The Central Valley North area of Narcotics Anonymous (CVNNA) is located in Northern California and consists of the cities of Stockton, Lathrop, Lodi, Lockeford, Manteca, Tracy and Ripon
JFT & SPAD
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October 08, 2026
A new pattern of living
Page 294 "We suspect that if we do not use what we have, we will lose what we have." Basic Text, p. 78 Addiction gave a pattern to our lives, and with it a meaning--a dark, diseased meaning, to be sure, but a meaning nonetheless. The Narcotics Anonymous recovery program gives us a new pattern of living to replace our old routines. And with that new pattern comes a new meaning to our lives, one of light and hope.
What is this new pattern of living? Instead of isolation, we find fellowship. Instead of living blindly, repeating the same mistakes again and again, we regularly examine ourselves, free to keep what helps us grow and discard what doesn't. Rather than constantly trying to get by on our own limited power, we develop a conscious contact with a loving Power greater than ourselves.
Our life must have a pattern. To maintain our recovery, we must maintain the new patterns our program has taught us. By giving regular attention to these patterns, we will maintain the freedom we've found from the deadly disease of addiction, and keep hold of the meaning recovery has brought to our lives.
Just for Today: I will begin a new pattern in my life: the regular maintenance of my recovery. Copyright (c) 2007-2026, NA World Services, Inc. All Rights Reserved
October 07, 2026
Harmony, Alignment, and Balance
Page 290 "When our bodies, minds, and spirits are in harmony, our lives show the difference. We are able to live in balance." Living Clean, Chapter 3, "A Spiritual Journey" Addicts arrive in--or return to--NA with our lives in turmoil and out of balance. Our health is in the toilet. Mentally, we are all over the map. Spiritually, we are in a blackout.
Though we may not all be at the same degree of chaos, no one bounds happily through the door of their first NA meeting--or our first one after a relapse--feeling stable and whole. We stagger or slink or sidle in. We come to NA after a brush with the law and sometimes while incarcerated. We're pushed in by family or rehab or dragged in by an NA member we used to get high with--or stayed clean with. There's some truth in the familiar wisecrack, "We are some sick puppies!"
Since our journeys in recovery most often begin with the elimination of substances, our health often improves first. Our minds dip back into friendly territory, though the visits may not be as long as we'd like. Through attending meetings, working Steps, and building relationships with other members, we begin to awaken spiritually. Not all of us label it that way, or maybe we don't have words for it, but something inside of us is shifting. Outside of us, our behavior is definitely shifting. By taking commitments, showing up for others, acting "right," we stay clean.
Whether we believe this is the work of a loving Higher Power or we're doing it because our sponsor told us to (because it's "spiritual"), our inner chaos lessens, and our outward stability increases. The lights come on, and they aren't so easily extinguished by the wind and rain that keep coming at us--because that's life.
I will take stock today of how I am physically, mentally, and spiritually. What can I do to establish some balance and spark some harmony? Copyright (c) 2007-2026, NA World Services, Inc. All Rights Reserved