Woohoo! Looking forward to hearing more about this (and hopefully also some photos).
This is gold, friend.
We do expect regular updates on this
It’s all good. You’re likely not the only one to have that reaction. My intention isn’t to upset anyone but share my thoughts on the topic. This topic is a little controversial in my opinion so it’s difficult to ensure I don’t trigger or offend anyone.
I think you understood me correctly. It’s my opinion that being an atheist or agnostic doesn’t take away someone’s ability to have genuine sobriety and all of its benefits. However if someone is a nihilist I think the best they can do is be a dry drunk. I think nihilism is a potential symptom of addiction and I would urge everyone to avoid going full “life is meaningless”. I think this is very relevant to the topic. @Dirk we aren’t going to agree on this and that’s okay.
I’m gonna take the “this comment isn’t kind or helpful” ball and play it here too.
Calling @Dirk (or at least casting shade with that “nihilism” line and thereby implying he is) a dry drunk is insulting and not helpful.
When you participate as much and as meaningfully, earnestly, sincerely, and generally helpfully here on Talking Sober as Dirk does, you’ve earned some good will and you have definitely earned the right not to be minimized in that way.
If you want to get into why the nihilism line is sanctimonious of you to say, please PM me so we don’t derail this thread.
Oooh good use of “nowt”. I love me a word that has regional flair.
Points for Dirk!
For clarity I’m going to quote the first post of this thread.
I don’t think your read this or you wouldn’t have posted what you posted. Because what you do is exactly what people are asked NOT to do here. You are questioning the ways people present here find their way through sobriety. Whatever I, or Dirk, or anybody here, thinks of life and its meaning is none of your business. With respect. As per the first post in this thread.
It seems to me you didn’t take the trouble to have a look around this thread at all. Or you would have found zero of the ‘nihilism’ you talk of. None of the contributors to this thread use ‘nihilism’ as a way to remain sober. This is your opinion, which is coloured by your beliefs. You’re entitled to your opinion, and beliefs, but not in this thread. You and everybody are specifically asked not to question the methods discussed in this topic and you are questioning them.
A quote from you:
All the more reason not to engage here. To me the topic isn’t controversial at all. That’s why I am here. Personally I feel religion is controversial but I’m not going unto one of the hundreds of religious threads here discussing that. And I won’t discuss that here either as it’s beyond the scope of this topic.
So I’m asking you politely not to participate in this thread anymore. It’s not helpful to anyone’s recovery here. Like Matt I’m asking you if you have any thoughts you’d like to share on the subject to do so in a PM.
I’m not a dry drunk.
I’m not religious.
I’m sometimes nihilistic. Depends on the day.
I’m pragmatic.
I think I’m a humanist.
I got sober without God or a higher purpose.
But I’m most definitely not a dry drunk. I fought hard for my sobriety. Not some divine intervention. Me. My blood. My tears. My hard work. I don’t miss it. I’m not white knuckling it. I don’t romanticise my drinking days.
I have a hard time with the term spiritual and LOVE that you use connection instead. That makes sense to me, thank you Menno!!!
Same. Spirituality as a term is a no for me.
But I think in terms of a kind of symbiosis. A vital capture of human and geographical life that literally makes the world go around.
Tree and mycelium structures underground
The water cycle
Migratory birds
Seasons
Birth and death
Growth and mould
Medicinal herbs
Delta formation
Carbon capture
Osmosis and chlorophyll
Evolutionary physical changes to form
Breathing
Digestion
And more tender cycles:
Folklore
Family trees
Antique passdowns
Traditions
Rituals
Instincts
Beliefs
Teaching of skills
Teaching of stories
Loving touch
Intellect and sharing
None of this is spiritual unless you make it so. And it doesn’t have to be, nor should it. But to me, I am massively invested and connected with my environment more so often than I am people. It makes sense to me and means I have very little nihilism, rather stoic and sensible connection.
Well said Amy! Same here and damn proud of it.
Sober and deffinitely not white knuckling it.
Is someone sober with the help of (a) God
Is someone sober without the help of one
It’s all just fine!
What works works and let’s not convince another for doing wrong if they are doing/believing things differently then you do.
I‘ve read here and at other places that the opposite of addiction is connection. I also remember reading in a take on the 12 steps from a Yoga perspective, how „Higher Power“ can be understood as connection. I find this thought very compelling.
Now wheather our primal way of connection is with other people, recovery groups, nature, physical activities, any spiritual idea, or anything else, I believe this is a very personal choice.
In the end I believe in connection.
“‘Why did you do all this for me?’ Wilbur asked. ‘I don’t deserve it. I’ve never done anything for you.’ ‘You have been my friend,’ replied Charlotte. ‘That in itself is a tremendous thing. I wove my webs for you because I liked you. After all, what’s a life, anyway? We’re born, we live a little while, we die… By helping you, perhaps I was trying to lift up my life a trifle. Heaven knows anyone’s life can stand a little of that.’”
~From Charlotte’s Web by Elwyn Brooks, “E.B.” White
One of my favorite childhood books
That is absolutely beautiful I love it! What a great list and wonderful example of life. Well said @Tragicfarinelli