"A Woman's Spirit" 12 Step Daily Meditation Review

Author: Karen Casey

Publisher: Hazelden

List price: $13.95

ISBN: 978-0-089486-869-6

Publication Year: 1994

Pages: 400

Being a woman in many 12-step programs, especially groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous, can sometimes feel like being a stranger in a strange land. But books like "A Woman's Spirit: More Meditations for Women" authored by Karen Casey and published by the major recovery group Hazelden can help even the most reticent or uncomfortable woman feel secure and welcome in any 12-step program.

"A Woman's Spirit" is designed as a daily meditation reader, similar to those published by specific 12-step groups such as Overeaters Anonymous and Al-Anon. However, the magic of "A Woman's Spirit" is it does not just focus on one aspect of an addiction or dependency problem, such as overeating or drinking or drug addiction or codependency. The book, which has one small page for each date of the year, is valuable for women on any spiritual path of recovery.

Each day starts with a quote from a woman, ranging from unknown names to major spiritual figures such as Mother Teresa. There is then several paragraphs of reflection, and the page ends with another brief reflection. The language used in reflections is poetic without going over the heads of an average person in recovery, and spiritual without devoting itself to the promotion of any particular religion. "A Woman's Spirit" really helps women in recovery find their own identity as they attend sometimes male-dominated meetings.

People in multiple programs, such as those working Greysheeters Anonymous for food problems and Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous for relationship and romance addictions, can especially appreciate "A Woman's Spirit" because it focuses on general 12-step spirituality. With a plethora of programs out there and many daily meditation readers on the market, those who only want to devote daily time to one or possibly two such works should consider selecting "A Woman's Spirit."

One of the best quotes in "A Woman's Spirit" is printed on the September 19 daily meditation and is credited to a recovering woman named Elisabeth L. The quote reads as follows: "Celebrate your life and hear your spirit sing."

That is the essence of Karen Casey's meditation reader for women in recovery. Joining any 12-step program is designed to help people, male and female, overcome a disturbing problem or addiction, learn how to celebrate life, and truly feel the fellowship of the spirit.