This little poem is interesting and true.
I sought my soul,
But my soul I could not see.
I sought my God,
But my God eluded me.
I sought my brother,
And I found all three.
Why Searching for Your Soul Alone Can Lead You Away From Recovery
My searches for my soul have not worked out so well.
In a quest to find my soul, I focused more and more on myself. And that proved dangerous and counterproductive. I became more and more self-absorbed, without finding my soul, only my ideas, thoughts, and theories.
And, in turning inward to search for my soul, I turned away from Fellowship. And in our AA life, Fellowship is critical.
Why a Direct Search for God Can Become an Unproductive Distraction
Turning to my search to find God, a direct search for God, to think that I could find and define Him, was arrogant. It was an unproductive waste of time.
Besides, God was not lost and did not need to be found.
But working with others, living in Fellowship, then I found myself and God.
How Working With Others in AA Strengthens Spiritual Growth and Relationships
And focusing on myself and occupied looking for God, I ignored relationships.
In AA, everything is about relationships:
- In our inventories, we focus on relationships.
- Making amends means making relationships right.
- Carrying the message to another is a relationship.
- Spiritual growth is nearly always associated with working with someone else.
- Sometimes I am the teacher; at other times I am the student.
- Regardless, I am working with a brother.
So this little ditty carries a weight of meaning.
Books to Support Your Twelve Step Journey
If you’re looking to explore Step work, spiritual awakening, and personal transformation more deeply, check out The GEMS Series: 12-Step Shares, Notes and Thoughts. These books offer insights, reflections, and real-life recovery experience that complement the journey through the Twelve Steps.
The books in The GEMS Series: 12-Step Shares, Notes and Thoughts can be purchased through my estore or the major online book retailers. Look for GEMS, More GEMS, Still More GEMS, and More GEMS Revealed.
FAQs
What is fellowship in AA?
Fellowship in AA is the shared support, connection, and mutual encouragement found among people recovering from alcoholism.
Why is fellowship important in recovery?
Fellowship helps reduce isolation, encourages accountability, and creates relationships where healing and spiritual growth can happen.
Can self-reflection become unhealthy in recovery?
Yes. Honest self-examination is important, but too much self-focus can become isolating and counterproductive without connection to others.
How does AA encourage spiritual growth?
AA encourages spiritual growth through inventory, amends, prayer, service, sponsorship, and helping other alcoholics.
What does “working with others” mean in AA?
It means supporting another alcoholic through listening, sharing experience, sponsorship, encouragement, and carrying the message of recovery.
How are relationships connected to recovery?
Relationships are central to recovery because inventory, amends, fellowship, and service all involve learning how to live rightly with others.
Does AA require a specific belief about God?
No. AA speaks of a Higher Power as each person understands Him, allowing room for personal spiritual understanding.
What is the main message of this article?
The article suggests that healing, self-understanding, and spiritual growth are often found through fellowship and helping others rather than self-absorption.
Related posts
Voices of Transformation
Forgiving and Forgetting
