Resource for the AA 2nd Step

[root]

I come to believe that a power greater than myself can restore my sanity.

Recommended (mandatory) reading:


We have come to believe (the whole book is about Step 2)

Big Book: 4. We, the Doubters (pages 42-54)

12 Steps Book (Step 2 - pages 26-34)

In addition, I recommend that:

With the help of our book “The Gift of Sobriety,” do not drink the first glass.

Attend many meetings and observe the faith that appears in the shares of your peers.

Talk to older members, your sponsors about faith, spirituality, Higher Power, and humility.



2.1. I recognize that there are other forces at work in the world besides myself.

Write down (think about):


What natural forces (weather, geographical, chemical, biological, genetic, etc.) are there that you cannot influence?

What human forces (such as the intentions, aspirations, behaviors, habits of others, etc.) do you encounter that you cannot control?

What social forces (political endeavors, group activities, social relationships, coexistence rules, etc.) are there that you cannot change?

What special forces ("coincidences," interesting coincidences, miracles) are there that you cannot influence and often cannot even explain?

What is your opinion on universal forces, creation, life, karma, or perhaps God?

Write down any experiences you have that support the idea that:

You are not the controller of the world.

What others want is not necessarily bad.

What happens in the world is not necessarily bad.



2.2. I become aware that there are powers greater than myself.

Write down (think about):


Can you always confront natural forces?

Can you always surpass others, or are there those stronger than you?

Do you make the politics, or does politics influence your life?

Are you a greater influence on society, or is society a greater influence on you?

Do you decide about life, or does Life decide about you?

Does your fate depend on your will, or does fate move you?

To what extent does the Universe rely on your help or correction?

Can you know what God should do and why?

Write down any experiences you have that support the idea that:

Indeed, there are powers greater than us.

These forces are not always hostile.

These forces can also be supportive.



2.3. I notice and observe that those who believe in a Higher Power have better mental health.

Write down (think about):


What does it mean that there is a Power Greater than Us?

What or who can we call a Higher Power?

What does the concept of “gratitude” mean?

Can we be grateful to the powers greater than us?

What is spiritual peace, and what might it have to do with mental health?

Could mental health be related to faith in a Power Greater than Us?

Write down any experiences you have that support the idea that:

Sobriety does not work without help.

Human help is often not enough.

It is easier to change an egocentric mindset with faith in a Higher Power.

Those who have come to believe in a Higher Power feel better.



2.4. I become willing to believe that a power exists that can restore my sanity.

Write down (think about):


Are there those for whom a Higher Power helped in recovery?

Does it require special abilities to come to faith?

Is reaching faith a matter of privilege, or can anyone benefit from it?

Does your willingness (to believe in a Higher Power) depend solely on you?

Does developing your willingness require special circumstances?

Can the decision about your willingness be made at any time?

Write down any experiences you have that support the idea that:

Spiritual development depends solely on our willingness.

The concept of God can be valid in terms of spiritual development.



2.5. I want to believe that there is a power that can restore my sanity.

Write down (think about):


Are you willing to grow spiritually?

Do you sincerely want recovery?

Do you want to embark on the path of spiritual development?

Do you believe, or do you want to believe, that there is a Power higher than you?

Write down any experiences you have that support the idea that:

When someone says "I can't," they are really saying "I don't want to."

If you want to achieve something, sooner or later, you will be able to achieve it.

If you want to believe in something, you will eventually be able to believe in it.



2.6. I begin to practice faith. I start to believe.

Write down (think about) how important PRACTICE is:


In letting go of old, bad habits and establishing new ones?

In abandoning old, bad behaviors and developing new ones?

In releasing old, bad thoughts and forming new ways of thinking?

In overriding old misconceptions and recognizing the truth?


Write down any experiences you have that support the idea that:


The “Act as if” principle works in everyday practice.

That if you think about something often enough, it will appear in your life.

That if you do something often enough, it will become everyday practice.

Start observing and practicing:

How the Higher Power manifests in the world: Here it is good!

How the Higher Power appears in your fellow humans: They are good!

How the Higher Power appears in your life: I am good!

Start giving thanks:

For being alive!

For not having to drink!

For finding AA!

For being able to grow spiritually!


CHECKLIST QUESTIONS

For Step 2 of AA

- Have you recognized that there are other forces at work in the world besides yourself?
- Have you realized that there are powers greater than you?
- Have you noticed that those who believe in a Higher Power have better mental health?
- Are you willing to imagine that there may be a power that can restore your sanity?
- Do you already want to believe that there is a power that can restore your sanity?
- Have you started practicing this thought? Have you started believing in it?