the Spectator

As a spectator you are watching something, listening to something, and there are others with you, or in the same physical space, who are doing the same thing.  Think of a sporting event or a symphony, or a lecture.  You might think you are a “we” because you all had the experience of spectator, student, fan.  But then how much more are you connected to those same people with whom you sit, when the event is over and you leave?  Not much?  Then you are not a “we.”  Sobriety and worship are not spectator events.  To the extent that you participate, if you are not drawing into relationship with others there, you are missing out on the importance of “we” to a spiritual growth. It is a bit like saying you live in a “neighborhood,” but don’t know any of your neighbors.  People come to meetings so that they don’t drink.  Then they leave, talk to no one.  They don’t drink, but they don’t become spiritually fit.  They don’t connect with others in the room except as an identity, “recovering alcoholic.”  Recovery is a lot more than not drinking.