Contemplative Recovery Group

Well I got a DUI and now I get to attend AA twice a week in lieu of going to jail — a standard requirement for dui /​dwi offenders. Being an almost-​atheist doesn’t quite mesh with the tenets of AA, and also have a very difficult time dealing with the fact that the state can require attendance at religious services. So began my search for a completely non-​religious or atheist recovery group to meet with in order to fulfill my court requirement.
I can’t tell you how glad I am to have found the Contemplative Recovery Group. I would tend to say that they are spiritual without being religious, which doesnt offend my sensibilities quite as much as holding hands and saying the Lords prayer in order to help us on the road to recover or whatever. I don’t have to worry about people trying to indoctrinate me with anything other than the fact that all people should strive to be free from causes of unhappiness. Now isn’t that nice?
Also, I don’t get the feeling that I am intruding on someone else’s bitter struggle as I often do at AA meetings. The people are grateful, candid with their shares without being sour or wallowing, and I like the fact that I don’t get the «fresh meat» vibe when I walk in the door. The people aren’t pushy — if anything, welcoming without accosting you. They give you your space, and I like that.
And a little meditation on a regularly basis definitely can’t hurt. In fact, I *like* that part of the group it very much — it has been a fabulous way to start each week.
It only meets once a week though, so I have to attend actual AA meetings to meet my requirement, but the CR group has definitely made this a lot less painful. Whoever can make it usually goes down to Zen Sushi down the street for tea /​dinner afterward.
The format is meditation, reading, sharing, meditation, and can last anywhere from 1hr to 1.5hrs. It starts at 6pm sharp every Sunday evening in the zendo near the Austin Zen Center.
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UPDATE 4−15−08
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The CR Group has moved its meetings to La Tazza Fresca for the time being. The Zendo has been hosting visitors lately making it near impossible to meet there. And the group decided it will keep all meetings to 1 hour from now on. SO —
Sundays, 6pm
La Tazza Fresca at Guadalupe & 37^th