I have always felt a connection with other beings whether it be through laughter and sadness or love and compassion. I believe we are all part of the same spirit, we just come in different disguises evolved through time, adapted to their proper settings and environments. Unfortunately for the Native Americans , native to the land on this continent (not a dirt lot in New Mexico) they haven’t really been drinking alcohol as long as other cultures. This idea was explained to me that some cultures have developed a tolerance to fermented and or distilled spirits over thousands of years, where as the Native American culture has just a couple hundred years of exposure. I don’t think it was meant to be a part of the Navajo diet.

The first day of the convention was a similar start to regular AA assembly’s; speakers, panels, and meetings, but these guys stepped it up a notch. Drum circles , singing , and dancing.. truly an honor to be a part of the ceremonial dance, circle of life, talk about a spiritual awakening sounds of the drum pulsing through the veins the chants, the cries, I could feel that connection. I could also feel the sadness. The pain that alcohol had caused ripping through the lives of the Navajo nation as it does with any nation. A non discriminating force cunning and baffling..

Day 2 ,the presentation of the “Big Book“ translated into the Navajo spoken language. Navajo language can only be learned by speaking there is no lead and eraser involved. I believe this process took decades , from 1998 – 2018 alcoholics worked on this service piece. The president of the Navajo nation was presented with audio disc set that morning . His words , “we finally have a tool to wage war against alcohol”, and it was a war. He also said that 80% of all crime and violence on the reservations were connected to alcohol. The stories were all the same “death” on the res.

I will say that the laughter , the giggles, were one of a kind. Afterwards driving home I felt a sense of relief , there was a solution , the Navajo nation finally had the gift alcoholics anonymous. The same opportunity that every alcoholic has if there willing to work for it.

Always Love, It’s easier,

Evan J.