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Just my two cents. I've done 4th steps a few different ways. First time through it, it was a basic 4 column inventory, with that fourth column being the directions from the "referring to our list again" part. Where had I been selfish, dishonest, self-seeking, and afraid? In that format, the 3rd column was very check-off sort of thing, listing personal realtions or pocketbook as they applied. Fear and sex were separate.
I've done that 3 column inventory much like McGowdog describes. At least I think so from his description. It's a really, really good way of doing it. Written from a place of high self-esteem, I ask specific questions about those 6 or 7 areas (self-esteem, pride, etc.). This puts all of the focus on my reaction to those resentments. I love that method.
My preference is to do the 3rd column like McGowdog, and then do a 4th column asking the specific selfish, dishonest, self-seeking, fear questions. One other thing I add is a realization part before the 4th column. Directions come from,
"This was our course: We realized that the people who wronged us were perhaps spiritually sick. Though we did not like their symptoms and the way these disturbed us, they, like ourselves, were sick too."
I ask, how have I done the thing I'm resentful over to that person or others. It's a neat little tool, and it shows me that the people and events of my resentments are all basically interchangeable. This gets me right into seeing that self-will is my root motivator.
Fun. Lots of ways to do it. Difficult to do it wrong as long as you do it.
Quotes from AA Big Book, 1st Ed.
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