When we engage in the creative action of the spirit, whether in our personal lives or in our ministry, we may be surprised by the solutions presented.
Guiding Principles, Introduction, “Guiding Principles”
Living pure and working the Steps gives us many practical experiences with the application of spiritual principles. Our open mind unlocks some doors to the Second Step and we learn the benefits of being flexible in our thinking. The trust required to surrender our will and our lives to the Third Step gives us new confidence in the tacit knowing we might call faith or intuition. With these and other experiences to draw upon, it becomes easier to align our actions with spiritual principles. With enough practice, mental solutions become second nature. We find ourselves more flexible in our thinking and more ready than ever to engage in creative problem solving.
We practice listening to our intuition and learn to separate impulses that are rooted in illness. We tune into what some call our higher selves, the “better angels” of our nature, or just good judgment to find inspiration that is closer to our spiritual center. One member shared, “With some time clean and a few Steps under my belt, I realized my mind wasn't always trying to kill me.” Sometimes we feel like we have to give up our seat on a crowded bus, join a group at a therapy center, or go back to our education – damn our age!
The creative action of the spirit can lead us in any direction. We continue to be amazed by our creative ability to create intellectual solutions to the challenge of living life on its terms. We find new career paths, find new ways to serve, and learn new lessons. When we engage in living in the world and working with other people, our attention shifts from our self-centeredness to a more global perspective. This shift may be just what we need to live within the solution as regular contributors to the greater good.
Today I will approach life creatively. I am open to the inspiration and guidance of a loving Higher Power and willing to contribute to our common good.
