Imagine beginning each day by setting aside the busyness of life, taking a deep breath, and spending time with your Higher Power through creativity. That’s exactly what happens every morning at the Creative Reprieve meeting, held 7 days a week at 5:00 a.m. Eastern Time.
One of the very first online meetings established when OA Foot Steps began, Creative Reprieve has become a cherished part of many members’ recovery. Some participants have attended nearly every day for years, finding strength, consistency, and inspiration in this unique approach to recovery.
Creative Reprieve invites members to explore recovery through artistic expression. Whether using words, drawing, painting, collage, photography, music, fiber arts, journaling, or any other creative medium, members are encouraged to “put their thoughts and feelings down” in a tangible way. The focus is not on artistic ability, but on allowing creativity to deepen awareness, strengthen recovery, and expand one’s relationship with a Higher Power. Participants are welcome to share their current work and reflect on how the creative process has enriched their spiritual journey.
Each day offers a different recovery focus:
- The Twelve Steps
- The Twelve Promises
- The Twelve Traditions
- Weaving Recovery into Our Lives
- Sunflower (Gratitude) — a beautiful way to close the week by reflecting on gratitude as the weekend approaches.
- Newcomers — featuring readings from Seeking the Spiritual Path followed by guided creative meditation and reflection on the principles of the OA program.
There is something profoundly healing about slowing down, listening inward, and allowing creativity to express what words alone sometimes cannot. Members often discover insights, peace, and a deeper connection with themselves, their Higher Power, and the fellowship.
Whether you’ve never picked up a paintbrush, haven’t written in years, or simply long for a new way to experience recovery, Creative Reprieve welcomes you exactly as you are. You don’t have to be an artist—only willing to explore. You may be surprised by what your Higher Power reveals when you create.
This month, we’re delighted to feature two fellows who generously shared their creative work with our fellowship. Their willingness to express their recovery through art is both inspiring and a reminder that there are many ways to connect with our Higher Power. We invite you to spend a few moments exploring their creations and the reflections behind them. You can find links to their work below.
I Use Creativity to Aid my Recovery
Creativity in My Eyes by Andres Q
©2026 Experience Strength & Hope Newsletter,
All rights reserved. Proudly sponsored by OA Foot Steps VIG #09670.
Did you enjoy this article? We would encourage our members to use this post, and others like it, at their meetings, or for private reflection. We also encourage you to share this post to other fellows to help the compulsive eater who still suffers. Please let us know if you have an idea for an article or an upcoming theme, or have any questions or suggestions. Email our editorial staff at [email protected].
The experience, strength, and hope expressed in this article, reflect the individual OA members and does not represent OA as a whole. Other OA groups and service bodies are welcome to reprint articles from Experience, Strength & Hope Newsletter without permission. When reprinting from other OA newsletters, be sure to credit the source.
