“People need to wake up. They can’t hear God’s voice if they’re asleep.” – Vernon Cooper, LUMBEE
In the spiritual teachings among various Native tribes, there is a profound understanding of the interconnectedness of life. Black Elk, a Sioux, speaks of the hoop of many hoops, symbolizing the collective conscience and belief system of the people. When this hoop is sick with dysfunction—characterized by alcoholism, family abuse, violence, racism, and sexual abuse—people become used to this dysfunction and view it as normal. In this state, the people are asleep, disconnected from their spiritual path. In many tribes, there are Coyote Clans whose purpose is to wake the people up, to return them to their spiritual way of life.
Similarly, within the Fellowship, we understand that facing uncomfortable situations and taking loving action is a demonstration of maturity and grace. Many of us in the Fellowship have a history of avoiding conflict and uncomfortable situations. We dodged responsibilities and social engagements, isolating ourselves. During active addiction, we may have convinced ourselves that we didn’t care about anything or anyone. Yet, as we begin to recover, we start to reconnect with the world around us. We learn that seeking isolation is not the same as finding comfort in solitude. When we need help, it is essential to reach out and pick up the phone.
The teachings of the Steps help us discover who we truly are, allowing us to grow in confidence and maturity. Instead of avoiding awkward or uncomfortable situations, we learn to walk through them, witnessing our own growth and evolution. By reflecting on our actions, we recognize our progress, letting go of our old ways of feigned indifference. We find new ways to be ourselves in the world, embracing opportunities to practice maturity and grace.
We must return to the spiritual walk, awaken from our slumber, and reclaim our power. The willingness to grow and engage with the world is essential for our spiritual awakening. Our shared principles teach us that whether we are following the spiritual paths of our Native ancestors or the guiding Steps of the Fellowship, the goal remains the same: to evolve into more mature, graceful versions of ourselves.
I will reframe my outlook on discomfort and embrace opportunities to practice maturity and grace, waking up to the spiritual path laid before me.