NOVEMBER I am responsible 2020 when anyone, Volume 44, #11 anywhere, reach- es out for help, I want the hand of A.A. always to be there, and for that I am respon- sible. life·line | \ ˈlīf-ˌlīn : 1. A rope or line used for life-saving, typically one thrown to rescue someone in difficulties in water. 2. A thing on which someone depends for a means of escape from a difficult situation. https://en.oxforddictionaries.com In the Big Book of Alcoholics Few recovering alcoholics can ter what we ingested or how we Anonymous, where the 12-step claim to have led a very rational acted out, we still felt scared, lost program is outlined, Step 11 lifestyle or maintain they have and alone a good portion of the reads: Sought through prayer and taken a level-headed approach to time. meditation to improve our con- daily life when in the grips of sub- scious contact with God as we stance abuse. Just by the nature Entering into a new way of life – understood Him, praying only for of addiction, it is probable that recovery – we have already be- the knowledge of His will for us few of us carefully weighed the gun to learn some humility and acceptance of life on life’s terms. and the power to carry that out. If pros and cons of our daily deci- those words seem like a tall order sions, asked others for advice Whether this means coming to to any newcomer in recovery, rest and followed it, or spent much grips with the devastation our ad- assured that, like all the other time seeking answers from a diction created, accepting limita- steps, Step 11 can be practiced source of higher wisdom; we tions, or being willing to make at a very basic level to begin with. were way too busy hurtling from gradual progress, we have begun Many of us were perfectionists (or one crisis to another, desperately to grow spiritually. It may look dif- at least highly competitive) before seeking gratification from alcohol ferent for everyone, but whether coming into recovery, but the or whatever behaviors gave us we realize it or not, we have al- practice of Step 11 is a personal satisfaction. However, the chase ready started doing what Step 11 matter that is between the individ- was a futile one, because no mat- asks us to do: stop reacting to life ual and his or her Higher Power, on autopilot, and start trying to not a competition or another task learn what the right path is and to cross off the to-do list. If we ap- then taking that path, even when proach Step 11 as a lifelong rela- we don’t understand it. tionship rather than a chore, we will understand that all relation- Tips for Practicing Step 11 ships have to begin somewhere… The great thing about the 12-step and be willing to put the time and program is that, since it’s spiritual effort into developing a closer and not religious, it doesn’t inter- bond with our higher self. fere with any way you may al- ready have of practicing the prin- A New Way of Life That’s Auto- ciples of prayer and meditation. matically Very Different from So, if you belong to a religion, you the Old might decide (continued on page 2) SOUTHERN MARYLAND INTERGROUP 1-800-492-0209 www.somdintergroup.org (cont.) to return to it with renewed vigor…or embrace something entirely new. The only requirement is that you be willing to practice what might be a very rusty or completely new skill! If we truly approach this step with willingness and humility, before long, we begin to experience hope, peace and fulfillment from seeking answers from a Higher Power or Higher Self, whatever you believe it to be. Here’s how to begin practicing Step 11: • Read the step on page 86 of the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous. It gives concrete ideas and sug- gestions of what to ask yourself in the morning and at night. • Try to spend equal amounts of time praying – “Talking to your Higher Power” – and meditating – “Listening to your Higher Power”. If meditation seems difficult, set the bar low: try to be still and focus on your breath for 2 minutes. If the si- lence makes you fidget, push past it, or try different forms of meditation, such as free guided medita- tions you can find online. As you begin to feel supported by your new practice of prayer and meditation, feelings of calm, strength and direction will begin to replace the cravings, doubts and fears that once dominated. Soon the feelings of belonging and connectedness we first experienced in recovery will be- come even stronger as we continue to draw closer to fulfilling our purpose in life, whatever that might be. https://renascent.ca/quick-guide-step-11-prayer-meditation-recovery/ “When we first come to the Program, we usually express a lot of things which seem to be A Step Down important wants and needs. As we grow spiritu- November and cold weather bring for me a ally and find out about a Power greater than time of being inside more often; inside my ourselves, we begin to realize that as long as home as well as more introspection. I use a our spiritual needs are truly met, our living prob- few simple tools of A.A.– such as prayer and meditation– to improve my conscious lems are reduced to a point of comfort. When contact with God. My willingness counts as we forget where our real strength lies, we quick- both an ingredient of sobriety and prayer, ly become subject to the same patterns of think- opening myself as a channel and allowing ing and action that got us to the Program in the the seeds to grow. In my early years of so- first place. We eventually redefine our beliefs briety in AA, I heard: ―Think of each Step not as a step up to sobriety, but rather as a and understanding to the point where we see step down to humility. In Bill W‘s story, he that our greatest need is for knowledge of God's says how important humility is as an ingredi- will for us and the strength to carry that out. We ent of sobriety. I have reached a conclusion are able to set aside some of our personal pref- that humility is closeness to God. Steps Ten, Eleven and Twelve are the mainte- erence, if necessary, to do this because we nance Steps: Steps to maintain the work, learn that God's will consists of the very things changes and spirituality that come as a re- we care most about. God's will for us becomes sult of the previous Steps. I heard, ―Use our own true will for ourselves. This happens in these tools in sobriety, ― much like wash- an intuitive manner which cannot be adequately cloths, polish and paint might be used to protect a wooden staircase I‘ve built with explained in words. We become willing to let quality lumber and great care. At meetings, other people be what they are without having to if I listen, I can hear the miracle and fulfill- pass judgment on them. The urgency to take ment of the Promise that God is doing for us care of things isn't there anymore. We couldn't what we cannot do for ourselves. ~Rick N. Dub- lin, Ohio (GV Nov. 09) comprehend acceptance in the beginning - now we can.” https://www.12step.org/the-12-steps/step-11/ SOUTHERN MARYLAND INTERGROUP 1-800-492-0209 www.somdintergroup.org 2 Alcoholics Anonymous' (AA) 12- of spirituality can be unfamiliar, greater than themselves, and they step program as described in the lost or rejected. If you seek solace have seen that power at work. "The Big Book," AA's guide for in a bottle or in bars, you may those recovering from alcoholism, have other problems going such As members accept the "serenity" has many references to God and as a broken relationship or crum- principle that "Nothing, absolutely religious themes, and Step 11 is bling marriage, a criminal history nothing happens in God's world by no different. In a nutshell, Step 11 or generally, a life in turmoil. Even mistake", there is an acknowledg- says to discover the plan God, as for those who have had an up- ment of a higher power, and there you understand him, has for your bringing in a church, you may find is a plan for their lives. Through life and find the power to carry it that your experience was more prayer and meditation, members out. "religious" and prescriptive rather can attempt to raise their con- than spiritual. sciousness of that power and AA states it is non-religious but draw on it to continue their per- rather spiritual in design, and as For most who are earnest in work- sonal journey of recovery. its cornerstone, members should ing the 12 steps, by the time you find a higher purpose or higher arrive at Step 11 you may discov- How Does a Person Who Is power. God can be described as a er a measure of spirituality at work Atheist or Agnostic Pray? [One religious being, or for atheists and in your life. For many AA mem- suggestion is that] you can pray or agnostics, it can simply mean the bers, they say they have discov- meditate by being still, quiet, stop- group dynamic experienced as a ered their higher power and form a ping, reflecting and listening to member at an AA meeting or even better understanding of that pow- your thoughts.