Saturday – Ep: 590 – How it Works – Pages 62-64 – What is the purpose of the fourth step?

Saturday – Ep: 590 – How it Works – Pages 62-64 – What is the purpose of the fourth step?

In this episode of 'Experience The Big Book', Dr. Mike takes a deep dive into the fourth step of the Alcoholics Anonymous program, which is all about conducting a personal inventory. Dr. Mike starts with the set-aside prayer, asking for divine help to let go of old ideas and embrace spiritual truth. He then connects the dots between step three and step four, highlighting the misconceptions surrounding the fourth step. Dr.

Mike emphasises that step four is not a daunting confession of sins but a structured way to unblock oneself from God through prayer, meditation, and inventory. He shares his own struggles and how he learned to face his fears, resentments, shame, and guilt to start each day fresh with God as his director. Dr. Mike explains that selfishness and self-centredness are at the root of many problems, and only by getting rid of these can one truly recover.

He uses relatable examples, like dealing with annoying people at breakfast or handling work drama, to illustrate how surrendering control to God can bring peace. The episode is packed with practical advice on how to perform a personal inventory, comparing it to cleaning out a cluttered garage to make space for a new way of living. Dr. Mike's candid reflections and practical tips make this episode a must-listen for anyone serious about their recovery journey.