Higher Power. What? Why?

What? Higher Power is a term used in 12-step programs. It is also sometimes referred to as a 'power greater than ourselves' and is frequently abbreviated to HP. The term sometimes refers to a supreme being or deity, or some conception of God. Religion and spirituality are not the same. Religion requires spirituality, but spirituality can stand freely without religion. “Religion is for people who are afraid of going to hell. Spirituality is for people who have already been there.” -Vine Deloria, Sioux The term God is used synonymously with higher power. "Spiritual" does not equal "Religious"; likewise, equating "God" and “Higher Power” is inaccurate. Interchanging these terms happens all the time but it can be problematic for many non-religious members of the recovery community. The majority of recovery communities are very welcoming of spiritual diversity and will not recommend or endorse any religion. Nonetheless, there are outliers in the community who believe that God or Jesus is the one and only higher power. This reflects their personal spiritualty. To an agnostic, this seems quite arrogant and annoying. Please try to keep in mind it is not meant offensively when someone recommends you find Jesus. God is a higher power (for that person who believes in God); meanwhile, your Higher Power is for you to determine for yourself. A higher power doesn’t need be mystic, supernatural or even intangible. Anything that can provide one or more of the following can be useful. Why fool with a higher power at all? "For me, my higher power... ...gives me a nice sense of smallness; I feel relieved, sheltered, in humbling way." ...is powerful and beneficial, and I can rely on it." ...is a reminder to consider wisdom from outside of my own limited resources." ...is a touchstone that I can put my attention to (when I need it)." ...is a very useful, confidential, sounding board for talking out my problems." ...comes with a sense of belonging." ...helps me overcome what was impossible before." ...gives me an opportunity to exercise true faith, not blind faith. I know that it’s my choice to believe." ...provides hope for better days." ...gives me something to lean upon during life’s inevitable tragedies; a shelter in a storm." ...inspires me to have gratitude." ...reminds me that it is my choice to view the world as good or bad." ...reinforces my own conscience." ...is giving me opportunities for growth." The AA big book initially seems to indicate that by following the program, you might expect a religious epiphany – don’t. The Alcoholic Anonymous Book appendix clearly states that most members of the AA community have a gradual, intellectual, and educational expansion of spirituality from within. Might it be a challenge to find a personal higher power? Yep. Some very intelligent people have struggled with it, including Einstein, Steven Hawking, and Neil DeGrasse Tyson (struggled but not failed). Some start by ruling out various higher powers that they cannot believe in. Begin there if you must. But remember that disproving all higher powers is pointless and obviously absurd - consider any number of natural phenomenon that we are subject to and powerless over.

Ask the following questions:

Is it something that I can believe in? Is it more powerful in than me in some way? Can it be useful to me? Hint: It doesn’t have to be religious at all.