AS BILL SEES IT, Question 2c

Have you felt the presence of God?  What did you do to reach this point?

I feel the presence of God to the very core of me - every day I work my program.  What I mean by program is all aspects of my program, not just one or two things that suit me; like going to a meeting and being abstinent. For me, a hard core compulsive overeater/food addict, I have to work the 3 components (physical, emotional and spiritual) everyday.  I do this is by using the tools and inviting God (HP) into my life and asking him for help.

One of my favorite things to do is prayer and meditation.  I've been fortunate to have a separate room in my home where I can go to do this.  I have a chair that's placed in front of a window.  I read my morning daily readers there and when I find something I really like, I write on it.  Then I meditate and ask God for his guidance.

Another practice I partake in is reading the A.A. Big Book.  I can't tell you how many times I've read it - each time I do, I see something new. This practice has helped me with my program, life and with sponsoring. Every time I read the Big Book, I'm able to get grounded.  The readings, no matter what they are, remind me what the most important thing in my life is...my spiritual program and my sobriety.  I walk away with peace and purpose.

When there are program conventions, retreats, marathons or workshops, I go.  My mind and soul crave the "energy" I get from attending these functions.  I love to hear what works for other people and how program has helped to change their lives.  Participating helps my recovery tremendously.  I forget about the craziness that's going on outside the rooms.  These activities enable me to feel enriched and renewed.

There are many sites on the web where I go to listen to program speakers.  They offer a variety of topics and a choice of 12 step programs. I often download them to my computer as well as make a CD so I can listen to them whenever I'm driving.  Repeatedly listening to them offers me the opportunity to hear what I missed previously (and gives me the message I need to hear over and over again)!

Service is the principle of step 12 and ensures my recovery.  One way I do service is on the local level.  I'm active in our intergroup; I produce the on-line newsletter and am an intergroup representative.  I've helped to start a local meeting and worked with intergroup to get retreats started in our area.

On the meeting level, I attend three - four meetings weekly and am willing to lead whenever a leader is needed.  I sign up ahead of time to show my commitment to be there.  When asked to be a speaker, I never say no.  I volunteer to carpool with newcomers: In truth, my effort is to help bring them back to our meetings.  I also sponsor.

There is something I was taught in the A.A. rooms - never to say "no" when asked to do any form of service.  My prayer to God (HP) is to help me say "yes," even when I want to say no and that my disease or EGO will never get in the way.

May my answer to their question always be a reminder to me of where I'm at (or may not be) with my spiritual program.