Step eleven of the 12 steps reminds us to maintain a "conscious contact" with our Higher Power and Spiritual Source. Just recently I've come to a deepen understanding of this phrase. One of the definitions of addiction is to give ourselves over to a habit. This habit can be food, drugs, alcohol, control, obsessive fear, shame, shopping, cosex addiction, judging others or any number of mood altering behaviors or thoughts. In giving ourselves over to any habit in this way, we lose consciousness. Losing consciousness can become a habit, an addiction and we also lose our ability to choose new behaviors or thoughts in our comatose state.

Whenever I have engaged in addictive behaviors whether it is eating to mood alter, spending money inappropriately or over-focusing on another person's behaviors, I have lost conscious contact with the moment. If I am not present in the moment, how can I maintain a connection with my Higher Power? Perhaps having a vibrant relationship with a Spiritual Being begins with being awake and present in my own life. Here are some tips for maintaining conscious contact:

1. Breathe deeply. Our breath allows us to be present in the moment and in our consciousness with the moment, we can invite our Higher Power to join us.

2. Notice your own consciousness and lack of consciousness. Begin to pay attention to where your thoughts are in the moment and if you are aware of your body sensations and feelings. The more that we practice awareness in the moment, the more we are able to choose conscious contact with ourselves and our Spiritual Source.

3. When you find yourself drifting in thought out of the present moment, gently pat yourself on the arm or pinch your hand lightly. You will bring your mind, feeling and body sensations together. This will remind you to stay conscious and assist in you noticing how often you are not. It all begins to transform with awareness.

The more work that we do from our own unhealed traumas, the more we are able to be present in our own body, mind and spirit. When we disassociate from the present moment, it is often and because being present in our own bodies is to be present with our own feelings and pain. The more we do our own healing work, the more we are able to embrace our own breath and maintain conscious contact with ourselves, our Higher Power and others.

Blessings on your journey,

Sally