Katie, this is such a power post. You’re the 3rd person in a week to mention Recovery Dharma. There are two meetings close to my home. How much more of a nudge do I need!?
Soooo, I did go last night. My first Recovery Dharma meeting. I have been going to meetings in another fellowship for over 42 years, and yet I still had the slight nervousness of the new guy in an unfamiliar place. The meeting began and there is just something comforting about a place with routine (even ritual). We did a short reading; each person read a small portion of a text with Buddhist principles as we went around the room. Followed by a guided meditation (on patience, this time). A short reading followed by about 20 minutes of sharing that allowed “cross talk.” The cross talk was a bit of a jolt to my system because of my experience in another fellowship. This felt more group therapy-ish but very supportive of and kind / compassionate toward each other. I anticipate returning because the principles and practices are what I practice daily at home. and it felt good to have a community with whom to practice. (Apologies for going on so long here.)
Don’t apologize, I love that you went and came back to share how it went for you! I’m so glad you had such a good experience. I agree, the ritual and community with whom to practice is a big part of the draw.
It was very interesting to read texts that I am somewhat familiar with but placed in a recovery context. Are you familiar with Buddhist texts or meditations? Or the Plum Village app?
This is so important and relatable. Happened to me a couple weeks ago. Ended up hitting an AA meeting. I’ve been sober 15 years. But I love meditation. Whatever works.
Oh I'm so interested in finding one of these groups near me. I definitely attended one in rehab but in the whirl of motherhood and just generally being sober and not really needing AA anymore I forgot about these. Thank you for the reminder! I also cannot do silent sitting meditations and have gotten very angry at people for repeating over and over to me that "it's a practice!" Yes I know, a practice that actively made me want to drink after. Walking/running is my meditation. Thank you for sharing, I am so glad you found it and I hope it continues to be a good experience!
It’s difficult to get yourself out of the house when every bone in your body and the gremlins in your head are saying “nah, it’s ok, stay here and stew.” So good for you for pushing yourself. I’ve been feeling out of sorts and in a surreal haze for a while now (I blame it all on the current administration but likely it’s more complex) so this was a powerful post for me. Thank you for sharing your thoughts. You’re brave. Don’t forget that. Sally knew it too and we all know she was the best.
I’ve done a bunch of different fellowships (including a Buddhist group) and I’m glad you’re called to one that fits. I’ve been in 12 step recovery for almost 13 years and it’s fully my jam, maybe I’m just lucky in the DC area where greeters are an anomaly and if I go in and said I wanted to drink it’s just another day? Like I so want you to have experienced better, because legit I will never ever “keep coming back” an 18 year person! 🤣 And honestly those people are the ones who kept me in my seat so many days early on — because if it can feel that way at 18 (or 13. Because some days it does tbh) than it wasn’t weird I felt that way at 2, or 6 months. I think we are essential as long timers to newcomers, and you have so much lore, lore for years. So I’m glad in addition to this platform that I know helps a ton of people, you’ll have a room to spread it around too. I have never cared at all how a person gets or stays sober. So many of us die that a save by any means is a save. But I do think we are stronger together. God knows I need all of you.
Yay for trying something new! There are so many other groups for recovery than there were when I got sober the first time. When I got sober the second time, I found Women For Sobriety www.womenforsobriety.org. So different from a 12 step meeting in every way.
Well that's too damn eerie; my girlie is named Sally also...
But not surprisingly, everything you said resonated. AA has been a good experience for me, even if it was finding out which meetings were not for me. But as my recovery took good, my thoughts went to"what's next." And that led me to Dharma as well as Smart Recovery. Life changing, once again, for me.
I hope you act on the big thing you know: it wasn't about the chemical as much as the underlying situation.
Great reflections.I had some early experience in AA, NA & Alanon but it was not a cultural fit for me as I found other secular/egalitarian paths.
In addition to secular Buddhist recovery mtgs of RD, I've found value in sober meetings in either in urban U.S. Zen temples or online via Dharma Punx NYC.
More importantly, I’ve gotten the greatest value from the community I’ve found in the last 5 years @ TLC (The Luckiest Club) online & in person. Based on the experiences from recovery book We Are The Luckiest & it’s author's recovery in AA. TLC is not a 12-step model, but extremely supportive. There are a few free weekly mtgs to ‘check it out’ and a modest monthly fee for 55+ weekly digital mtgs & affinity subgroups, an active app/website etc. https://community.theluckiestclub.com
No dog can replace Sally. But I envy you having Doris to play with and walk with. This is not to say I don't understand your state of mind and discovered desire for group companionship. A dog is a dog, Sally sensed your moods, Doris is not Sally, & now you want to share your story with like minded people. I get it because I, too, would rather just be home, reading, going for solo walks. doing a bit of yoga in my home studio. Post covid I have not returned to my favorite yoga studio, where I had friends to chat with, about life, whatever. I miss them and don't understand why I can't grab my mat and head to the studio. You are an inspiration, my dear.
I need to find a group like. I’m in recovery from an eating disorder but those meetings can be a tinder box of comparison if not well-led and I’m usually 20 years everyone’s senior.
Fwiw Recovery Dharma is ipen to people in recovery from all kinds of things (substance use, unhealthy/compulsive behavior, etc.) I’m sure you’d be more than welcome, tho you may be looking for something more specific
Katie, this is such a power post. You’re the 3rd person in a week to mention Recovery Dharma. There are two meetings close to my home. How much more of a nudge do I need!?
If you go, I’d love to hear how your experience was!
Soooo, I did go last night. My first Recovery Dharma meeting. I have been going to meetings in another fellowship for over 42 years, and yet I still had the slight nervousness of the new guy in an unfamiliar place. The meeting began and there is just something comforting about a place with routine (even ritual). We did a short reading; each person read a small portion of a text with Buddhist principles as we went around the room. Followed by a guided meditation (on patience, this time). A short reading followed by about 20 minutes of sharing that allowed “cross talk.” The cross talk was a bit of a jolt to my system because of my experience in another fellowship. This felt more group therapy-ish but very supportive of and kind / compassionate toward each other. I anticipate returning because the principles and practices are what I practice daily at home. and it felt good to have a community with whom to practice. (Apologies for going on so long here.)
Don’t apologize, I love that you went and came back to share how it went for you! I’m so glad you had such a good experience. I agree, the ritual and community with whom to practice is a big part of the draw.
It was very interesting to read texts that I am somewhat familiar with but placed in a recovery context. Are you familiar with Buddhist texts or meditations? Or the Plum Village app?
The nudge I needed as well!
This is so important and relatable. Happened to me a couple weeks ago. Ended up hitting an AA meeting. I’ve been sober 15 years. But I love meditation. Whatever works.
Excellent post. Thank you!
<3 thank you
Oh I'm so interested in finding one of these groups near me. I definitely attended one in rehab but in the whirl of motherhood and just generally being sober and not really needing AA anymore I forgot about these. Thank you for the reminder! I also cannot do silent sitting meditations and have gotten very angry at people for repeating over and over to me that "it's a practice!" Yes I know, a practice that actively made me want to drink after. Walking/running is my meditation. Thank you for sharing, I am so glad you found it and I hope it continues to be a good experience!
It’s difficult to get yourself out of the house when every bone in your body and the gremlins in your head are saying “nah, it’s ok, stay here and stew.” So good for you for pushing yourself. I’ve been feeling out of sorts and in a surreal haze for a while now (I blame it all on the current administration but likely it’s more complex) so this was a powerful post for me. Thank you for sharing your thoughts. You’re brave. Don’t forget that. Sally knew it too and we all know she was the best.
❤️❤️❤️
I’ve done a bunch of different fellowships (including a Buddhist group) and I’m glad you’re called to one that fits. I’ve been in 12 step recovery for almost 13 years and it’s fully my jam, maybe I’m just lucky in the DC area where greeters are an anomaly and if I go in and said I wanted to drink it’s just another day? Like I so want you to have experienced better, because legit I will never ever “keep coming back” an 18 year person! 🤣 And honestly those people are the ones who kept me in my seat so many days early on — because if it can feel that way at 18 (or 13. Because some days it does tbh) than it wasn’t weird I felt that way at 2, or 6 months. I think we are essential as long timers to newcomers, and you have so much lore, lore for years. So I’m glad in addition to this platform that I know helps a ton of people, you’ll have a room to spread it around too. I have never cared at all how a person gets or stays sober. So many of us die that a save by any means is a save. But I do think we are stronger together. God knows I need all of you.
Yes! Absolutely whatever works.
Yay for trying something new! There are so many other groups for recovery than there were when I got sober the first time. When I got sober the second time, I found Women For Sobriety www.womenforsobriety.org. So different from a 12 step meeting in every way.
Thanks for sharing this!
❤️❤️
Well that's too damn eerie; my girlie is named Sally also...
But not surprisingly, everything you said resonated. AA has been a good experience for me, even if it was finding out which meetings were not for me. But as my recovery took good, my thoughts went to"what's next." And that led me to Dharma as well as Smart Recovery. Life changing, once again, for me.
I hope you act on the big thing you know: it wasn't about the chemical as much as the underlying situation.
I always feel fortunate to read your stuff.
I feel fortunate to have you as a reader! Here’s to our sallys ❤️
Great reflections.I had some early experience in AA, NA & Alanon but it was not a cultural fit for me as I found other secular/egalitarian paths.
In addition to secular Buddhist recovery mtgs of RD, I've found value in sober meetings in either in urban U.S. Zen temples or online via Dharma Punx NYC.
More importantly, I’ve gotten the greatest value from the community I’ve found in the last 5 years @ TLC (The Luckiest Club) online & in person. Based on the experiences from recovery book We Are The Luckiest & it’s author's recovery in AA. TLC is not a 12-step model, but extremely supportive. There are a few free weekly mtgs to ‘check it out’ and a modest monthly fee for 55+ weekly digital mtgs & affinity subgroups, an active app/website etc. https://community.theluckiestclub.com
❤️❤️
No dog can replace Sally. But I envy you having Doris to play with and walk with. This is not to say I don't understand your state of mind and discovered desire for group companionship. A dog is a dog, Sally sensed your moods, Doris is not Sally, & now you want to share your story with like minded people. I get it because I, too, would rather just be home, reading, going for solo walks. doing a bit of yoga in my home studio. Post covid I have not returned to my favorite yoga studio, where I had friends to chat with, about life, whatever. I miss them and don't understand why I can't grab my mat and head to the studio. You are an inspiration, my dear.
❤️❤️❤️ thank you, Cheryl
This is my first time hearing of Recovery Dharma. It sounds like a great community of folks. Thanks for writing!
Thank you
I need to find a group like. I’m in recovery from an eating disorder but those meetings can be a tinder box of comparison if not well-led and I’m usually 20 years everyone’s senior.
Fwiw Recovery Dharma is ipen to people in recovery from all kinds of things (substance use, unhealthy/compulsive behavior, etc.) I’m sure you’d be more than welcome, tho you may be looking for something more specific
I hope Sally and Jackson are eating salmon jerky together in heaven
I hope so too! (And I hope she’s learned to be better about sharing 😂)