Fran Dancing Feather

Eleventh Fire Fran Dancing Feather

The Eleventh Fire is a spiritual reflection of the feeling of unification with a Power greater than us, that can happen when we use the twelve-step program to recover from addictions. This writing is based on the author?s experience with step eleven, ?Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God as we understood Him, praying only for knowledge of His will for us and the power to carry that out.? (Step 11, Alcoholics Anonymous, page 59) With respect for the anonymity of those in recovery who attend meetings, including the author, the byline is a registered legal ?pen name? and not the married name of the author. No personal anonymity will be broken at the level of press, radio, films, TV or Internet. This anonymity is the spiritual foundation of the 12-step programs and is vital to the health of its members. Recovery offers the freedom to each of us of comprehending our Creator within the abilities and imagination of our own individual understanding. We may relate to the Power of the Universe as traditional indigenous peoples, Judaism, Christians, Muslims, Buddhists, Hindus or any other organized religion, non-organized spiritual path, as one Creator or many, male or female or both. The only advice is to find each in our own way, the ability to connect with the Spirit of Creation that can help solve the problems of addiction and all other living problems. That connection offers us valuable experiences and the fulfillment of hopes and dreams that extend far beyond our expectations and limited abilities as human beings. The spiritual process not only relieves us of the burden of chemical dependency but of codependency as well and every form of fear and resentment that can stand in the way of our fullest potential and usefulness as humans. Spiritual recovery is a journey of trust and forgiveness. It is ongoing throughout our lives and through the twelve steps, opens doorways to unimagined freedoms and peace of mind.