Harmony

Harmony Active alcoholism creates chaos and disharmony within oneself and with others. “Our real purpose is to fit ourselves to be of maximum service to God and the people about us.” (BB p. 77) Many of life’s difficulties are the direct result of disharmony with the Spirit of the Universe and with other people. “Courtesy, kindness, justice and love are the keynotes by which we may come into harmony with practically anybody.” (12 & 12 p. 93) Alcoholics lack the power to free themselves from the bondage of self because they are out of sync with a Power greater than themselves. Some believe that God has failed them because His power is not manifested in their lives. God does not fail! People fail because they are out of harmony with Him. The active alcoholic is under the delusion that he can obtain happiness through self will and human power. But, “Is he not, even in his best moments, a producer of confusion rather than harmony.” (BB p. 61) Most of us have felt at one time or another that we were a square peg trying to fit in a round hole. Did we not drink to escape from a reality where nothing seemed to go our way? “We have been demanding more than our share of security, prestige and romance. When we were frustrated, even in part, we drank for oblivion. Never was there enough of what we thought we wanted.” (12 & 12 p. 71) Through the practice and teaching of the 12 steps of Alcoholics we have found an answer to this chaos and we have found peace. “Just to the extent that we……… humbly rely on Him, does He enable us to match calamity with serenity.” (BB p. 68) The prayer of Saint Francis reminds us that true peace comes from forgetting self and caring for others; from matching discord with harmony, and by forgiving others. We seek through prayer and meditation to be in harmony with God and with other people and this harmony has resulted in great strength and success. Dick N. Miami

By: Dick N.