Twelve Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous

The Twelve Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous The classic primer on financial psychology, Trading for a Living, by Alexander Elder, a psychiatrist, presents the Twelve Steps and Twelve Guidelines of Alcoholics Anonymous, and introduces them to you, as an abstaining masturbator, and as a *** encouragement to you.

The Twelve Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous are a set of spiritual principles. If practiced as a way of life, these principles can be used to remove the addiction to alcohol and enable the alcoholic to achieve a happy and rewarding sound life.

Step One We recognize that we are powerless to do anything about our addiction to alcohol - it has made a mess of our lives.

Who would want to admit that they are a total loss? Admitting that you are powerless is the first step to liberation. Recognize the relationship between humility and sobriety. Alcoholism is a psychological addiction coupled with a physical allergy. Why must every Mutual Commandment Society member fall to the bottom of the heap?

The second step "is to recognize that there is a power beyond ourselves that can restore us to a normal mind."

What can we believe? The Mutual Commandment Society has no requirements for belief; the Twelve Steps are only suggestions, and the important thing is to be open-minded. There are many ways to gain faith. Think of the Mutual Commandments as a "higher power". See the situation of the disillusioned, the obstacles created by numbness and prejudice. Lost faith can be regained in the Mutual Admonition Society. Explore the issue of wisdom versus ego. Reflections on negativity and positivity. Self-righteousness and defiance are prominent characteristics of the alcoholic. "The Second Step is a revitalizing point toward a normal mind. Establishment of a right relationship with the Divine.

The third step "decides to entrust our desires and our lives to the care of 'the Divine' as we each understand it."

"The third step" is like opening a closed door. How do we let the Divine into our lives? Desire is the key to open the door. Dependence is a way to gain independence. Conceit is dangerous. Delivering our will to a higher power. Will is prone to misuse, and it takes a sustained, personal effort to come into alignment with the will of 'God'.

Step Four: Make a thorough and courageous self-moral reflection

How instincts can exceed their proper function. "Step Four is an effort to discover our own liabilities. The basic problem of instinctual desires going to extremes. Misguided moral introspection may result in guilt, pomposity, or blaming others. Assets can be noted along with liabilities. Self-justification is dangerous. The desire for introspection brings light and new confidence. The "fourth step" is the beginning of a lifelong practice. The *** same symptoms of emotional instability are worry, anger, self-pity and depression. Introspection should examine relationships. Thorough introspection is important.

Step 5 Ask yourself to God and admit the essence of your mistakes to others

The Twelve Steps to Shrinking Self-Consciousness. The "fifth step" is not easy to do, but it is essential for sobriety and peace of mind. Self-analysis is a time-honored norm. Few people can stay sober without courageously admitting their shortcomings. What do we get out of the Fifth Step? The beginning of a true blood relationship between man and the Divine. Getting rid of feelings of isolation and obtaining and giving forgiveness; learning humility; looking at ourselves honestly and realistically. Self-justification is dangerous and how to choose who to confide in. The result will be peace and awareness of the Divine. Integration with the Divine and with people prepares us for the steps to come.

Step 6 Be prepared to let the Divine get rid of all weaknesses in our character.

Step Six is essential for spiritual growth. The first step in a lifelong endeavor. Recognize the difference between striving for a goal and perfection. Why it is important to keep striving. Being "ready" is essential. Action is essential. Procrastination is dangerous and rebellion can be fatal. It is here that we abandon our limited goals and move towards God's will.

Step 7 Humbly ask God to remove our shortcomings

What is humility? What does he mean to us? The highway to true human spiritual freedom. A necessary aid to survival. Needling the value of the self. Failure and suffering transformed by humility. From weakness to strength. Pain is the price of starting a new life. Self-centered fear is a major trigger for all kinds of shortcomings. The seventh step is the change of attitude which enables us to move out of the ego to the Divine.

Step Eight List the names of those who have been hurt by us, and consciously be willing to admit our mistakes to each one

This step and the following two are concerned with personal relationships. Learning to **** with others is an extremely interesting exploration. Obstacles: unwillingness to forgive; failure to recognize harm done to others; intentional forgetfulness. Thorough examination of the past is necessary. Thorough analysis leads to deeper understanding. Realize the various kinds of harm done to others. Avoid making extreme judgments. Adopt an objective point of view. Step 8 is the beginning of the end of isolation.

Step 9 Make amends to these people or others as much as possible without harming them.

A serene mind is essential to good judgment, and timing is critical to making amends. What is courage? Courage implies careful risk-taking. When you join the Society of Mutual Admonition, you have begun to make amends, and peace of mind cannot come at the expense of others. Prudence is necessary. Be prepared to accept the consequences of your past behavior. And take responsibility for the good of others - that is the spirit of the Ninth Step.

Step 10 Constantly examine yourself and admit whenever you have done something wrong.

Can we remain conscious and emotionally stable in all situations? Self-examination becomes a routine habit. Shortcomings are recognized, accepted and patiently corrected. Emotional residual pain. The past is resolved so that present challenges can be faced. Self-reflection of all kinds. Exasperation, anger, jealousy, envy, self-pity, wounded pride - all lead to alcoholism. Self-restraint is the primary goal. Stop "thinking too highly of yourself". See deficiencies as well as accomplishments. Examine motivation.