Happy Destiny
So I’m nearly a year into recovery. I’ve been trudging the road to a happy destiny using 12 step programs. I’ve even connected with my Higher Power. All is well. Don’t get me wrong. But a few months ago something changed.
Exploring Buddha
My sponsor started watching a Netflix show about Siddhartha Buddha. She said it was kind of corny but told his entire life. She loved it so much that I decided to give it a gander. And I loved it. I was immediately drawn into this world I’d known very little about before. Suddenly the life of Buddha as he grew into a man, and made his way of life much more meaningful and approachable.
Similarity of Principles
After I finished the miniseries, I spoke with my sponsor about how similar some of the Buddhist principles are to the Steps. We decided to look into Buddhism and the 12 steps as sort of a pet project. Little did we know… we were onto Something!
New Discovery
We found a book by a man who has worked his program with the addition of Buddhism. His writing style makes no mystery that he is One of Us. The next logical step was…. making a meeting of our new discovery.
Creating Meeting Format
A small group of us met up for several weeks… practicing meditation, playing with a Buddhist singing bowl, sampling incense, reading and discussing topics from our book. Finally we managed to hammer out a workable format. SO EXCITING!!!
Dharma At The Docks
My sponsor took our format to the board of directors for a local 12 step club. And they agreed that we can hold our meetings there once a week. I am completely over the moon that our Dharma at the Docks now has a home.
Magic In My Life
I never set out to revolutionize how the 12 Steps are done. I certainly never thought to become religious. But somehow the addition of Buddhist principles to the spiritual principles of the Anonymous programs seems to have worked some magic in my life. I feel more centered and at ease in my own skin than I have in years. It is apparent to me to be part of my road to a happy destiny. Thanks Higher Power for bringing things together so that I may grow.