Sober without god. An atheist / agnostic / humanist thread. Please be respectful!

I was looking for a good one about humanism but I’ll start with an autobiography and explore from there.

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Recovery Dharma might be up your alley

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That’s like me, too. I like that Buddhism isn’t god oriented (at least not a creator god), so I can take from the lessons and philosophies without feeling burdened by the higher power principles so heavily emphasized in every other step program. It feels more like something I can ACTUALLY take what works for me and leave the rest. I’ve never felt that way about other programs when people are pushing how it “should” be done properly. But I do hear you on the fact that there is somewhat of a spiritual component to Dharma if you dive deep.

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Yup. This.

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Havent heard the mention of God at 1 meeting, nor…in the little I have read…read about one.

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There are no gods or dieties in Buddhism. You don’t pray. Buddhism is about spiritual enlightment / liberation.

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Yes, I am aware. I first started reading the Bardo about 30+ years ago after my 1st husband died. There was so little available on death grief and it kept turning up. I was born and raised a Catholic and left that behind 42 years ago…for a variety of reasons including them refusing to baptize my newborn daughter (I was unmarried) and relegating her to limbo. Plus…birth control and abortion.

All these years Buddhism has resonated for me and has been helpful in my sobriety and recovery. ‘God’ has never been part of my journey in recovery. I find a lot of grounding within meditation…and that assists in my sobriety. Same for the meditative nature of yin. It all fits together well for my healing.

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I am sorry about your friend.

I reflect often on how the suffering of grief reveals itself … or…presents itself perhaps in the form of Buddhism. Suffering we stumble upon it. Or at least I did.

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Here it is @KarenKW welcome! :sunglasses::metal:t2:

Thanks @Rockstar24777 !
Hi everyone! I’m on Day 2 but have been lurking around a long time. More committed this time. I’m in the southern US where everything seems to have a religious aspect to it. Which is fine for other people but I find it hard to find my place.

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Yay you made it!! Have an awesome day @KarenKW this is an amazing thread! :sunglasses::metal:t2:

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Welcome!

So… what does this mean to you? And how can we help you with this commitment?

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Thanks for the welcome!
Yesterday I was finally honest with my therapist about the extent of my drinking and admitted that I needed help. That’s the first time I’ve told anyone other than on here. She’s not an addiction specialist so recommended AA and a local treatment center (that is also 12 step based). I googled the treatment center and it doesn’t look like a good fit at all. I’m probably willing to try an AA meeting online knowing I can leave easily if too religious. It looked like the local chapter had a meeting for atheists but in person and I’m not up for that. So here I am!

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I think giving the online meeting a chance would be amazing. There are atheist groups, at least around here.

I was willing to give everything a shot, after about 90 days os sobriety…because I knew I just wouldnt last. My thought process…a little uncomfortably was worth getting sober.

There are so many different groups out there, besides AA…keep trying them until you find “home”

In the mean time, i guess you are stuck with us.

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Enjoy!

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Thanks Matt! I’ll check them out!

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Exactly my thoughts, i am my own higher power. I believe in the power i have over my body and my thoughts :person_raising_hand:t2:

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Welcome! Glad you found us.

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Hello and welcome. There are tons of threads on here that cover most interests if you cant find what your looking for just ask or start your own. :+1:

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