Many of us spent much of our using time alone, avoiding other people—especially people who were not using—at all costs. After years of isolation, trying to find a place for ourselves in a bustling, sometimes boisterous fellowship is not always easy. We may still feel isolated, focusing on our differences rather than our similarities. The overwhelming feelings that often arise in early recovery—feelings of fear, anger, and mistrust—can also keep us isolated. We may feel like aliens but we must remember, the alienation is ours, not NA’s.
In Narcotics Anonymous, we are offered a very special opportunity for friendship. We are brought together with people who understand us like no one else can. We are encouraged to share with these people our feelings, our problems, our triumphs, and our failures. Slowly, the recognition and identification we find in NA bridge the lonely gap of alienation in our hearts. As we’ve heard it said—the program works, if we let it.
Yes, it's program. A program made of people. The program creates an environment where people interact on a different level than in normal day to day society. It's like we're survivors of some disaster like a plane crash. We have found a safe place to share our thoughts, emotions, and experiences. It's a level of communication and honesty above and beyond anything I've ever experienced in my life.
For those not in a 12 step program - Imagine the openness you shared with your family, friends, neighbors, and roommates during your experience with Hurricane Sandy. Now find a group of people and repeat this behavior everyday. Most people are so self absorbed that this isn't appealing. To the rest of us, it's what we've been searching for our whole lives. This isn't to say that there haven't been people outside the program who we've connected with in our lives. I just can't name one who is currently in mine right now. Can you?
I know this video has terrible sound quality. The reason I chose this one is because of her monologue at the beginning. I've listened to the original version of this song a hundred times over the last week or so because I'm sick and don't want to work or cook or do laundry, etc. I can get really down when I'm sick so I need inspiration to keep going until my internal chipmunk starts running again on the spinning wheel that keeps me moving. (Yes, it's a chipmunk. No you can not get a look at him by pulling on my ears or pet him by putting things in my butt... joo foolz). Anywho, I had no idea that this band had any religious / spiritual connection or message. I just thought it was a good tune. Coincidence? Sure is amazing how that happens so often... well, it's an awesome song and it's just what I've needed lately. I'm still sick, but I know I'm not alone (you like that double meaning and tie in right?!... right?!... or not lol).
By the way the band is Superchic[k] and the song is Stand In The Rain. YouTube is your friend for a version with better sound quality. So yeah, I listen to Superchic[k] and no, I'm not looking for men to come over and cuddle. Unless you want me to show you how to get your own little chipmunk moving again...
Why is it that the internet can not provide a definitive answer to the question, "What is the name for a group of chipmunks?"
