| Without question, addiction freedom does require a | | | | facade that is completely counterproductive to |
| spiritual transformation. And while Alcoholics | | | | addiction recovery. This is why many folks in (AA) |
| Anonymous (AA) should be credited with uncovering | | | | trade masks or exhibit a behavioral transference. In |
| that element, most participants fail to make an | | | | other words, they transfer their addiction to (AA) or |
| authentic spiritual transformation. I believe this can be | | | | religion. Four of the steps of (AA) touch on |
| mainly attributed to the false pretense that spirituality | | | | self-discovery and selflessness, however, that |
| is somehow connected to religion. Spirituality and | | | | valuable guidance is quickly quashed by the concept |
| religion are distinctly and undeniably different | | | | of powerlessness. |
| practices. Religion is a community or group practice | | | | A spiritual practice must be born in the fire of |
| while spirituality is a personal journey. The practice of | | | | liberation. One's higher consciousness or spirit doesn't |
| outward ideals and doctrines is not, nor has it ever | | | | exist in the realm of anger, resentment, jealousy, |
| been, a substitute for inner righteousness. Can one | | | | envy, judgment or fear. Consequently, to make that |
| practice religion and spirituality? Yes, of course! | | | | connection you must take the necessary action to |
| However, one should not assume they are | | | | relinquish your fears and insecurities. To put it bluntly, |
| synonymous because they aren't! Ironically, this is | | | | you must wipe the slate clean. It really boils down to |
| exactly what occurs in the Twelve-Step Program. | | | | looking your demons squarely in the eye! However, |
| Alcoholics Anonymous professes its independence | | | | it's hard to liberate or empower yourself if you're |
| from organized religion, but that's a bit disingenuous | | | | being told that you are powerless! Think about it! |
| since the majority of programming is sponsored by | | | | Have you allowed others to usurp your personal |
| churches and various religious denominations. | | | | power, strip your personal identity, or prevent you |
| Moreover, two of the early, influential leaders of | | | | from following your true divine purpose? These |
| (AA) were deeply rooted in religion. Frank Buchman | | | | issues can only be addressed in an authentic spiritual |
| was a Lutheran minister, and Samuel shoemaker was | | | | practice. If you'd like to embark on an authentic |
| a rector in the Episcopal faith. | | | | spiritual path, begin by examining you fears and |
| While the end goal of both spirituality and religion is to | | | | self-limiting beliefs. Adopt a set of principles and stand |
| establish a personal relationship with the divine, only | | | | firmly - no matter what anyone says or does. Take |
| spirituality can deliver on that promise. Religion is a | | | | back your personal power by learning to say what |
| community or group based practice, which usually | | | | you mean and mean what you say. Say no to others |
| follows a doctrine or set of ideals. When practiced | | | | when it's necessary. And, learn to speak your will in a |
| correctly, spirituality is a personal journey that | | | | calm and confident way. |
| encompasses self-reflection, discovery, growth and a | | | | In Summary, religion and spirituality can be practiced |
| greater connection to ones higher consciousness and | | | | together; however, they are vastly different paths. |
| the divine. Truthfully, I have nothing against religion if | | | | Religion is a community path while spirituality is a |
| it is practiced authentically. However, when it is not | | | | personal journey. The path that is most beneficial to |
| and is passed off as spirituality it becomes a grand | | | | addiction freedom is spirituality. |