“These are our times and our responsibilities. Every human being has a sacred duty to protect the welfare of our Mother Earth, from whom all life comes. In order to do this, we must recognize the enemy - the one within us. We must begin with ourselves…” - Leon Shenandoah, Native
Our outer world is a mirror of our inner selves. Our minds often tell us we are justified in our thoughts, even when they are filled with anger. Understanding the laws of harmony and balance is crucial. We cannot bend these laws to suit our desires; instead, we must align our lives to serve the Earth. She is not here to be misused or abused by us.
Unconditional Surrender
Face it: we have tried everything in our power to fill the spiritual void inside us—drugs, control, sex, money, property, power, prestige—nothing has worked. Our lives are unmanageable on our own. Denying this won’t change the truth. Therefore, we surrender to a Higher Power, even if we are uncertain such a power exists or cares for us. This surrender opens us up, allowing the cleansing of old ideas and wreckage, and making space for a Higher Power to enter.
Open-Mindedness Leads to Understanding
Our Fellowship matures as we share and listen with open minds to one another’s experiences. When we enter recovery, we may revisit faith traditions or craft new spiritual frameworks. Some of us struggle with the concept of God in the Steps. However, the Fellowship encourages any form of spirituality that suits us. As we understand the Traditions, we see the importance of inclusive language, avoiding specific religious terminology in meetings. By using Fellowship language to describe our spiritual growth, we connect our spirituality with the Twelve Steps.
Over time, we come to accept that spirituality is central to the Fellowship program. We each develop a unique sense of spirituality that meets our needs. Hearing others share their spiritual awakenings helps us build our recovery foundations. Intimate conversations with sponsors, friends, and other members allow us to articulate our beliefs, reflecting our shared paths. Open-mindedness to others’ experiences leads to a greater understanding of ourselves, others, and the world.
Unity in Action
I will listen with an open mind and heart to others’ spiritual experiences, approaching them with understanding and curiosity. In doing so, we nurture a united Fellowship that transcends cultural boundaries and promotes well-being and spiritual awakening.