First Question

[zencat]

"1. of or pertaining to worldly things or to things that are not regarded as religious, spiritual, or sacred; temporal: secular interests."
- Dictionary.com Unabridged, Random House, Inc.

I'll go with that definition of secular and base my responses accordingly. As for any other meaning I'll adjust to fit that meaning.

Originally Posted by zencat

This is going well. Maybe someone can recap what secular step they are working on.

Originally Posted by ananda

Steps 9,10,11 & 12.

How about you?

Ops my bad, I asked what secular step are those participating on this thread working on when it was the Humanist Steps posted at the beginning of the thread.

Originally Posted by bugsworth

Humanist Steps

1. We accept the fact that all our efforts to stop drinking have failed.

2. We believe that we must turn elsewhere for help.

3. We turn to our fellow men and women, particularly those who have struggled with the same problem.

4. We have made a list of the situations in which we are most likely to drink.

5. We ask our friends to help us avoid those situations.

6. We are ready to accept the help they give us.

7. We honestly hope they will help.

8. We have made a list of the persons we have harmed and to whom we hope to make amends.

9. We shall do all we can to make amends, in any way that will not cause further harm.

10. We will continue to make such lists and revise them as needed.

11. We appreciate what our friends have done and are doing to help us.

12. We, in turn, are ready to help others who may come to us in the same way.

Thanks....

I guess a definition of Humanist is in order to lessen the confusion...lol. So
I'll pick this one:

"...a doctrine, attitude, or way of life centered on human interests or values; especially: a philosophy that usually rejects supernaturalism and stresses an individual's dignity and worth and capacity for self-realization through reason." - Merriam Webster Dictionary

Hey thats what I think...Cool. I don't need faith when I have experience....lol
(paraphrased Joseph Campbell I think).

Now on to some step work. I'm at step 3.


I do believe I could use some help with maintaining my sobriety and since it has been my experience there are no super human powers to help me, I'll turn in the direction of caring others. I like the personal touch I get from others. My new friends show me they care with warm hugs and wonderful words of encouragement. Could I get that from the supernatural? Well I haven't yet, at least not sober...lol.

Can anyone relate to this?

[Barto]

I’ve been thinking, and I think there should be seventeen steps. Why not?

[zencat]

Are there any other suggestions other than from the guy I just blocked?

[Barto]

I watch builders and I notice that before they build steps, they have a pretty good idea where they will lead. So I’m curious, where do your steps lead?

[Alera]

Although I don't work a step-based recovery, I do work these steps naturally. I have worked all of these steps, although I struggle with step 5 every day. Its just hard for me to ask for help. I do find myself asking in round-about ways though, such as "can we do another activity, this causes me to get cravings".

[Barto]

You don’t have to ask for help in Step Five. It's an admission step (to make it real). You can even go to confession if you want to keep it anonymous – and you don’t even have to be Catholic. Or, you can just talk to a friend, therapist, or even a stranger. We don’t have to ask for any help.

PS. I like the "SR Gothic Mod" tag – it’s so … gothic! LOL.

[zencat]

Step 5. We ask our friends to help us avoid those situations.

I once had a friend remind me that when I recount my drunk-a-log I sometimes sound like I'm romancing my past use. I now try to be more careful when recalling the past to make a point about my recovery. I need to be mindful that some of my lurid stories could trigger others including myself.

[Barto]

Oh you guys actually adopted these “Secular Steps.” I didn’t know. Very interesting. What’s the name of the fellowship? Any old timers yet?

You know zencat, I thought it was me you blocked. LOL.

[bugsworth]

Barto, is it membership you desire or are you interested in just poking fun at others? What step taught you that?

[Barto]

I’m curious. Also, I want to now whether or not these steps / program / fellowship (whatever they are, whatever it is), work(s).

Maybe I’ll send of the anti-AA people I meet over there. Are there any meetings?

What Step taught me what?

Happy Mother’s Day BTW.

[bugsworth]

I was curious which step taught you to belittle others?

I know that what I am doing works for me...I can't speak for others although it does appear that we have some sober people posting here who do not wish to debate the issue with you.

[Barto]

Originally Posted by bugsworth

I was curious which step taught you to belittle others?

I have no idea what you are talking about? What Step might you possibly mean?

Originally Posted by bugsworth

I know that what I am doing works for me...I can't speak for others although it does appear that we have some sober people posting here who do not wish to debate the issue with you.

Are you saying these steps work for you? Are you saying these steps work for other alcoholics? If so, how many alcoholics have been sober for how long by taking these so-called steps? I really want to know. I get the feeling my inquiry makes you insecure? Why? I’m mainly just asking questions? I’m not debating anything.

[bugsworth]

If you read the entire thread you will see that I don't use any "steps".

Your inquiry does not make me insecure. Questions are good, unless of course one questions aa...Do you have any stats on the success rate of aa?

[Barto]

AA has a 100% success rate. It’s kept me 100% sober for the 20 plus years I’ve been practicing it. I also hear that it rarely fails for those that “thoroughly follow it’s path,” too. But why are we talking about AA over here?

You don’t work any steps? Curious. Then that would mean that you brought these steps into this section, but that you don’t work them? Now why would you do that?

Bugs, if anyone knows that they can question AA, it’s you. LOL. And so that there is no doubt, fire away. I’m up, caffeined, and in the mood.

[bugsworth]

Barto, I did bring these steps up..did you re-read the thread...it might be worth the few minutes and will answer your questions.

I too have a program that works without fail...A 100% success rate.

[Barto]

Please share about your program while I re-read the thread. It has been a while since I read it.

[bugsworth]

I use the DIY program. Do It Yourself.

No steps...no meetings...no religion...no higher power.

I never put alcohol in my body....NEVER. It works 100% of the time.