Steps 10 & 11: A Path to Recovery and Happiness
Episode Overview
Step 10 involves continuous personal inventory and prompt amends. Meditation is key to spiritual growth in Step 11. Recovery is about more than not drinking; it's about finding happiness. Living with love and tolerance can transform lives. The dark side wants you ineffectual, not dead.
The dark side wants you ineffectual, not dead.
In this insightful episode from the Fellowship of the Spirit conference in Toronto, Chris R. delves into the importance of Steps 10 and 11 in the journey of recovery from alcoholism. Drawing from his own experiences, Chris R. emphasizes the significance of continuous personal inventory and the practice of promptly admitting when we are wrong, as outlined in Step 10.
He shares personal anecdotes, highlighting how even with decades of sobriety, the need to address personal shortcomings and make amends remains crucial. Chris R. explores the transformative power of Step 11, which involves meditation and prayer as means to improve our conscious contact with a higher power. He discusses how meditation, though often misunderstood, can offer profound insights and aid in the pursuit of a peaceful and purposeful life.
He reflects on how the practice has evolved over time but remains a cornerstone of spiritual growth. Throughout the episode, Chris R. challenges common misconceptions about recovery, particularly the notion that sobriety is merely about abstaining from alcohol. He argues that true recovery involves embracing happiness and effectual living, rather than merely surviving day by day.
He shares a poignant story about a Jesuit priest who highlighted that the dark side does not necessarily want individuals dead, but rather ineffectual—isolated and unable to help others. Chris R. concludes with a heartfelt reflection on how the support from Alcoholics Anonymous has been pivotal in his journey, encouraging listeners to surround themselves with those who challenge them to grow and improve.
This episode serves as a powerful reminder of the potential for personal transformation through the principles of Steps 10 and 11.