I am just happy to know that God believes in me. I find that people who say they do not believe in god very funny. Surely you cannot disbelieve something that does not exist?

I think this makes sense.
I have a friend in my homegroup who was a "proud atheist" when she came into AA 15 years ago. She now says she's willing to be wiling:-)
Recently she shared that she started a 'god box' on the suggestion of her sponsor.

It seems to me that we can pray in general, and not just *to* something or someone. We can meditate without prayer. Meditation doesnt have to be connected with any traditional sense or belief in or of god. So if athiests and the devout alike can meditate, then surely both can and do thrive working the AA principals and traditions.

I love the expression contempt prior to investigation. It came to mind reading a few of the responses to this post.

Further to last post:)
http://www.spiritualatheist.co.uk/2011/02/how-to-be-spiritual-atheist-mindfulness.html

Pat yourselves on the back all you want but I don't see any actual atheists agreeing so far. It easy to tell someone else what you believe they should do...doesn't mean it is the right thing.

Zen what is so dissagreeable to you about meditation? Meditation feels to me deeply spiritual, and it seems to me to be non denominational and in fact just not at all religious.
You can connect to your version of a HP, even if that's the universe, or nature, or nothing that tangible through meditation.
How is suggesting meditation as a path to spirituality, "patting" myself on the back? I"m confused by your last post.

Sticky, I don't want to speak for Zen, but your comment,
"I love the expression contempt prior to investigation. It came to mind reading a few of the responses to this post" is not in the spirit of helpfulness. That could be what seems disagreeable (I know it does to me.)

Don't want to add any fuel here, because I do see your point about meditation.

Yes it was very much meant in the spirit of helpfulness. For me that passage from the big book is one of the most helpful on a regular basis. I find I often will form an opinion about someone or something before I actually knew anything tangible about it.
For example, I'll avoid asking someone something, and instead just worry about it, because I *think* I know what their reaction will be. 9 out of 10 times I'm actually totally wrong.....

Here is the quote:

"There is a principle which is a bar against all information, which is proof against all arguments and which can not fail to keep a man in everlasting ignorance-that principle is contempt prior to investigation."
--HERBERT SPENCER

Zen, I wasn't trying to convert anyone with this post, just offering a different perspective that would allow the 12 steps to have deeper meaning and be more enriching.

God Bless!

All I am saying is that you guys seem to be very dismissive of atheism in general with comments such as, When we take such an attitude we begin to find a "Loving God", they want the kind of God who will 'Solve their problems', GOD as you do or DONT understand, I find that people who say they do not believe in god very funny and She now says she's willing to be wiling. All these statements are made by God loving individuals that are directly dismissive in nature to atheist beliefs.

Many of you seem to believe this post is such a great idea for us atheists but I have only heard from one other atheist on here and that person seems to agree with me that this is not really something that would work for most of us. Not knocking the sentiment or spirit of wanting to be helpful behind it just saying that it is not practical from an atheist view point and for a bunch of people that do believe in God to keep saying yeah that is a great idea seems kind funny to me.

Sticky the definition of prayer is : A reverent petition made to God, a god, or another object of worship

Not something you will find many atheists doing, meditation however is not the same thing and I think is very helpful to anyone that is able to do it with any success but as with most good things it takes practice.

Inevidably, we all find our own path to sobriety. No two people walk the exact same road. It's what ever works for you.

Zen I understand what you are saying. When I pray, it comes naturally its easy, even though I never had any formal "training" or religious instruction. I'm jewish by background but my parents were/ non practicing jews. My dads an atheist, my mom is a quaker now. So I guess when I pray I just do. I don't struggle with it. I do believe strongly in the god of my understanding.
If I didnt it would probably be much harder. But I don't know.
And I totally agree, prayer isnt the same as meditation. It doesnt come easy to me either. I've had to really work at it, practice it, and its gotten easier and even enjoyable.

Drinking has zero to do with religion as does giving up drinking. Your higher power is YOU. You are the only thing that can put a stop to it.

We have to grow up and take responsibility, learn how to deal with the addictive voice then it's easy.

I'm still with Zen on this one, especially when it comes to the comments that come off as looking down on atheists as being ignorant. Your beliefs make as much sense to us as ours do to you. I'm quite alright walking a parallel path towards a common goal. And, no, I don't think one of these paths is further above sea level. Coexist.

When it comes down to plain old logic and science-sorry but the atheists have it nailed. It is hard for me to stay faithful at times-I experience what is called "the dark night of the soul" for days sometimes. I feel this is it-why in the world would there be more consciousness after this life? I then read spiritual material to get me more "centered" I guess? I don't believe their is ONE person out their that has not questioned the existence of a God or the trueness of an "afterlife"......

That said-most days I choose to believe. It comforts me. However-on those dark days I will tell you what my HP is: think about our cells in our bodies-think about the legions of networks working together feverishly to maintain your life. This is happening-you are not really consenting to this-other than not killing yourself and perhaps taking note of the fact their are things you can do to help these networks.

So this is what I do-I think that their is a order to all of this-it is not chaotic. So why should the rest of the networks outside of myself be any different? There is order in nature, in social communities, in everything. If the order is thrown off balance-it corrects itself eventually.

So atheists-perhaps your higher power can be these legions of networks inside of you-outside of you, that go on and on and on, to establish a basic order. Can you have these be your higher power? Because I do this, when I am feeling dark and faithless. It really helps me center, and see I am a part of a very cohesive network, and I need to go with the flow and not fight it. Ahhh that brings me peace just saying it.

When it comes down to plain old logic and science-sorry but the atheists have it nailed. It is hard for me to stay faithful at times-I experience what is called "the dark night of the soul" for days sometimes. I feel this is it-why in the world would there be more consciousness after this life? I then read spiritual material to get me more "centered" I guess? I don't believe their is ONE person out their that has not questioned the existence of a God or the trueness of an "afterlife"......

That said-most days I choose to believe. It comforts me. However-on those dark days I will tell you what my HP is: think about our cells in our bodies-think about the legions of networks working together feverishly to maintain your life. This is happening-you are not really consenting to this-other than not killing yourself and perhaps taking note of the fact their are things you can do to help these networks.

So this is what I do-I think that their is a order to all of this-it is not chaotic. So why should the rest of the networks outside of myself be any different? There is order in nature, in social communities, in everything. If the order is thrown off balance-it corrects itself eventually.

So atheists-perhaps your higher power can be these legions of networks inside of you-outside of you, that go on and on and on, to establish a basic order. Can you have these be your higher power? Because I do this, when I am feeling dark and faithless. It really helps me center, and see I am a part of a very cohesive network, and I need to go with the flow and not fight it. Ahhh that brings me peace just saying it.