12 Step Me

Our group's birthday is September 4, 2010.

Our group is like most AA groups: We hold business meetings, and obtain group conscience for any issues, and use the Concepts of Service to the extent we are able. Issues that may affect the site owner's personal liability or the liability of any group member are understandably not handled at the group level.

Any member of Alcoholics Anonymous may join our group. To have voting rights, you must be a regularly attending member for at least 30 days.

Any member who would like to chair or perform other service work may contact admin@12stepme.org.

The Retreat

The Center for Spiritual Development

Alcoholism affects us physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. The development of the human spirit is a fundamental element of recovery and critical to a successful and fulfilling life. At The Retreat, we believe that on-going spiritual development is essential to long term sobriety and contentment. The Retreat's Center for Spiritual Development offers retreats as well as individual and group direction for those seeking to deepen their commitment to spiritual renewal and recovery. Guests explore the basic spiritual principles that give meaning to life and provide the framework for continued development. The Retreat is also available to individuals, Twelve Step groups and others seeking a safe and hospitable place in which to conduct their own retreats.

participation will include
* Group Presentations and Discussions
* Educational sessions on the spiritual principles emodied in the Twelve Steps and on related topics.

* Meditation Practice
* Individual meetings with program staff
* AA and Al-Anon meetings
* Personal Reflection
* Meals prepared by our award winning chef

Center for Spiritual Development amenities

* Fitness Center
* Meditation Room
* Room for 18 guests
* Lounge area with fireplace and library
* Access to the Wayzata Big Woods and nature trails



schedule & costs
The program operates Friday through Sunday twice a month; check in from 4 to 6 pm Friday and check out at noon on Sunday.

The cost is $150-200, including program, room and board.

2011 Schedule
On-Line Registration Form

For other specific information please contact us at 866-928-3434 or email us at info@theretreat.org .

what to bring
* Personal toiletries
* Laptop computer (wireless service is available)
* Casual clothes & comfortable walking shoes
(Laundry facilities are available)

Visit TheRetreat.org

Ratner Fellowship

Twelve Step Retreats

Spiritual & physical recovery in the Santa Cruz Mountains

Anyone in twelve step recovery is welcome to come experience fellowship in recovery, perhaps a spiritual experience among the trees. "Leave your troubles at the bottom of the hill" and enjoy the 67 mountain acres of Presentation Retreat & Conference Center with hiking trails, streams, a pond surrounded by benches for meditation and quiet reflection. Experienced retreat leaders will guide us through the principles and steps of program in 5 one-hour talks. There are scheduled meetings for AA, Al-Anon, and sharing meetings, with additional rooms available for NA, Nar-Anon and other 12 step meetings. This is a unique opportunity to experience unity in recovery.

The retreat begins on Friday at 6pm with dinner. Delicious meals are prepared and served in Presentation Retreat Center's certified "green" building You are welcome to arrive anytime after 3pm to check in and enjoy the grounds (take photo tour here). The accommodations are in a historic adobe building (originally the "Montezuma School For Boys" circa 1910). Most rooms are semi-private and bathrooms are dormitory style. There are a few single rooms available (see registration page for more information) There are cottages available during large retreats. This is a good reason to register early and spread the word to attract new attendees. Maximum capacity is 120 people.

Recreational opportunities include:

• Hiking trails throughout our 67 acres. (We recommend you never hike alone.)
• Hiking passes to Mid-Peninsula Open Space Preserve especially for Presentation Center Guests. (Again, never hike alone.)
• Swimming pool open from May 1 through October 1.
• Basketball.
• Ping Pong and Foosball in the Pueblo Building
  

Other activities available:

• Walk the Labyrinth
• Explore the Eco Center-do research on your favorite ecological project
• Utilize libraries with vast assortment of books available for loan while at Presentation Center.
• Meditation as a group or individually at Redwood Amphitheatre or on duck pond.
• Enjoy complimentary coffee (caf/decaf), tea, hot chocolate available 24 hrs

Find more information about Ratner Fellowship Twelve Step Retreats

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Holiday Tips for Twelve Steppers

Staying Sober and Sane Through The Holidays

 The holidays have a way of affecting us all. It can be subtle or very direct. The pace increases in our lives and the events become plentiful. Being able to enjoy the holidays is a goal I strive for every year. So what have I learned with 18 sober holidays under my belt?

 

1. Don't let meetings take a back seat. If an event is in conflict make sure you have an alternative meeting to pick up.

2. This is a great time of year to practice NOT people pleasing. Do what you can and feel comfortable with. No explanations needed.

3. Come late leave early. This is a favorite of mine and cuts out much of the emotional baggage that can accumulate at a function.

4. Keep literature in the car with reinforcing pages marked. If your not ready to leave take five and read something that will help you stay connected.

5. Remind yourself of the true meaning of the holidays. Whatever you celebrate ~ key into the spiritual and try to flush the commercial.

6. Allow a few moments extra to slow down before holiday tasks such as shopping, cleaning, entertaining, decorating etc. Key in on that spiritual aspect again.

7. Don't forget to HALT (Hungry Angry Lonely Tired.)  Basic needs can get skipped in all the hub bub. Again slow down for a few minutes to make sure your needs are met ~ including meetings.

8. Get out that gratitude list ~ remember how it use to be ~ share your ESH if you are having trouble remembering.


9. Attend a sober activity instead of a function that may be too much too soon.

10. If the best you can do is not use ~ that is HUGE and should not be dismissed ~ that can be the BIGGEST gratitude you will ever have. Let all other aspects of the Holidays take the back seat.

11. Stay close to meetings, sponsors, support and counselors ~ pick up a commitment ~ you may not be aware of the effects the Holidays could be having on you.

12. Finally don't forget the many alkathons that are held during this time of year. Find out where they are and put the information in your wallet.

written by Gwen R.

October Blog of the Month

Through strong sponsorship, lots of meetings, practicing the spiritual principles as outlined in the book Alcoholics Anonymous and oodles and oodles of grace, I haven't had a drink since May 2, 2006.

visit

ANOTHER REAL ALCOHOLIC

January Blog of the Month

A post from The Angry Sober Dude...

"Twenty years, one day at a time.

In sobriety I was kicked out of college, lost my drivers license for a year, fired, broke and in debt, severely depressed(and wanting OUT) and of course the biggie which was loosing my twin sons at 28 weeks due to TTTS.

In sobriety I graduated from college, met my wife in AA, got a great job, moved around the country and met some great sober people (including this guy who goes to the Bowers Park meeting) and of course the biggie which was the birth of my two daughters who are now 5 and 8 years old.

Growing up in my house sucked, my dad was violent and an addict and my mother was a punching bag who always wanted to “clean” my room.

When I walked into AA people put their hand out to me and saved my life.

DO IT! Every time you see someone new walk in the door make sure you say hi. IT SAVED MY LIFE!

Mike B. wherever you are thank you. You appointed yourself my sponsor and took me to meetings and kept me alive.

Bill R. I know where you are but thank you anyway. I shared the most humiliating and shameful things in my fourth step and all I got back from you was love. You are my example of how a man in AA should be.

I am proof that this program works thanks to people like you.

Thank you."

Stop by and read more from The Angry Lonely Dude