Our journey through the twelve steps of Alcoholics Anonymous teaches us the value of daily inventory. Much can be discovered and the inner self can be transformed as we move away from the instincts of our human nature and progress into the world of the Spirit. We realize there is no need to wait until the end of each day to perform such an inventory, as we can address the manifestation of our defects as they occur. The book Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions of Alcoholics Anonymous says, "There is the spot check inventory, taken at any time of the day that we find ourselves getting tangled up." This may be as simple as identifying unkind thoughts that we have of people who are not like us in appearance or beliefs, so that we can reveal and deal with the thoughts as they are happening...and not wait until the end of the day to address such things.When we have completed the first nine steps of the program of Alcoholics Anonymous we have extricated ourselves from the past and freed ourselves of the shame and guilt we carried for so many years. By implementing a daily inventory and progressing it steadily into a spot check inventory, we can tackle the manifestation of our character defects as they occur in the present so that in this moment and at this time we are free of the instincts of our human nature and one with God.
We have unraveled, treated and released our past and are now free of the bondage of self - we are at peace in the will of God. Discovery through inventory is a crucial tool of recovery, existing so as not to create yet another unpleasant past that we are burdened to carry into the present.
Written by Armand
One of the greatest discoveries I've been enabled to find in the program of recovery is that regardless of my spiritual growth, my human nature is going nowhere. Life presents both opportunities and challenges for my own continued spiritual awakening. It does so as I, and we, trudge the road of happy destiny. In my experience, life is not a cakewalk for even the most lightened and enlightened among us. My human nature can still manifest itself in my thoughts. The opportunity exists in its not manifesting itself in my behavior. As The Tenth Step tells us, we must let go of the thought, seek the advice of a sponsor or friend, and then turn our thoughts to others and how we may be of help to them. In this process, I have discovered much about myself through The Power Within me, and can continue to grow in understanding and effectiveness as a result. Discovery through inventory.
ReplyDeleteMichael a life long practice so that a life may be enjoyed...Thank you...Armand
DeleteWhat I love most about taking inventory is the process of eliminating any unnecessary emotions from my thinking by filtering out my self-centeredness from my resentment or fear. The habit of moving across the four columns is like taking the static out of a radio so you can hear the music. This habit doesn't come naturally because we are battling our ego the entire time. Having the benefit of our sponsor is key. He or she is there to make sure honesty is preserved throughout the process so we can fully benefit from the experience. This positive experience in Step 4 is so powerful in delivering us to the restoration of the people we have harmed. That is total Grace. Relationships are restored as people gain confidence in us as they see God directing our thoughts and actions. We can a greater impact in people's lives, and ultimately experience heaven on earth as we walk the narrow path during our temporary journey in this natural world.
ReplyDeleteJim in is in Step 4 that we find out what is it about us that is keeping the Grace of God from our life...thank you...Armand
DeleteWorking step 10 is vital to living a spiritual life. By sharing inventory with another person and God it keeps the channel clear and changes my perception from one of despair to one of hope, from living in the problem to living in the solution. Then making amends where I can or if I am presented with the opportunity to do so keeps things right sized. God gives me the opportunity if I demonstrate the willingness. It’s a spiritual axiom that whenever I am disturbed by someone there is something wrong with me. Therefore I have to look at what needs to be changed in me Not in others.
ReplyDeleteAnne over time we find out that we are the problem and God is the solution...Thank you...Armand
DeleteArmand,
ReplyDeleteIf done with absolute abandon, the previous steps have brought us into a divinely inspired personal relationship with God. We have discovered that God is not some mystical nebular "force" but in fact a Person, a Loving Father who loves each and every one of us with a love beyond telling. In Step 7 we have humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings for we have come to realize in Step 6 that His plan for us is a divine plan that can only be accomplished with Divine Power, His Power and the very essence of His Being. In steps 8 and 9 we discover He has healed our once seared conscience.
Our spirit has become tender and as the Big Book proclaims, "Finally, we begin to see that all people, including our-selves, are to some extent emotionally ill as well as frequently wrong, and then we approach true tolerance and see what real love for our fellows actually means. It will become more and more evident as we go forward that it is pointless to become angry, or to get hurt by people who, like us, are suffering from the pains of growing up. We can often check ourselves by remembering that we are today sober only by the grace of God and that any success we may be having is far more His success than ours."
As our journey continues we discover that the one time insatiable obsession with self is being replaced by an overwhelming empathy, love and understanding for even those who may despise us as we reflect the essence of God's Spirit who now inhabits ours. Steps 10, 11 and 12 reveal the immutable fact that moment by moment our current spiritual state no longer reflects our once immature and fragmentary prayers, but His...
A Gratefully Recovering Alcoholic.
A Gratefully Recovering Alcoholic the awakening is real as evidenced by our change in behavior...Thank you...Armand
DeleteGlory be to God
ReplyDelete