Tool For Recovery - Higher Power, Lack of Power

If a mere code of morals or a better philosophy of life were sufficient to overcome alcoholism, many of us would have recovered long ago. But we found that such codes and philosophies did not save us, no matter how much we tried. We could wish to be moral, we could wish to be philosophically comforted, in fact, we could will these things with a all our might, but the needed power wasn’t there. Our human resources, as marshaled by the will, were not sufficient; they failed utterly.

"Lack of power, that was our dilemma. We had to find a power by which we could live, and it had to be a Power greater than ourselves. Obviously. But where and how were we to find this Power?
Well, that’s exactly what this book is about. Its main object is to enable you to find a Power greater that yourself which will solve your problem.” (bb pp. 44-45)

I relate deeply with this passage. I wanted to be good, moral, do the right thing and thought that was where I was heading. But as the years rolled by and my drinking got worse, I certainly was doing a lot of things that were not good. And no matter what I tried, I could not control my drinking. I didn’t realize at the time, but now looking back I know that I had partially surrendered and was willing to get some outside help. Through AA, and working the steps, I have tapped into a Power greater than myself. I am staying sober and making better decisions. I pray to God and never get so full of myself that I one day completely believe I can run my own life.
Tool for today: seek your Higher Power.

Brought to you by our treatment center in Southern California

The Spiritual Basis by Vince Jones

Vince Jones is a lecturer about Spirituality and the 12 Step Program at our treatment center. Vince always shares thoughts that make me question whether or not I am practicing a good solid program of recovery.

The Spiritual Basis

Are you strengthening your life of sobriety by living on the Spiritual Basis?

If you have to think about it or are unsure, then no, you are not. There are many things in life were we can be “lukewarm”, or "kinda in and kinda out." "Take it or leave it." This is not one of them.

Living on the Spiritual Basis requires us to:

1) Turning our will and life over to the care and direction of a Power Greater Than Themselves, God.


2) Have a clear understanding of what that Power is and isn‘t. Of course, this is a lifetime endeavor, but at minimum, God must be loving, intelligent and available, anything less, you are not Living on the Spiritual Basis, you are living on a secular basis.


3) We give all power to God, in every sense, convinced that every area of our existence is under His purview.

4) Turn to God in prayer, believing in our heart of hearts that prayer can accomplish anything.

5) Destroy any negative thoughts as they surface with prayer, for we now know that God wants us to be happy, joyous and free, our well-being of utmost importance to Him who has all power and knowledge.

6) Being clear on the teaching of “reaping and sowing.” That not only do our actions have consequences, our habitual thinking does as well, what we focus on, we bring into our lives.

7) Practice the Presence of God, to the best of our ability in Spirit, in everything, in everyone, all the time. Especially in those we disagree with or dislike. To be clear: Seeing God in everyone and everything does not mean that we do not hold strong opinions or point of views, but instead of engaging in negative or destructive talk or thinking we seek the higher ground of thought and living that Living on the Spiritual Basis offers.

8) Book end your day with meditation. Start your day in meditation asking to be shown the way of patience, tolerance, kindness and love, that your motives throughout day be devoid of selfishness and self-centeredness. End your day with a quiet meditation on that days events. Do not under any pretense engage in morbid reflection.

Like riding a bike, with practice, this way of life becomes second nature, its benefits evident. You can have your indignation, defend your right to have justified anger or you can comprehend the word serenity and know peace. The choice is always ours.

- Vince Jones