Thoughts on Step 12

[nandm]

"Having had a spiritual awakening as a result of these Steps, we tried to carry this message to alcoholics, and to practice these principles in all our affairs."

We have now arrived at the grandaddy of all the steps. Tis is the greatest challenge of all.

We've come a long way. And we still have a long way to go. But what a way! The freedom we now enjoy will be triply enhanced when we have finished Step Twelve--the ultimate step in decisiveness and resolve---for its benefits are without number.

Our growing sense of self-worth is propelling us into the awakening that Step Twelve promises. By nw, of course, we understand that there is no uniformity in the version that dispels all doubt. Others benefit by an educational process that allows us to view spirituality in a new and comfortable light. But no matter how it comes to us, the experience is so profound that it releases us from the bondage of self.

Step By Step, Meditations for living the Twelve Steps. Muriel Zink

[nandm]

Thank you for the insightful and honest contribution.

[nandm]

"Having had a spiritual awakening as a result of these Steps, we tried to carry this message to alcoholics, and to practice these principles in all our affairs."

What a gift this step is. It completes the key to the circle of recovery; giving back what I have been given.

By applying the steps and principles to all aspects of my life I have found that there is no difficulty that feels insurmountable. Prior to having these spiritual tools every obstacle was seen as a potential life/sanity threatening event.

I am grateful today for the program of AA and all that it has given me.

[nandm]

[unkabud]

Christmas cheers without the beers
A beautiful tomorrow
without the sorrow of things I use to do
the 12 steps worked for me and will for you.

Merry Christmas

[barb dwyer]

This was the 12X12 meeting topic as well.

WHen we have that spiritual awakening,
it shows.
THAT ... is what the newcomer sees in us.

NOT trying to fix anyone
NOT controlling or projecting a needy
"I'm in charge" image
(which is what many wind up doing)

Instead,
we've found an answer.

And it shows.

In all aspects of our lives.

[findingout]

I found a 12 step talk online given by Heather Sundberg. Her topic was actually the Serenity prayer, but one of the things she said in closing hit me pretty hard:

We don't just carry the message, we are the message.

This really made me think about the "practicing these principles in all our affairs" part of step twelve. The way I act, talk, and think in meetings and in the much larger world outside of meetings is a reflection of the spiritual part of the program working or not working in my life. The men I sponsor and the newcomers at meetings are observing the whole package, not just my words on whatever step we happen to be discussing.

I have sat at tables with people who have many years of sobriety in the program, heard them wax elegantly about the steps and the program, but before or after the table, these same people let loose some of the ugliest racist and/or sexist remarks I've ever heard. On the other hand, I have observed people come into the program and do a complete 180 in areas of life which would seem to have nothing at all to do with not drinking.

So, maybe, part of the message has nothing to do with not drinking or alcoholism at all. How do I carry that part of the message to people who are not even alcoholics? They are not going to be interested having a discussion on any of the steps and I certainly have no desire to become an evangelist for my particular conception of God. I am left with my words and actions outside of the church basement or the alano club meeting room. It's all I have.