Steel on Steel

[BP44]

Jim shared in another thread his experience with Steel on Steel. I was wondering if anyone else has any experience with incorporating this discipline into their program. How did you get started? Have group members stayed commited? It seems like I recall hearing or reading in the format that Mark H provided at the FOTS 2001 conference that it is suggested that each member be well into their amends. Anyhow, just would like some feedback. An AA pal and I have been mulling it over. Have you had men only if you are male? or female only if you are female? If you included both genders, how did that work out?

[Rob B]

Steel on Steel has and continues to be an incredible experience for me. It is not always comfortable being "sharpened", but I have learned through this process that what feels bad or hurts isn't necessarily bad, same applies with good. We use a slightly modified format from FOTS 2001, I'd be happy to send you it.

I love the guys in my group, we are a diverse bunch, but we have a common problem and more importantly a common solution. We love each other enough to tell the truth. We refuse to sign the unspoken contract in contemporary AA which goes like this: "I see you are hurting, but I am not going to say annything because it might upset you or the front that I put on that goes like this,
I am way to spiritual to have any issues I'm up against These guys call me on my crap, and wake me up to stuff that I have fallen asleep to. one of the men is actually the 1st guy I ever sponsored, when he gives me considerations, I guarantee I follow through with them, I could not look him in the eye next meeting and say I have not done any work. Great example of God using my ego to actually help me grow.

[jimhere]

My experience with Steel On Steel has been good as well.

There are no real guidelines as to length of sobriety, gender, etc. I was part of a Steel on Steel group that ranged all way from five months to twenty-six years. As Mark H. has pointed out, it is rather humbling to allow a man with five months point out something to me that I've been asleep to when I'm fifteen or sixteen years sober and the rule being no attack no defend, all I am allowed to do is listen and say "thank you." I have heard of mixed groups, although I have no experience with that. I have worked with women taking them through the steps, and right now one of those women has formed a Steel On Steel group with three other women. Currently I am doing S.O.S. with three other men , two of them about eight years sober, one is twelve years, and myself, with four years. One of these men I sponsor, two are good friends, and all are seriously committed to spiritual growth. Most have found that Steel On Steel works best with no more than four people.

This is really about spiritual friendship, the company I keep. I read this quote in a little book I have called "The Company of God's Friends": "A true spiritual friend affirms without falsity and corrects without wounding."
Jim

[Tommyh]

I have been wanting to find some guys here and do it.I first ran across it several yrs ago.
I am interested in your format Rob.Could you send it to me?

[29a]

If you could send it to me as well, any info you have would be appreciated

[29a]

actually check this out, it has a suggested format and lots of info http://www.xa-speakers.org/uploads/steelonsteel.doc

[RJS]

Check notice and announcement sections in your local classifieds.

[sugErspun]

Originally Posted by RJS

Check notice and announcement sections in your local classifieds.

I am not sure what you are saying. Is there something specific we should be keeping an eye out for?

[jetta]

Originally Posted by BP44

Jim shared in another thread his experience with Steel on Steel. I was wondering if anyone else has any experience with incorporating this discipline into their program. How did you get started? Have group members stayed commited? It seems like I recall hearing or reading in the format that Mark H provided at the FOTS 2001 conference that it is suggested that each member be well into their amends. Anyhow, just would like some feedback. An AA pal and I have been mulling it over. Have you had men only if you are male? or female only if you are female? If you included both genders, how did that work out?

I have just joined this site I live in Australia & 16 years ago my group bought a guy out here Joe Hawk. He stayed in my home for 3 months & he showed us how to have groups with Steel on Steel. We still do it today 16 years later.
So how I start I open a BB workshop where we start with about 30 people & go through the 12 steps from the BB. By the time we get to step 4 we have about 20 left in the group the steps clean the group out of the ones not willing to go to any length. When the amends are just about finished we start on Steel on Steel. In my experience with this process its makes us very transparent & very open to each other in the group. I also went through the work one time with Mark Houston & had a wonderful experience. Our group goes through the steps each year & we have amazing experiences with our Creator that keep us living in the 4th dimension. Both Mark & joe have both gone to the big meeting in the sky but there message keeps going on.

[GettingStronger2]

Originally Posted by jetta

I have just joined this site I live in Australia & 16 years ago my group bought a guy out here Joe Hawk. He stayed in my home for 3 months & he showed us how to have groups with Steel on Steel. We still do it today 16 years later.
So how I start I open a BB workshop where we start with about 30 people & go through the 12 steps from the BB. By the time we get to step 4 we have about 20 left in the group the steps clean the group out of the ones not willing to go to any length. When the amends are just about finished we start on Steel on Steel. In my experience with this process its makes us very transparent & very open to each other in the group. I also went through the work one time with Mark Houston & had a wonderful experience. Our group goes through the steps each year & we have amazing experiences with our Creator that keep us living in the 4th dimension. Both Mark & joe have both gone to the big meeting in the sky but there message keeps going on.

Wait, did i read that right. . .Joe Hawk stayed with you for 3 months? Wow. Jealous now. dang it. . .

I so want to try steel on steel. have not had the chance yet. Thanks for sharing.

[EricL]

My sponsor and I, together with two other guys he sponsors, get together every other Sunday to do Steel on Steel. It has really been a great experience the last 8 months or so. Keeps me accountable to other men, provides tangible feedback on where I need to allow god into my life and how to do so.

Also, it has been a great way to get to know other guys on a more personal level and see the changes taking place in their lives as the result of growing in understanding and contact with their respective gods.

[susanlauren]

This is really neat. Thank you so much for reviving an old thread. Susan

[CarolD]

jetta...Welcome ....

Well done on your 20years ..

[DayTrader]

Originally Posted by jetta

16 years ago my group bought a guy out here Joe Hawk. He stayed in my home for 3 months & he showed us how to have groups with Steel on Steel.

I also went through the work one time with Mark Houston & had a wonderful experience. Both Mark & joe have both gone to the big meeting in the sky but there message keeps going on.

As someone else said.....I'm jealous too.

Since they've both passed away, is it ok to ask if anyone's got a picture of Joe Hawk? I've seen Mark H. from his recovery center's website but I've never seen what Joe looked like........and I'd love to put a face with the voice that's meant so much to me.

[WakeUp]

I'd like to start a Steel on Steel group, but the idea never caught on here. Oh well, I have enough projects for awhile.