Despite the subject matter of this site there nevertheless remain many members of AA who take a responsible line in sponsoring others, exceeding neither their capacity nor their authority in terms of that specific relationship with another member; they may demand much of themselves but nothing of others; it is the case that “Our leaders are but trusted servants; they do not govern”.
Those who are new to AA should be aware that they are under no obligation to take on a sponsor; the only requirement for AA membership is a desire to stop drinking. It is also the case that sponsorship is not a requirement that must be met in order to proceed through the recovery programme (if indeed the individual wishes to follow that particular route). There is no reference whatsoever in the Big Book to sponsorship as such and certainly not to that style exemplified by members of the cult groups. There is a very useful booklet entitled “Questions and Answers on Sponsorship” (click here for pdf download) produced by AA which gives an introduction to the subject. Further we would refer you to Chapter 7 “Working With Others “ which most accurately demonstrates the true nature of 12th Step work.
Broadly sponsorship can mean many things to both sponsors and potential sponsees. However, for the purposes of this article, we take it to refer to the occasion where an AA member has decided that they do wish to go through the 12 Step recovery programme of Alcoholics Anonymous as laid out in the book Alcoholics Anonymous (the “Big Book”) and is now seeking assistance in achieving that goal.
It should also be noted that in theory (and indeed in practice) there is nothing to suggest that a member may not go through the programme under their own steam; there is only one instance where they will require the assistance of another human being and that is in Step 5 (and that other person does not have to be a member of the Fellowship). However, it is true to say that when moving into unfamiliar territory a map is very useful but even better a guide who has been that way before. But it is our view that if you are unable to discover a suitable conductor then it is better to go it alone than not go at all. But even here it is not in fact necessary to have to undergo this exciting journey on your own. It can be most enriching to follow this path in the company of your fellows and the course suggested below may prove to be attractive on that ground alone.
The transmission of the AA message is based in the act of sharing our experience, strength and hope with each other so that we may solve our common problem. There is no need for any of us to adopt a specific title in order to achieve that aim, nor to adopt any kind of formal role, nor does it presuppose any kind of significant hierarchy of knowledge to exist (ie between those of ‘some’ experience and those of ‘little’ experience). We are fortunate in that the pioneers of our recovery programme had the foresight to write down their experience and pass it on to us. We are in possession of an excellent guide that can lead us from the darkness into the Sunlight of the Spirit.
One means by which we can approach that guide is suggested below. We would encourage everyone at least to consider its proposals and decide for themselves whether it is a course that they would like to take.
A course designed to enable each individual to study the basic text of Alcoholics Anonymous and take certain steps. This is not a study group per se but a practical course designed to take people through the recovery programme.
It is acknowledged that the study method itself is not included in the text; it represents only a means of approaching the subject matter and enabling the student to grasp the spiritual principles outlined in the book.
The study method essentially involves reading the text in detail whilst looking for the categories outlined below. These examples of the categories are then copied out, filed in the ring binder under the relevant section and read out at the following session, each member of the group taking it in turns to read out their contributions. This is an opportunity for members to clarify and discuss between themselves what they have learned and thereby acquire a deeper understanding of the material. Additionally at certain points in the process questions taken from the text are available to each member to answer for themselves to their satisfaction only. There is no grading system for this course; no pass or fail. At certain points in the course a number of steps are taken according to the instructions in the book. Again these steps are taken by each individual and solely to their satisfaction. The other members of the group are not there to judge them but to support each other’s efforts in going through the programme.
The course is designed to be taken by between 2 to 6 members at a time. Any number greater than this tends towards discouraging those who find working in large groups intimidating. The ideal size would be 4-6 people which will allow all to participate with minimal inhibition and allow time for everyone to make a proportionate contribution. No one in the group is a sponsor or indeed a leader. It may be practical for each member in turn to act as “facilitator” for the group; their role is restricted to ensuring that timetables are met and that things run smoothly during their term of duty.
A few preliminary points:
1) Anyone following this procedure retains the undisputed right to discontinue at any point for any reason that they choose – no attempt should be made to persuade them to change their course of action – no one can be truly free to say yes to something unless they are equally free to say no to it.
Those who are new to AA should be aware that they are under no obligation to take on a sponsor; the only requirement for AA membership is a desire to stop drinking. It is also the case that sponsorship is not a requirement that must be met in order to proceed through the recovery programme (if indeed the individual wishes to follow that particular route). There is no reference whatsoever in the Big Book to sponsorship as such and certainly not to that style exemplified by members of the cult groups. There is a very useful booklet entitled “Questions and Answers on Sponsorship” (click here for pdf download) produced by AA which gives an introduction to the subject. Further we would refer you to Chapter 7 “Working With Others “ which most accurately demonstrates the true nature of 12th Step work.
Broadly sponsorship can mean many things to both sponsors and potential sponsees. However, for the purposes of this article, we take it to refer to the occasion where an AA member has decided that they do wish to go through the 12 Step recovery programme of Alcoholics Anonymous as laid out in the book Alcoholics Anonymous (the “Big Book”) and is now seeking assistance in achieving that goal.
It should also be noted that in theory (and indeed in practice) there is nothing to suggest that a member may not go through the programme under their own steam; there is only one instance where they will require the assistance of another human being and that is in Step 5 (and that other person does not have to be a member of the Fellowship). However, it is true to say that when moving into unfamiliar territory a map is very useful but even better a guide who has been that way before. But it is our view that if you are unable to discover a suitable conductor then it is better to go it alone than not go at all. But even here it is not in fact necessary to have to undergo this exciting journey on your own. It can be most enriching to follow this path in the company of your fellows and the course suggested below may prove to be attractive on that ground alone.
The transmission of the AA message is based in the act of sharing our experience, strength and hope with each other so that we may solve our common problem. There is no need for any of us to adopt a specific title in order to achieve that aim, nor to adopt any kind of formal role, nor does it presuppose any kind of significant hierarchy of knowledge to exist (ie between those of ‘some’ experience and those of ‘little’ experience). We are fortunate in that the pioneers of our recovery programme had the foresight to write down their experience and pass it on to us. We are in possession of an excellent guide that can lead us from the darkness into the Sunlight of the Spirit.
One means by which we can approach that guide is suggested below. We would encourage everyone at least to consider its proposals and decide for themselves whether it is a course that they would like to take.
A course designed to enable each individual to study the basic text of Alcoholics Anonymous and take certain steps. This is not a study group per se but a practical course designed to take people through the recovery programme.
It is acknowledged that the study method itself is not included in the text; it represents only a means of approaching the subject matter and enabling the student to grasp the spiritual principles outlined in the book.
The study method essentially involves reading the text in detail whilst looking for the categories outlined below. These examples of the categories are then copied out, filed in the ring binder under the relevant section and read out at the following session, each member of the group taking it in turns to read out their contributions. This is an opportunity for members to clarify and discuss between themselves what they have learned and thereby acquire a deeper understanding of the material. Additionally at certain points in the process questions taken from the text are available to each member to answer for themselves to their satisfaction only. There is no grading system for this course; no pass or fail. At certain points in the course a number of steps are taken according to the instructions in the book. Again these steps are taken by each individual and solely to their satisfaction. The other members of the group are not there to judge them but to support each other’s efforts in going through the programme.
The course is designed to be taken by between 2 to 6 members at a time. Any number greater than this tends towards discouraging those who find working in large groups intimidating. The ideal size would be 4-6 people which will allow all to participate with minimal inhibition and allow time for everyone to make a proportionate contribution. No one in the group is a sponsor or indeed a leader. It may be practical for each member in turn to act as “facilitator” for the group; their role is restricted to ensuring that timetables are met and that things run smoothly during their term of duty.
A few preliminary points:
1) Anyone following this procedure retains the undisputed right to discontinue at any point for any reason that they choose – no attempt should be made to persuade them to change their course of action – no one can be truly free to say yes to something unless they are equally free to say no to it.
2) If it seems to anyone in the group that elements are being introduced into the study course that diverge from the basic text they are free to draw the group’s attention to it and bring the procedure back in line with the text.
3) Anyone who should decide that they do not wish to continue with the course should be aware that they can at some later date join another group and continue with the course from the point at which they left off (or if they choose, to start again from the beginning). This allows for the fact that people are at different stages of recovery and have differing capacities. Nobody should be forced to go any further or faster than they are able – and the final judgement as to this schedule is the responsibility of the individual concerned – not that of anyone else. At the points where questions arise in the course (they are indicated in red) and that each person need only answer to their own satisfaction - if they find that they cannot do so they should discontinue with the course at that point.
4) There are NO conditions attached to joining the course other than: “If you have decided you want what we have and are willing to go to any length to get it – then you are ready to take certain steps”. (p. 58 BB)
5) Everyone in the group should be supplied with a full copy of this outline – this will ensure that everyone is acquainted with what is to come and that no one is kept in the dark about any aspect of the study method and structure.
6) This method ensures that “principles” are placed firmly before “personalities” and that no one in the group should seek to dictate to, or manipulate any other member of the group.
7) The main purpose of this course is to re-emphasise the role that the “group” plays in individual recovery – and that no one person necessarily has to be its leader or “guru”.Finally it should be noted that the page numbers referred to during the course are as they appear in the 3rd edition. Therefore there may be some variation in that numbering order within other editions of the basic text.
STRUCTURE
The course is broken down into a number of sessions. The duration of each session and their frequency is up to the group to decide – it should be such that the gaps between sessions is not so long that the group’s momentum dissipates nor so short that members are unable to keep up with the workload. The group will have to move at the pace of its slowest member – for those who like to rush ahead – they will need to practice patience and tolerance – for those who tend to move slowly and cautiously – they will need to exert themselves and take a few risks. The advantages of working in a group is that it encourages healthy competitiveness, helps members keep to their schedules, strengthens virtues and weakens defects of character and above all demonstrates the great virtue of AA – working with others.
1st session (before any meeting)
All potential members of the group read the following sections of the Big Book – these sections will be the areas covered. The focus will be on the basic text and will exclude individual accounts of recovery (ie the stories). [The purpose of the reading is to ensure that everyone knows what they will be studying and what it involves. At this stage this is just a preliminary reading and should not take too much time. One thing that we can assure any reader of this article (and of the Big Book) – there is nothing to fear here].
pp. xi-xxx
pp. 17-164 (text not including Bill’s Story)
pp. 563-575
Once everyone has read the relevant sections it is time to arrange the first meeting. It may be at one individual’s house that is convenient for the rest to attend or people can take it in turns to act as host to the event. As a rough guideline one to two hours will be sufficient for each session (but finally that is up to the group to decide).
2nd session
Before attending the 2nd session each member of the group should have asked themselves the following question. If they can truthfully say yes then they can proceed. If not then it would be unwise to go further. It is always useful to remind ourselves that “progress rather than perfection” is always a good guideline and that no-one should trouble themselves too much looking for the “perfect answer”.
Question:
“If you have decided you want what we have and are willing to go to any length to get it – then you are ready to take certain steps”. (p. 58)
If the answer is “yes” then here follows some introductory information.
How AA started – its formation from 3 sources:
a) Carl Jung – notion of psychic change (BB. p. 27)
b) Dr Silkworth – (Doctor’s Opinion) – explanation of allergy/craving – mental obsession
c) Oxford Groups – ‘religious’ or ‘spiritual’ awakening through adherence to spiritual principles outlined in the Steps.
It may be that some members of the group already have some knowledge of the history of AA – they could perhaps share that information with the others – the purpose of this section is to demonstrate that AA did not just arrive from nowhere – its sources (among others) lie in the above three areas.
From the above it follows that our situation may be defined thus:
a) The Problem – allergy/craving/mental obsession
b) The Solution – complete abstinence/psychic change
c) The Method – to move from the problem to the solution – the Steps
Reason the BB written – “To show other alcoholics precisely how we have recovered is the main purpose of this book” (BB, p. xiii).
Now we come to the materials for the course. They are:
i) 1 ring binder
ii) 5 divider sheets
iii) Pad of hole punched, margined, A4 size file paper
iv) One felt tip “highlighter” pen – more of the same colour may be required – that depends on how much work each individual does
v) 1 copy of Big Book – preferably unmarked but not essential
Each individual will need to acquire the above items and bring them to all the following sessions.
Now we look at the assigned work for the next session (3rd session). Each person should read up to p. 43 again (excluding Bill’s Story). During the reading they should look for examples of the following five categories
Five categories
a) MUSTS – things I have to do, must do
b) YOU’D BETTERS – things that are suggested I do – not as strong as a MUST
c) MESSAGES – things that have special meaning to me
d) PROMISES – the good things that will happen if I put the programme into action
e) NAMES FOR GOD – usually a word or phrase in the middle of a sentence which begins with a capital letter.
So taking category a) where the word “must”, “have to” occur those words as well as the context containing them should be highlighted using the felt tip pen. The same process applies to the other categories. The MESSAGES section is a little more open to liberal interpretation thereby pointing up the fact that the programme is a very personal matter, that is the property of no one and that no sole interpretation is the definitive one. The highlighted words, phrases, sentences or even whole paragraphs are then copied onto the A4 paper (it is useful to include the page number in the margin for future reference) and filed in the ring binder under the appropriate category (or categories if a section contains a mix of the five)
Some examples (for guidance only)
MUSTS
p. xiv “The only requirement for membership is an honest desire to stop drinking”.
p.xix “But out of this frightening and at first disrupting experience the conviction grew that A.A.’s had to hang together, or die separately. We had to unify our Fellowship or pass off the scene”.
p. 20 “Our very lives, as ex-problem drinkers, depend upon our constant thought of others and how we may help meet their needs”.
YOU’D BETTERS
p.xxx “I earnestly advise every alcoholic to read this book through, and though perhaps he came to scoff, he may remain to pray”.
p.27 Some of our alcoholic readers may think they can do without spiritual help”.
MESSAGES
p.xv “recovered alcoholics”
p.xx “Alcoholics Anonymous is not a religious organisation”.
p.xxiv “The doctor’s theory that we have an allergy to alcohol interests us”.
PROMISES
p.xi “We, of Alcoholics Anonymous, are more than one hundred men and women who have recovered from a seemingly hopeless state of mind and body”.
p.25 “We have found much of heaven and we have been rocketed into a fourth dimension of existence of which we had not even dreamed”.
p.28 “What seemed at first a flimsy reed, has proved to be the loving and powerful hand of God. A new life has been given us or, if you prefer, “a design for living” that really works”.
NAMES FOR GOD
p.xxv “in the Power”
p.25 “toward God’s universe”
p.28 “children of a living Creator”
p.43 “His defense must come from a Higher Power”
[Note: Chapter 2, “There is a Solution” – deals with the 1st half of Step One
Chapter 3, “More About Alcoholism” – deals with the 2nd half of Step One
Chapter 4, “We Agnostics” – deals with Step Two]
When this has been completed bring work back with you to next session
3rd session
Each member takes it in turn to read out the information that they have identified in their study of each of the five categories. This affords an opportunity for members to discuss what has been learnt and fill in the gaps that they may have missed. It is not the role of any member of the group to act here as the “teacher” or “sponsor” and the utmost respect should be shown for any member’s interpretation of the information. [A reminder – there is no pass or fail in this process and no one to decide who passes or fails for that matter].
Next assignment: continue to p. 63 down to 3rd line from bottom of page. Also read Appendix II – Spiritual Experience. Follow same procedure as for preceding session – reading text, highlighting and writing down in categories – return to group with work completed.
4th session
Read over what has been done and discuss in the group.
Next assignment: continue to p. 84 down to middle of page, paragraph ending “They will always materialize if we work for them” – return to group with work completed.
[Note: In the next session (5th) the first eight steps of the programme can be taken. It will be necessary to set aside the appropriate time for these steps to be taken as well as for the usual discussion of the written work completed. A suggested timetable is as follows:
Usual time set aside to read out and discuss written work. Then Steps 1, 2 and 3 can be taken as indicated. The group then may decide to meet again after an agreed time period (two weeks should suffice to write out a thorough inventory and share it with an appropriate person – Steps 4 and 5) to continue with the remaining Steps 6, 7 and 8.
5th session
Read over what has been done and discuss in group
Step One
[Note: These questions each person asks within themselves and for themselves and if the answer is yes then they can proceed to the next question and step. If the answer is no then they should withdraw from the course until they are truly able to answer yes to each question].
Questions:
“Do you fully concede to your innermost self that you are an alcoholic?” (a paraphrase of the 2nd paragraph on that page (BB, p. 30).
“Do you admit that you were powerless over alcohol – that your life had become unmanageable?” (a paraphrase of the 1st step on p. 59).
If the answers to these questions that you ask yourself are yes then you can proceed onwards. If not then you should discontinue.
Step Two
Question:
“Do I now believe, or am I even willing to believe, that there is a Power greater than myself? (p. 47, BB).
If yes then onto to Step Three – if no the above applies
Step Three
This step may be taken with another person and on one’s knees - if it is desired. The wording is also “quite optional so long as we expressed the idea, voicing it without reservation”. (BB, p. 63)
Prayer: “God, I offer …… They will always!” (BB, p. 63)
Once this is done: “Next we launched out on a course of vigorous action” – Step 4 (BB, p. 63).
[It is as this point that the group can break to meet up again after an agreed period (see above) after each one has completed their Step 4 and 5]
Step Four
“We took stock honestly”. (BB, p. 64)
“We went back through our lives”. (BB, p. 65)
“If you have already made a decision, and an inventory of your grosser handicaps you have made a good beginning”. (BB, p. 71)
“We have admitted certain defects; we have ascertained in a rough way what the trouble is;” (BB, p. 72)
In the quote above the underlines are our emphases. These can be noted as an indication that Step 4 is merely the first of a series of inventories that can be continued in Step 10. There is no need to try and do a perfect Step 4 and that this particular inventory is intended to give a rough idea of the grosser problems we have to work with. Hopefully this guideline will prevent any attempt to do a "War and Peace" inventory covering every trivial grudge that we have ever held. On the other hand it is suggested that it be "thorough". Each person must judge for themselves this balance.
Step 4 layout (and some examples)
| I’m resentful at | The cause | Affects my | I have harmed | My mistakes | I had been: |
| People Institutions Principles | Whatever | Self-esteem (fear)Security Ambitions Personal relations Sex relations | Whoever | Whatever | Selfish Dishonest Self seeking Frightened |
| Eg. People – Joe Bloggs | He’s smarter than me | Self-esteem (fear), Ambitions | Joe Bloggs | I told lies about him at work | Selfish Dishonest Self seeking Frightened |
| Eg. Institutions – the government | They tax me on my cigarettes | Security | The government | I buy dodgy tobacco at the market | Dishonest Self-seeking, Frightened |
| Eg. capitalism | The rich get richer I get poorer | Self-esteem (fear)Security | Capitalism | I cheat on my expenses | Dishonest Self-seeking Frightened |
| etc | etc | etc | etc | etc | etc |
(BB, p. 65) and for 2nd set of 3 columns (BB. p. 67) – “Referring to our list again…..”
It is recommended to complete the first 3 columns before "Referring to our list again......" (BB p. 67) and filling in the next set of 3 columns.
When this has been done we can read through the list, row by row, and after each entry we say to ourselves:
“This is a sick man. How can I be helpful to him? God save me from being angry. Thy will be done”. (BB, p. 67)
Fear list
“We reviewed our fears thoroughly. We put them on paper ….” (BB. p. 68)
eg. Fear of God, work, heights, sharks, my father, my brother, the boss, travelling by Tube etc
It is sufficient just to write a list – no analysis is required.
Sex conduct
“We reviewed our own conduct over the years past”. “We got this all down on paper and looked at it”. (BB, p. 69)
It is recommended to complete the first 3 columns before "Referring to our list again......" (BB p. 67) and filling in the next set of 3 columns.
When this has been done we can read through the list, row by row, and after each entry we say to ourselves:
“This is a sick man. How can I be helpful to him? God save me from being angry. Thy will be done”. (BB, p. 67)
Fear list
“We reviewed our fears thoroughly. We put them on paper ….” (BB. p. 68)
eg. Fear of God, work, heights, sharks, my father, my brother, the boss, travelling by Tube etc
It is sufficient just to write a list – no analysis is required.
Sex conduct
“We reviewed our own conduct over the years past”. “We got this all down on paper and looked at it”. (BB, p. 69)
[Table below designed from 1st paragraph on p. 69]
Some examples:
| I had hurt | Where I was at fault? | What should I have done instead? | Did I unjustifiably arouse? | I had been: |
| - | - | - | Jealousy Suspicion Bitterness | Selfish Dishonest Inconsiderate |
| Sandra | I was not very affectionate | Been more considerate | Yes. Jealousy Bitterness | Selfish Dishonest Inconsiderate |
| Lisa | Had an affair | Not had an affair | Yes Jealousy Bitterness Suspicion | Selfish Dishonest Inconsiderate |
[Please note that the sex conduct list investigates only those aspects of our behaviour where we have been selfish and caused harm to another person because of that deficiency in ourselves; it is not an inventory of sexual practices as has been interpreted in some quarters. This is not a charter for voyeurs (or for that matter exhibitionists) and any aspects of sex conduct which may have serious psychological (or criminal) implications are best left to those who are professionally competent to deal with such matters. This principles applies to all our dealings with fellow alcoholics. In the context of AA we are not here as sex therapists, doctors, lawyers, marriage guidance counsellors, psychotherapists, debt counsellors etc - just alcoholics seeking to help other alcoholics overcome their alcohol problem]
Once this is completed on to Step Five
Step Five
Select a suitable person for this step. See pages 74 and 75 for some suggestions on who might be appropriate.
“When we decide who is to hear our story, we waste no time. We have a written inventory and we are prepared for a long talk. We explain to our partner what we are about to do and why we have to do it”. (BB, p. 75)
After Step Five has been concluded:
“Returning home we find a place where we can be quiet for an hour, carefully reviewing what we have done”. (BB, p. 75)
[When Steps 4 and 5 have been completed then it is time to meet up again to do the remaining steps].
6th session
The group meets again to do the following steps. It is useful to carry these out in a group although they always remain steps to be taken individually
Step Six
With reference to our 1 hour review (see above after Step 5) – “If we can answer to our satisfaction, we then look at Step Six”. (BB, p. 76)
Question:
“Are we now ready to let God remove from us all the things which we have admitted are objectionable? Can he now take them all – every one? If we still cling to something we will not let go, we ask God to help us be willing”.
As usual if the answer is yes then proceed. If not then discontinue the course.
Step Seven (BB. p. 76)
“When ready, we say something like this: “My Creator, I am now willing that you should have all of me, good and bad. I pray that you now remove from me every single defect of character which stands in the way of my usefulness to you and my fellows. Grant me strength, as I go out from here, to do your bidding. Amen”."
Step Seven is now completed
Step Eight (BB, p. 76)
“We have a list of all persons we have harmed and to whom we are willing to make amends. We made it when we took inventory”.
Step Eight is completed, on to Step Nine
Next assignment:
Continue study procedure up to the end of Chapter 7, “Working with Others”, p. 103.
In the meantime consider the Step 8 list. A suggestion might be to decide upon a schedule for making amends.
i) Who? – Whether they will be harmed.
ii) How? – By letter, face-to-face, phone etciii) When?
7th session
Read over what has been done. Discuss.
Once this is completed on to Step Five
Step Five
Select a suitable person for this step. See pages 74 and 75 for some suggestions on who might be appropriate.
“When we decide who is to hear our story, we waste no time. We have a written inventory and we are prepared for a long talk. We explain to our partner what we are about to do and why we have to do it”. (BB, p. 75)
After Step Five has been concluded:
“Returning home we find a place where we can be quiet for an hour, carefully reviewing what we have done”. (BB, p. 75)
[When Steps 4 and 5 have been completed then it is time to meet up again to do the remaining steps].
6th session
The group meets again to do the following steps. It is useful to carry these out in a group although they always remain steps to be taken individually
Step Six
With reference to our 1 hour review (see above after Step 5) – “If we can answer to our satisfaction, we then look at Step Six”. (BB, p. 76)
Question:
“Are we now ready to let God remove from us all the things which we have admitted are objectionable? Can he now take them all – every one? If we still cling to something we will not let go, we ask God to help us be willing”.
As usual if the answer is yes then proceed. If not then discontinue the course.
Step Seven (BB. p. 76)
“When ready, we say something like this: “My Creator, I am now willing that you should have all of me, good and bad. I pray that you now remove from me every single defect of character which stands in the way of my usefulness to you and my fellows. Grant me strength, as I go out from here, to do your bidding. Amen”."
Step Seven is now completed
Step Eight (BB, p. 76)
“We have a list of all persons we have harmed and to whom we are willing to make amends. We made it when we took inventory”.
Step Eight is completed, on to Step Nine
Next assignment:
Continue study procedure up to the end of Chapter 7, “Working with Others”, p. 103.
In the meantime consider the Step 8 list. A suggestion might be to decide upon a schedule for making amends.
i) Who? – Whether they will be harmed.
ii) How? – By letter, face-to-face, phone etciii) When?
7th session
Read over what has been done. Discuss.
Step Nine
Discuss i) ii) and iii) above if required. Explore amends’ methods if required. Each person sets their own schedule and discuss this if required. [Note: Step 9 is an ongoing step – this may take years to complete and possibly never since some opportunities to make amends may not present themselves]
Step Ten (BB, p. 84)
This may be continued in precisely the way indicated for Steps 4 and 5 on a daily basis. Any currently occurring amends may be carried out using the same procedure for Steps 8 and 9.
Step Eleven (BB, pp. 85-88)
Mark out the following paragraphs for a suggested daily programme of prayer, meditation and review:
1) “When we retire at night …. Corrective measures should be taken”.
2) “On awakening let us think …. We come to rely upon it”.
3) “We usually conclude the ….. You can easily see why”.
4) “As we go through the day ….. entirely devoted to Step Twelve”
Step Twelve
See: Chapter Seven - Working with Others. Here are some suggestions for 12 Step work.
Next assignment: Continue study up to p. 164 and the remaining appendices.
8th session
Read over what has been done. Discuss etc.
Review any amends to be carried out if so wished.
Now you may choose to select your spiritual principles from your list of ‘MUSTS’ and ‘YOU’D BETTERS’. These may be the principles that the individual will try “…. to practise …. in all [their] affairs”. These may be written down for future reference.
Remember: “No one among us has been able to maintain anything like perfect adherence to these principles. We are not saints”.
Congratulations
END OF COURSE (but not end of programme!)
The writer welcomes any questions relating to the course and suggestions for improving the clarity of its presentation.
Queries or comments may be sent via the website
