this forum. The chat room offers two daily online meetings M-F 9a/9pm EST & weekend hours.
-- Edited by kitty at 17:38, 2008-12-10
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Light, Love, Peace, Blessings & Healing to Us All. God's Will Be Done. Amen.
I have strong buddhist leanings. I am sometimes troubled by the strong christian aspects of some of the al-anon groups I have attended although I have no problem here at MIP. I also have a bit of a jewish background. I guess its safe to say that I am not at all christian.
Anyway, welcome. I find that much of what al-anon is about interfaces pretty well with what I know of buddhism. I am very glad to see you here and look forward to reading you in the circle of thought here at MIP.
My meditation practice has played a huge part in my recovery even before I got into recovery! Any mediation practice is good to do regardless. Meditation has been key to my growth, generally. It certainly augments what I have learned in al-anon and has been key in "watching" myself and changing myself with the help of my HP. Quan Yin is an incredible image and one I have traveled all over the world to see. S/He is one of the greatest of compassionate beings and could be a real mascot of al-anon, that is for sure! I think of an entity like this when I think of raining loving kindness down on myself when I find myself being too hard on myself. Hugs, J.
Sorry Denise - by design, Al-Anon tries it's best to exclude religion and other outside entities from our discussions.... So I guess you'll hafta accept the E,S&H from all of us, regardless of our outside affiliations!
Take care Tom
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"He is either gonna drink, or he won't.... what are YOU gonna do?"
"What you think of me is none of my business"
"If you knew the answer to what you are worrying about, would it REALLY change anything?"
Thanks, I guess I was just a bit confused as the chat on this forum begins with "The Lord's Prayer" which is so obviously tied to Christian religion. I wasn't trying to out anyone's specific religious beliefs, but mearly look for council on how others have searched for their higher power when they do not belong to a judeo/christian tradition.
Thanks all for your kind words and insites. denise
canadianguy wrote:
Sorry Denise - by design, Al-Anon tries it's best to exclude religion and other outside entities from our discussions.... So I guess you'll hafta accept the E,S&H from all of us, regardless of our outside affiliations!
