Turning over self-will
Turning over self-will
September 29th, 2023
Turning over self-will to a higher power is a fundamental concept in many twelve step recovery programs. Here are some suggestions on how to do this in a twelve step way
Understand the Higher Power Concept
In the twelve step approach, the term "higher power" doesn't necessarily refer to a specific religious deity. It can be whatever we personally believe in—a higher spiritual power, the group's collective wisdom, the universe, or a traditional religious figure. The key is that it's something greater than us.
Acknowledge Powerlessness
Begin by acknowledging our powerlessness over our addiction or the issues we are facing. This step involves recognizing that we cannot control or manage our problems on our own.
Surrender and Acceptance
Accept that we need help and that our own willpower alone is insufficient. This is a humbling step where we recognize that we can't overcome our struggles alone.
Seek Guidance from Others
Attend twelve step meetings and find a sponsor or mentor who can help us work through the steps. Having a supportive community can make it easier to turn over our will.
Prayer or Meditation
Many people in twelve step programs use prayer or meditation as a way to connect with our higher power. This can be as simple as saying a prayer or taking a few minutes each day to meditate on our desire for recovery.
Inventory and Self-Reflection
Engage in a personal inventory process, typically in the fourth and fifth steps. Reflect on our past actions, mistakes, and behaviors that have contributed to our problems. Share this inventory with a trusted person, such as our sponsor.
Make Amends
In the eighth and ninth steps, make a list of people we have harmed and be willing to make amends to them, unless doing so would harm them or others.
Daily Surrender
Make a daily commitment to surrender our will to our higher power. Many people find it helpful to start and end our day with a prayer or meditation to reinforce this connection.
Practice Patience and Humility
Recovery is a lifelong journey, and setbacks may occur. Practice patience with ourselves and humility in recognizing that we are not perfect. Continue to turn over our will to our higher power, especially during challenging times.
Service and Helping Others
In the Twelfth Step, we are encouraged to help others who are struggling with addiction or similar issues. This can strengthen your connection to our higher power and reinforce the principles of recovery.
Stay Connected
Maintain our involvement in twelve step meetings and our relationship with our sponsor or support network. Continue to seek guidance and support from our higher power and others in recovery.
Mindfulness and Gratitude
Practice mindfulness and gratitude to stay connected with our higher power. Reflect on the positive changes in our life as a result of turning over our will.
Remember that the process of turning over our will to a higher power is deeply personal, and everyone's experience is unique. The important thing is to find a spiritual or higher power connection that works for us and helps us maintain our sobriety and recovery. It's about letting go of control, finding humility, and finding strength in something greater than us.