We see so many people in meetings, and out on the streets, still stumbling around with the program, hurting, whining and crying, still all covered up with the Great 3 S's of our disease, Self-pity, Self-righteousness, and Self-Bullshit, and wondering why they can't get "IT".
In every meeting the Prescription is read and heard and referred to, on the walls in posters. It is spelled out precisely in the BigBook on Pages 59 and 60.
Unwilling to disregard fear, and the 7 deadlies mentioned in the 12x12 on page 48, you know, pride, greed, lust, anger, gluttony, envy and SLOTH , people trouble themselves in vain to read the teachings. They see the prescription, but don't take the medicine --- How then can they do away with their illness?"
From the Big Book Page 72, Chapter 6, INTO ACTION . . .
"In actual practice, we usually find a solitary self-appraisal insufficient. Many of us thought it necessary to go much farther. We will be more reconciled to discussing ourselves with another person when we see good reasons why we should do so. The best reason first: If we skip this vital step, we may not overcome drinking. Time after time newcomers have tried to keep to themselves certain facts about their lives. Trying to avoid this humbling experience, they have turned to easier methods. Almost invariably they got drunk. Having persevered with the rest of the program, they wondered why they fell. We think the reason is that they never completed their housecleaning. They took inventory all right, but hung on to some of the worst items in stock. They only thought they had lost their egoism and fear; they only thought they had humbled themselves. But they had not learned enough of humility, fearlessness and HONESTY, in the sense we find it necessary, until they told someone else ALL of their life story.
As it was told to me, "Until someone in AA knows everything you know about yourself, you are nowhere."
WHY??? Because, until the steps are done thoroughly, and the garbage resolved and eliminated, the old thought system still has a basis for return.
And they still wonder why they are not Getting "IT".
"Half-measures availed us nothing!!"
On Page 98 of the Big Book, "Burn the idea into the consciousness of every man [and woman] that he [she] can get well regardless of anyone. The only condition is that he [she] trust in God and clean house."
The Steps of the Program are the Mops and Brooms to Clean House.
It isn't any secret, friends, it is all spelled out clearly. There are 12 things to do, and one to not do, no matter what.
If the steps are not done, and done thoroughly, then the individual must live with the consequences of that decision or lack of decision . . . Sorry about that, but that is the way it is, One Day At A Time.
From Barefootsworld.net
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Life is short..Live it sober to the fullest...One day at a time...
From my perspective, now that I have learned that it's pretty much life or death the program of action becomes easier. I feel that I need to do these things in order to live.
In the book it says the 12 steps are merely suggestions. I say "bullshit!" The promises only come true after working the steps. The spiritual awakening only happens after working the steps. Freedom from alcohol only comes after working the steps. The wreckage of the past becomes a tool after working the steps. Shall I go on?
People get so hung up on taking suggestions, saying I can't possibly do that. A thorough and fearless inventory, making amends to those I hate, believing in a power greater than myself. I really don't care for sugarcoated AA. I want to know the facts and be able to get guidance and advice from my sponsor and fellow AA's. Without this I'm dead. Kinda makes the whole honest, open-minded, and willing part a hell of alot eaier.
Rarely have we seen a person fail who has thoroughly followed our path. That tells me that if I do what other people with good long-term sobriety have done, chances are I just might stay sober and find out how to live without alcohol and drugs.
I guess I feel pretty strongly about this. This post struck a chord inside me because of the hardcore truth it contained.
Sometimes quickly sometimes slowly sober, they will always materialize if we work for them!!! Spirtual awakening in my opinion is a process for me it didnt happen all at once like a burning bush, it happened in different ways such as seeing a newcommer come in and change and grow as a result of working this program. this is some good stuff u posted today Phil! For me I have to remain teachable. This Barefoot page rocks phil!!!! Thanx for lettin me share
