Unfortunates vs Fortunates
Who are the "unfortunates" who's been seen to fail when following our path?
people who CANNOT or WILL NOT completely give themselves to this simple program (men and women who are constitutionally incapable of being honest with themselves.)
What was the first AAers reaction/thought at some of the 12 steps?
( 2 things)
1) "At some of these we balked."
2) "We thought we could find an easier, softer way. But we could not"
What does the book tell me when I exclaim “What an order! I can’t go through with it.”
"Do not be discouraged"
Recite a-b-c
What is "the first requirement" ? What should we be convinced in?
"The first requirement is that we be convinced that any life run on self-will can hardly be a success."
What "manner of living" we MUST grasp and develop
a manner of living which demands rigorous honesty
What do first AAers beg us all to do?
"to be fearless and thorough from the very start."
How many AAers did maintain perfect adherence to the 12 step principles?
None
Restate the ABCs
your own words
What happens when we run our life on self will with good motives?
"we are almost always in collision with something or somebody, even though our motives are good"
How many people that suffer from grave emotional and mental disorders do recover?
Is there a condition for their recovery?
.."many of them do recover
if they have the capacity to be honest."
Why do the first AAers beg us to be fearless and thorough from the very start?
Some of us have tried to hold on to our old ideas and the result was nil until we let go absolutely.
What is the point?
"The point is, that we are willing to GROW along spiritual lines."
Once we were convinced of the ABCs, we were where?
"we were at Step Three"
What do most people try to live by?
self-propulsion
When are we "ready to take certain steps?"
( 2 things )
When you have decided you
1) want what we have
2) willing to go to any length to get it
What are the first AAers telling us we are dealing with here?
"we deal with alcohol – cunning, baffling, powerful! Without help it is too much for us"
What do we claim?
"spiritual progress rather than spiritual perfection."
What 3 things make the ABCs clear?
1) Our description of the alcoholic
2) the chapter to the agnostic
3) personal adventures before and after
What does the actor wants ?
"wants to run the whole show; arrange the lights, ballet, the scenery and the rest of the players in his own way."
What does it mean to "Go to Any Lengths"?
(be specific and give examples)
“If we haven’t the will to do this [make amends], we ask until it comes. Remember, it was agreed at the beginning we would go to any lengths for victory over alcohol.”
Page 76, Into Action (Steps 8 & 9)
“Reminding ourselves that we have decided to go to any lengths to find a spiritual experience, we ask that we be given the strength and direction to do the right thing, no matter what the personal consequences may be.”
Page 79, Into Action (Step 9)
First AAers do tell us that God is the One who has all power. But do they say when and where do we find God?
Yes "May you find Him now!"
When: NOW
Where: IN THE RIGHT NOW
What are we not required to do perfect in order to recover?
"perfect adherence to these principles" (12 steps)
In the original manuscript what did it used to say to do for those of us that are not convinced in the ABCs
"If you are not convinced on these vital issues, you ought to re-read the book to this point or else throw it away!"
What varied traits does the actor possses?
.."kind, considerate, patient, generous; even modest and self-sacrificing. On the other hand, he may be mean, egotistical, selfish and dishonest."