Resource for the AA 12th Step

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12. As a result of the steps, I am experiencing a spiritual awakening, I try to carry this message to alcoholics, and I apply these principles in all areas of my life.  

As an introduction to the step work:  

- Review Step 12 in our 12/12 book!  
- Attend meetings that discuss Step 12!  
- Talk to your sponsor about Step 12!  

12.1 I experience spiritual awakening and its various phases.  

Write down (reflect on) what the following concepts mean to you:  

- Spiritual  
- Spirituality  
- Awakening  
- Enlightenment  
- True Self  

Write down (reflect on):  

- What makes our lives spiritual?  
- What is spiritual development?  
- What does spiritual awakening mean?  
- Have you ever felt anything like this? If so, describe your experience:  
  - There is hope!  
  - I have received grace!  
  - I do not need to suffer anymore!  
  - There is God!  
  - I am not afraid!  
  - I love!  
  - PEACE!  

12.2 I realize that there is something to love in everyone.  

Write down (reflect on):  

- What is love? What is not love?  
- Do you accept everyone as they are?  
- Can you be non-judgmental under all circumstances?  
- Do you give without the hope of reciprocity?  
- Can you forgive anyone for any mistake?  
- Do you still believe in the existence of sin?  
- What do you think of the following thoughts:  
  - Everyone can be forgiven!  
  - Everyone is good!  
  - There is something to love in everyone!  

12.3 I understand what serenity is and I know peace.  

Write down (reflect on) what the following concepts mean to you:  

- Serenity  
- Peace  
- Wisdom  

Write down (reflect on):  

- What insights can the Prayer of Spiritual Peace lead us to?  
- Can the recognition and release of the ego lead to spiritual peace?  
- How do amends contribute to spiritual peace?  

Write down any experience that supports the idea that:  

- Nothing outside of yourself can threaten your spiritual peace.  
- Your spiritual peace is a great gift to the entire world.  

12.4 I have developed my own spiritual principles as a result of the steps.  

Write down (reflect on) what the following concepts mean to you:  

- Willingness  
- Acceptance  
- Understanding  
- Selflessness  
- Love  
- Joy  
- Peace  
- Independence  

Write down (reflect on):  

- Do you accept the present moment as it is? ("Just for today!")  
- Have you given up the intention to control others? ("Live and let live!")  
- Can you give thanks for anything you receive? ("I am a grateful alcoholic!")  
- Can you give without ulterior motives? ("Freely you received; freely give!")  
- Are you beginning to feel unity with everything? ("We love you!")  
- How are you with recognizing your ego's delusions? ("Let it go! Trust God!")  
- Can you live in peace with yourself and others? ("We know peace!")  
- Is your self-image beginning to form? ("Be true to yourself!")  

Try to articulate your own spiritual principles!


12.5 I try to constantly apply my principles in everyday situations.  

Outline your spiritual principles and associate them with programming statements, such as:  

- Acceptance:  

  - Just for today!  
  - I accept the world created by God as it is.  
  - What comes, I accept. What goes, I let go.  

- Understanding:  

  - Live and let live!  
  - I do not judge, criticize, or qualify.  

- etc...  

Write these down everywhere and practice them continuously!  

12.6 I develop my own concept of God according to my understanding.  

Write down (reflect on):  

- How do you envision your God, according to your understanding?  
- What does He mean to you? What does He give you?  
- How are your spiritual principles connected to your own concept of God?  

Write down any experience that supports the idea that:  

- Our own concept of God greatly influences our spiritual health.  
- Having our own understanding of God may be more beneficial than adopting a religious image.  

12.7 I try to carry the message to still suffering alcoholics.  

Write down (reflect on) how you use the following forms of message delivery:  

- Personal sharing  
- Electronic sharing  
- Service  
- Sponsorship  
- Other forms?  

How do you try to apply your spiritual principles in your message deliveries?  

CHECK QUESTIONS  
*For Step 12 of AA*  

- Have you ever experienced spiritual awakening? Perhaps its various phases?  
- Have you realized that there is something to love in everyone?  
- Have you understood what serenity is? Have you known peace?  
- Have spiritual principles developed in you as a result of the steps?  
- Do you try to apply them continuously in everyday situations?  
- Has your own concept of God developed according to your understanding?  
- Do you try to carry the message to still suffering alcoholics?  


SHORT EXPLANATIONS  
*For the check questions of Step 12*  

- Spiritual awakening can be gradual; it doesn't have to be an instant enlightenment.  
- Love: feeling the unity with everything.  
- Your spiritual peace is the greatest gift you can give to the world.  
- They have certainly developed. Try to articulate them.  
- The key to progress is continuous practice.  
- They have certainly formed. If you can't articulate them, that's okay too.  
- Spread the word about our program!