June 13

One of our members stated, "Steps Seven, Eight and Nine is where our Hearts start to Recover. " They go on to explain that Love, Forgiveness and Kindness for others stem from this part of our bodies. The beginning quote from our Gray Book states, "We become new people. The Steps and abstinence gives us a daily reprieves from our self-imposed life sentences. " For the Recovering addict in Narcotics Anonymous, these are Miracles.

Before we can begin to Love and Genuinely Care for others, we have to Care for ourselves. Part of Recovery is about implementing Self-Care. Steps Four, Five and Six are the Steps where we start to get right with self.

We begin with the Inventory Process and begin to eliminate guilt and shame of self. We start the Self-Acceptance and Self-Care process, before we can Accept and Care for others. Our guts start to Recover, from here stems feelings of oneself.

Then our Hearts start to Recover, from here stems feelings for others. Our guilt, shame and remorse transfers into Acceptance, Love, Patience and Understanding. We start to walk with our heads held up high, and it's not because of pride.

We are Free to be the people we were meant to be before we got sick. Were able to look at other people in the eyes, because we are Free of guilt, shame and compulsion.

Today we are capable of feeling and showing Empathy for others. Our Hearts are Free to Love and Forgive, but more importantly, to show Compassion.

As we continue in the Steps we Recover from the neck up, that's where Meditation and Spirituality subside.