TWELVE STEPS TO SPIRITUAL AWAKENING

Transcription

TWELVE STEPS TOSPIRITUAL AWAKENINGASSIGNMENTSwww.bigbookworkshop.com

ASSIGNMENTS: Twelve Steps to Spiritual AwakeningThese assignments are designed for a Twelve-Month Workshop using the book “Alcoholics Anonymous”.For more information, visit – www.herbk.com or www.bigbookworkshop.comTo those interested in participating in the weekly meetings for twelve months: this is a precise process ofunderstanding and applying each of the Steps to our personal lives to produce a “Spiritual Awakening”.Table of ContentsAssignment 1 – Orientation to the Workshop. 3Assignment 2 – Review Step Twelve . 4Assignment 3 – Review Step Eleven . 5Assignment 4 – Review Step Ten . 6Assignment 5 – Sponsorship/Step-Guide and Autobiography . 7Assignment 6 – Step One: What is wrong with my Body? . 8Assignment 7 – Step One: What’s wrong with my Mind? . 9Assignment 8 – Step One: What’s wrong with my Will (power)? . 10Assignments 9 – 33 will be available soon. 11Bibliography . 12Resources – YouTube Summary . 14Spiritual Arch w/Keystone . 15Compiled List of 12 Step Prayers . 16Jo B. began her personal Twelve Step recovery journey in 1995. She was introduced to Herb K’sworkshops in 2007 and became passionate about making the teaching material available to a wideraudience. Over the next 13 years, Jo and Herb have continued to work together developing material tohelp carry the message of recovery using the Big Book of Alcoholic Anonymous.Based on her own transformative experience she began guiding others through the Steps, one on one atfirst, then in small groups. In 2020, as COVID affected the world, and recovery meetings moved online, Jofelt moved to share what she had learnt through an online workshop. Her first workshop started in 2020.Jo B is not a licensed professional of any type. She is not an authority on the book “AlcoholicsAnonymous”, Psychology, or Spirituality. She is a volunteer, and her only hope is to share her experienceand to help others. In facilitating this workshop Jo hopes to create a community, from around the world,trudging the Path together one day at a time. Come join us on the Broad Highway.p2www.bigbookworkshop.comRevised 7/4/2021

ASSIGNMENTS: Twelve Steps to Spiritual AwakeningAssignment 1 – Orientation to the WorkshopAs part of the discernment concerning your participation in this year long, weeklyworkshop, please:–1. Obtain a new Alcoholics Anonymous book, Fourth Edition (unless your currentFourth Edition book has no writing/highlighting: then it’s OK).2. Create and pray a “Set Aside Prayer”:a. As part of your daily morning prayer and meditation practice, andb. Every time before you begin doing any part of the workshop assignments.Example of a “Set Aside” Prayer:God, please set aside everything I think I know about myself, my unmanageability,my spiritual path and You, for an open mind and a new experience of myself,my unmanageability, my spiritual path and especially You.3.LISTEN/WATCH:Unpacking the Big Book - Instructions for Working each step,presented by Herb 2021 - YOU TUBEOrientation and AssignmentsSESSION 01 CLICK HEREPlease don’t wait to start. This process will be more beneficial if you, prayerfully and consistently,do some work every day in between the weekly workshops.OPTIONAL reading,listening, and/or viewing:WORKSHOP facilitated by Herb 2020 - with participant shares.This series can be downloaded and saved directly to your device01 PODCAST CLICK HERESee the Bibliography and Reference Material at the end of this document for more extendedreading/viewing options referred to during this workshop – ENJOYOverview of 12 Step Processp3www.bigbookworkshop.comRevised 7/4/2021

ASSIGNMENTS: Twelve Steps to Spiritual AwakeningAssignment 2 – Review Step TwelveUnderstanding: “Spiritual Experience” and “Spiritual Awakening” – Step Twelve1. Read Big Book Appendix II, “Spiritual Experience,” pages 567-568. What is it? Howdoes it differ from a Spiritual Awakening? How is it the same?2. Over the next four weeks:a. Read and highlight (always highlight when reading, even if not indicated in theinstructions), from the Title page up through page xxiv (up to “The Doctor’sOpinion”) with these questions under consideration. Do not answer them –ASK them.i. Is this Twelve Step process what I really want to do at this time in myjourney?ii. Why do I want to submit to this process at this time?iii. At this time am I willing to go to any lengths? What does this mean?iv. In what areas of my life am I being dishonest with myself and others?b. After you finish the reading assignment – take your time – write out youranswer to each of the consideration questions – no less than one sentence,no more than one page per question.3. From the Big Book’s Title page, look up the word “Anonymous” and “Recovered”,write out definitions.4. LISTEN/WATCH:Unpacking the Big Book - Instructions for Workingeach step, presented by Herb 2021 - YOU TUBEOPTIONAL reading,listening, and/or viewing:WORKSHOP facilitated by Herb 2020- with participant sharesp4SESSION 02 CLICK HERE02 PODCAST CLICK HEREwww.bigbookworkshop.comRevised 7/4/2021

ASSIGNMENTS: Twelve Steps to Spiritual AwakeningAssignment 3 – Review Step ElevenUnderstanding: Practice of Meditation1. Look up “prayer”, “meditation”, and “contemplation” in the dictionary, and perhaps inmore than one dictionary, and write out the definitions.2. Read and highlight Big Book instructions on Step Eleven Prayer and Meditation pages 85-883. Consider taking an “accountability partner” for 30 days of a “daily meditationpractice” – What does that mean to you?.4. LISTEN/WATCH:Unpacking the Big Book - Instructions for Workingeach step, presented by Herb 2021 - YOU TUBEOPTIONAL reading,SESSION 03 CLICK HERElistening, and/or viewing:WORKSHOP facilitated by Herb 2020- with participant shares03 PODCAST CLICK HERECentering Prayerp5www.bigbookworkshop.comRevised 7/4/2021

ASSIGNMENTS: Twelve Steps to Spiritual AwakeningAssignment 4 – Review Step TenUnderstanding: “not cured”; “daily reprieve”; “spot check inventory”1. Read and highlight the Big Book instructions on Step Ten – pages 84-85.2. Look up the word “reprieve” in the dictionary, and perhaps in more than onedictionary (“we have a daily reprieve”) and write out the definitions.3. Consider the terms “not cured” and “spot check inventory” Write out definitions.4. From the Big Book’s second Title page, look up the word “recovered” and write out adefinition.5. LISTEN/WATCH:SESSION 04 CLICK HEREUnpacking the Big Book - Instructions for Working eachstep, presented by Herb 2021 - YOU TUBEOPTIONAL reading,SESSION 05 CLICK HERElistening, and/or viewing:WORKSHOP facilitated by Herb 2020- with participant shares04 PODCAST CLICK HERE05 PODCAST CLICK HEREEmotional Sobrietyp6www.bigbookworkshop.comRevised 7/4/2021

ASSIGNMENTS: Twelve Steps to Spiritual AwakeningAssignment 5 – Sponsorship/Step-Guide and AutobiographyUnderstanding: Message; Sponsorship/Step Guide; Principles; Program; Process;Promises Step Twelve1. Read page 18 from the Big Book2. Review WOL2021 “Profile of a Sponsor” (the Our Way of Life document can bedownloaded from www.bigbookworkshop.com)3. Read chapter 12 from the AA 12 and 12 (see bibliography for pdf version)4. LISTEN/WATCH:Unpacking the Big Book - Instructions for Working each step,presented by Herb 2021 - YOU TUBESESSION 06 CLICK HEREWHERE IS MY LIFE UNMANAGEABLE?5. Autobiography: Consider each decade of your life through the perspective ofaddiction and “my life was unmanageable" (0-10, 11-20, 21-30 etc). When did youfirst engage in an addictive substance/behaviour? What was your behaviour? Whatwas the outcome? Was there a pattern? (you will not have to read this to anyone –be as honest as you can) Keep your description brief – only bullet points. Try not toget “hijacked”. See WOL2021 for more details.OPTIONAL reading,listening, and/or viewing:WORKSHOP facilitated by Herb 2020- with participant shares06 PODCAST CLICK HERE07 PODCAST CLICK HERESponsorship - Helping Others/Enlarging Compassion- STEP 12Our Way Of Living - In the Light (Steps Ten, Elevenand Twelve)p7www.bigbookworkshop.comRevised 7/4/2021

ASSIGNMENTS: Twelve Steps to Spiritual AwakeningAssignment 6 – Step One: What is wrong with my Body?Problem: Allergy; Phenomenon of Craving1.When reading ask questions:a. Have I ever lost control, once I start?b. Did I behave like that?c. Has this happened to me? More than once? More than three times?2. Read and highlight “The Doctor’s Opinion” (xxv-xxxii) in the Big Book AlcoholicsAnonymous. Ask yourself the question “What is wrong with my body?”a. Using a dictionary look up and write out the definitions for: “allergy”,“phenomenon”, “craving”, and “addiction”b. What does Dr. Silkworth mean by “craving”?3. Read “Bill’s Story” pages 1-8 only (skip 9-16). Look for identification: how hethought, felt, drank and behaved.4. Read pages 17 to 23 “There Is a Solution”.5. Read and highlight Step One in the Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions.6. Read page 263 from the 4TH Edition Big Book for the original Oxford Groups’ sixsteps. (click here)7. Complete the “Body” worksheet from WOL2021. Remember to focus on thephysical reaction that occurs AFTER we engage in the addiction (food, alcohol,control, shopping etc.)8. LISTEN/WATCH:SESSION 07 CLICK HEREUnpacking the Big Book - Instructions for Working each step,presented by Herb 2021 - YOU TUBESESSION 08 CLICK HERESESSION 09 CLICK HERESESSION 10 CLICK HEREOPTIONAL reading,listening, and/or viewing:08 PODCAST CLICK HEREWORKSHOP facilitated by Herb 2020 - with participant shares09 PODCAST CLICK HERE10 PODCAST CLICK HERE11 PODCAST CLICK HEREp8www.bigbookworkshop.comRevised 7/4/2021

ASSIGNMENTS: Twelve Steps to Spiritual AwakeningAssignment 7 – Step One: What’s wrong with my Mind?Problem: Delusion; Illusion; Obsession; Insanity1. Using a dictionary look up and write out definitions for: “delusion”, “Illusion“,“obsession, and “insanity”2. Refer to the worksheet in the WOL2021 called “The Mind”. Have these questions inmind when reading the material below. Don’t fill out the worksheet yet. Just reflecton the questions. Also consider:–a. Did I ever stop?b. Have I had any time of abstinence and then relapsed?c. Why can’t I do better when I know better?d. After a period of abstinence, what was I conscious of (thoughts and feelings)just before I began using again?3. Read and highlight pages 23 to 43 in the Big Book.4. The two stories of Jim and Fred are provided to confirm that knowledge of thedisease/addiction and self-knowledge are of no avail. How are their experiences thesame and also different?5. Complete the “Mind” worksheet from the WOL20216. LISTEN/WATCH:SESSION 11 CLICK HEREUnpacking the Big Book - Instructions for Working each step,presented by Herb 2021 - YOU TUBESESSION 12 CLICK HERESESSION 13 CLICK HEREOPTIONAL reading,listening, and/or viewing:12 PODCAST CLICK HERE13 PODCAST CLICK HEREWORKSHOP facilitated by Herb 2020 - with participant shares14 PODCAST CLICK HERE15 PODCAST CLICK HERE16 PODCAST CLICK HEREp9www.bigbookworkshop.comRevised 7/4/2021

ASSIGNMENTS: Twelve Steps to Spiritual AwakeningAssignment 8 – Step One: What’s wrong with my Will (power)?Problem: Unmanageable; Wilfulness; Spiritual Malady1. Look up and write out definitions for: Unmanageability Malady Will Admit Bedevilment Self-centered Willfulness Self-seeking Defeat Willpower Narcissism Solipsism Surrender Concede2. Read and highlight pages 44 to 45 in the Big Book, to the end of the 2nd sentence,2nd full paragraph ending with “ will solve your problem”.3. Read and highlight page 52 of the Big Book, 2nd full paragraph beginning with “Wehad to ask ourselves ” ending with “Of course it was ”. This is the behaviouraldescription of unmanageability – what it looks like.4. Read and highlight from pages 60 to 62 in the Big Book, from the last full paragraphon page 60 (begins “The first requirement ” ends on page 62: “We had to haveGod’s help.”). This describes the actual nature of the spiritual malady.5. Reread the “bedevilment” paragraph on page 52 out loud, substituting the words “I”,“me” and “my” and using the present tense, for example: “I have to ask myself ”Pause and ask yourself for each item: “Is this my experience?”; “Is this how I feel?” –“TODAY?”6. Read and highlight Step One in the AA 12 Steps and 12 Traditions (CLICK HERE).7. Complete the “Will” worksheet from WOL2021.8. Beginning with the last paragraph on page 60, turn the following sentence into aquestion: “The first requirement is that we are convinced that any life run on self-willcan hardly be a success.” Am I convinced? Reflect. Write out your answers.9. LISTEN/WATCH:SESSION 14 CLICK HEREUnpacking the Big Book - Instructions for Working eachstep, presented by Herb 2021 - YOU TUBESESSION 15 CLICK HERESESSION 16 CLICK HEREOPTIONAL reading,listening, and/or viewing:17 PODCAST CLICK HEREWORKSHOP facilitated by Herb 2020- with participant shares18 PODCAST CLICK HERE19 PODCAST CLICK HERESTEP ONE: NO CHOICE!Emotional Sobriety (Part 1): The Path to OptimalRecovery (Dr Berger & Herb K)p10www.bigbookworkshop.comRevised 7/4/2021

ASSIGNMENTS: Twelve Steps to Spiritual AwakeningAssignments 9 – 33 will be available soonp11www.bigbookworkshop.comRevised 7/4/2021

ASSIGNMENTS: Twelve Steps to Spiritual AwakeningBibliographyThroughout the course of the discussions and conversations Herb K mentions favorite or recommended texts andauthors. For your convenience a list is compiled below.AuthorTitlePublisher/Date/SourceAlcoholics AnonymousAlcoholics AnonymousWorld ServiceBeattie, MelodieBeesing, Maria, et alBerger, AllenBerger, AllenAlcoholics AnonymousAA World Services 2001Twelve Steps and Twelve TraditionsCLICK HERECodependent No MoreThe Enneagram: A Journey of Self Discovery12 Stupid Things that Mess up Recovery12 Smart Things to Do when the BoozeHazelden Foundation 1992Dimension Books 1984Hazelden Foundation 2008Hazelden Foundation 2010Berger, Allen12 Hidden Rewards of Making AmendsHazelden Foundation 2013Berger, AllenBill WBlondin, SarahBourgeault, CynthiaBoyle, GregoryBrazier, DavidBrother LawrenceByron Katie & StephenMitchellChuck CHazelden Foundation 2016CLICK HERESounds True, 2020Cowley Publications 2004Free Press 2010Palgrave Macmillan 1997Walker & Co. 1974Frankl, Viktor12 More Stupid Things that Mess up RecoveryThe Language of the Heart: Bill W’s Grapevine WritingsHeart MindedCentering Prayer & Inner AwakeningTatoos on the HeartThe Feeling BuddhaThe Practice of the Presence of GodLoving What Is: Four Questions That Can Change YourLifeA New Pair of GlassesForgive for Good (Herb says this book is2nd only tothe Big Book!)Power of NowMerton's Palace of NowhereThe Awakening CallThe Contemplative HeartThe Soul of SponsorshipThe Soul of Sponsorship: The Friendship of Fr. EdDowling & Bill WilsonMan’s Search for MeaningGunaratana, B. H.Gurdjieff, G. I.Hamilton BMindfulness in Plain EnglishMeetings with Remarkable MenTwelve Step SponsorshipWisdom Pub. 2011Penguin Compass 2002Hazelden Foundation 1996Hamilton B12 Step SponsorshipCLICK HEREHanh, Thich NhatLiving Buddha, Living ChristRiverhead Books 1995Herb KPracticing the Here & Nowhttps://herbk.com/Herb KHerb KHerman, JudithJohn W. James andRussell FriedmanTwelve Steps to Spiritual AwakeningTwelve Step Guide to Using the AA Big BookTrauma and Recoveryhttps://herbk.com/https://herbk.com/Basic Books 1992The Grief Recovery HandbookCLICK HEREOpen Mind, Open Heart: The ContemplativeDimension of the GospelCLICK HEREDr. Fred LuskinEckhart TolleFinley, JamesFinley, JamesFinley, JamesFitzgerald, RobertFitzgerald, RobertKeating, m/books/New-Look Pub. Co. 1984CLICK HERECLICK HEREAve Maria Press 1978Ave Maria Press 1984Sorin Books 1999Hazelden Foundation 1995CLICK HEREthBeacon Press, 4 Edition 2000Revised 7/4/2021

ASSIGNMENTS: Twelve Steps to Spiritual AwakeningBibliography continued AuthorTitleKeating, ThomasIntimacy with GodLewis, et alA General Theory of LoveLuskin, FredForgive for GoodMasland, AbrahamToward a Psychology of BeingMatthieu, IngridRecovering SpiritualityMay, GeraldAddiction and GraceMay, GeraldThe Awakened HeartMay, GeraldWill and SpiritMerton, ThomasNew Seeds of ContemplationRohr, RichardEverything BelongsRohr, RichardBreathing UnderwaterRosen, TommyRecovery 2.0Seligman, MartinFlourishThe Secret Art of Loving Kindness: Preparing toShapiro, RamiPractice (The Art of Spiritual Living)Siegel, DanMindsightSuzuki, ShunryuZen Mind, Beginner’s MindTeilhard De ChardinThe Phenomenon of ManTeilhard De ChardinThe Divine MilieuTrungpa, ChogyanCutting Through Spiritual MaterialismWelwood, JohnToward a Psychology of AwakeningWilber, KenIntegral MeditationWilber, KenA Brief History of EverythingWilber, KenA Theory of EverythingWilber, KenIntegral PsychologyWilber, KenIntegral SpiritualityWilliam JamesVariety of Religious e/SourceCrossroad Pub. Co. 2009Vintage 2001HarperCollins Publishers 2001Sublime Books 2014Hazelden Foundation 2011Harper & Row 1988Harper & Row 1991Harper & Row 1982New Directions 1961The Crossroad Pub. Co. 1999Franciscan Media 2011Hay House 2014Atria Books 2011CLICK HEREBantam Books 2010Weatherhill 1970William Collins 1959Fontana Books 1957Shambhala Publications 2008Shambhala Publications 2002Shambhala Publications 2016Shambhala Publications 2000Shambhala Publications 2000Shambhala Publications 2000Shambhala Publications 2006CLICK HERERevised 7/4/2021

ASSIGNMENTS: Twelve Steps to Spiritual AwakeningResources – YouTube SummaryBig Book Twelve Step Workshop: 2021https://youtube.com/playlist?list PLciyHhGrfkEGd hq17EfGqbSSlwCFCYOBig Book Twelve Step Workshop: 2020https://youtube.com/playlist?list PLciyHhGrfkEG9qQY5B 1WYyuBwbh8x7tSpirituality Series: 2020/2021– Monthly; Variety of Topicshttps://youtube.com/playlist?list PLciyHhGrfkEFSpXXVrYi5agyeWa4nSRBRPath to Personal Freedom: 2021– Monthly: Overview of Each of the 12 Stepshttps://youtube.com/playlist?list PLciyHhGrfkEHaA7YHEbGCeX-tQZKCj8CStep Guide Discussion Meeting (Train the trainer):– Monthly workshop “Becoming a Lantern”https://youtube.com/playlist?list PLciyHhGrfkEHlKTAtmqkUSgiikwHXL6vBig Book Twelve Step Workshop 2019https://youtube.com/playlist?list PLciyHhGrfkEF W5K bDtdJazQKhmBRQKSpanish/English Translation: Big Book Workshop:2020/2021– Monthly “Los 12 Pasos con Herb K.”https://youtube.com/playlist?list kshop.comRevised 7/4/2021

ASSIGNMENTS: Twelve Steps to Spiritual AwakeningSpiritual Arch w/Keystonep15www.bigbookworkshop.comRevised 7/4/2021

ASSIGNMENTS: Twelve Steps to Spiritual AwakeningCompiled List of 12 Step PrayersSERENITY PRAYERGOD, grant me the serenity to accept the things Icannot change, courage to change the things I can,and wisdom to know the difference.FIRST STEP PRAYER (Page 10-12, Ch. 3, Page 46 BB)GOD, Creative Intelligence, Universal Mind, Spirit ofNature or Spirit of the Universe my name is , and I’ma real alcoholic. I need your help today.SET ASIDE PRAYERGod, please set aside everything I think I know aboutmyself, my brokenness, the 12 Steps and You, for anopen mind and a new experience of myself, mybrokenness the 12 Steps and especially You!.SECOND STEP PRAYER (Page 59 BB)GOD, I’m standing at the turning point right now. Giveme your protection and care as I abandon myself toyou and give up my old ways and my old ideas just fortoday.ST FRANCIS PRAYER (Page 99,12 & 12)THIRD STEP PRAYER (Page 63 & 59 BB )LORD, make me a channel of thy peace, that where there is GOD, I offer myself to Thee — to build with me and tohatred, I may bring love; that where there is wrong, I may do with me as Thou wilt. Relieve me of the bondage ofbring the spirit of forgiveness; that where there is discoid, I self, that I may better do Thy will. Take away mymay bring harmony; that where there is error, I may bring difficulties, that victory over them may bear witnesstruth; that where there is doubt, I may bring faith; thatto those I would help of Thy Power, Thy Love, and Thywhere there is despair, I may bring hope; that where thereWay of life. May I do Thy will always!are shadows, I may bring light; that where there is sadness,I may bring joy. LORD, grant that I may seek rather tocomfort than to be comforted; to understand, than to beunderstood; to love, than to be loved. For it is by selfforgetting that one finds. It is by forgiving that one isforgiven. It is by dying that one awakens to Eternal Life.MORNING PRAYER (Page 86 BB)GOD, direct my thinking today so that it is divorced ofself-pity, dishonesty, self-will, self-seeking and fear.God inspire my thinking, decisions and intuitions. Helpme to relax and take it easy. Free me from doubt andindecision. Guide me through this day and show memy next step. God, give me what I need to take careof any problems. I ask all these things that I may be ofmaximum service to you and my fellow man (in thename of the Steps I pray.)NIGHT PRAYER (Page 86 BB)GOD, forgive me where I have been resentful, selfish,dishonest or afraid today. Help me to not keepanything to myself but to discuss it all openly withanother person - show me where I owe an apologyand help me make it. Help me to be kind and loving toall people. Use me in the mainstream of life God.Remove worry, remorse or morbid (sick) reflectionsthat I may be of usefulness to others.p16FOURTH STEP PRAYERSWHEN IN DOUBT (Page 13 BB)l am to sit quietly when in doubt, asking only fordirection and strength to meet my problems as Hewould have me.WHEN I AM DISTURBED BY OTHERS’ CONDUCT (Page.67 BB, Page 141 of 12 St 12)God save me from being angry. This is a sick person.How can I be helpful to them? God, help me to showthis person the same tolerance, pity and patience thatI would cheerfully grant a sick friend. Thy will be done.(See Prayer for Freedom below.)WHEN I AM AFRAID (Page 68 BB)God, relieve me of this fear and direct my attention towhat you would have me be.WHEN I AM AWARE OF MY OWN DEFECTS ANDSEEKING GOD S HELP TO CHANGE (Page 69 BB)We asked God to mold our ideals and help us to liveup to them, we ask God what we should do abouteach specific matter. GOD, mold my ideals in thisparticular area of my life and help me to live up tothem. What should I do in each specific matter? Guideme God and give me strength to do the right thing.www.bigbookworkshop.comRevised 7/4/2021

ASSIGNMENTS: Twelve Steps to Spiritual AwakeningFIFTH STEP PRAYER (Page 75 BB)GOD, I thank you from the bottom of my heart that Iknow you better. Help me become aware of anything Ihave omitted discussing with another person. Helpme to do what is necessary to walk a free man at last.TENTH STEP PRAYERS (Page 84-85 BB)GOD, remove the Selfishness, dishonesty, resentmentand fear that has cropped up in my life right now.Help me to discuss this with someone immediatelyand make amends quickly if I have harmed anyone.Help me to cease fighting anything or anyone. Showme where I may be helpful to someone else. Help meSIXTH STEP PRAYER (Page 76 BB)GOD, help me become willing to let go of all the things react sanely; not cocky or afraid. How can I best serveto which I admit are objectionable. You can take them You - Your will, not mine be done.all – each and every one. God help us to be willing.(See Prayer for Freedom for help with resentments.)SEVENTH STEP PRAYER (Page 76 BB)ELEVENTH STEP PRAYER (Page 87-88 BB)MY CREATOR, I am now willing that you should haveAs we go through the day we pause, when agitated orall of me, good & bad. I pray that you now removefrom me every single defect of character which stands doubtful, and ask for the right thought or action. Weconstantly remind ourselves we are no longer runningin the way of my usefulness to you & my fellows.the show, humbly saying to ourselves many timesGrant me strength, as I go out from here to do Youreach day ’Thy will be done.'bidding. AMENGOD, I’m agitated and doubtful right now. Help me tostop and remember that I've made a decision to letEIGHTH STEP PRAYER (Page 76 BB)You be my God. Give me the right thoughts andGod, help me to become willing to sweep away theactions. God, save me from fear, anger, worry, selfdebris which has accumulated out of our effort to tolive on self-will and run the show ourselves. God, help pity or foolish decisions and that Your will, not mywill, be done.me to remember I agreed to go to any lengths forvictory over alcohol and find a spiritual experience.SUGGESTIONS:Make no requests in prayer for yourself only.NINTH STEP PRAYER (Page 78-80 BB)Never pray for your own selfish ends.GOD, give me the strength and direction to do theSelect and memorize a few set prayers thatright thing no matter what the consequences may be.emphasize the principles of the steps.Help me to consider others and not harm them in anyConsider other spiritual books and prayers – stayway. Help me to consult with others before I take anyopen to new wisdom teachers.actions that would cause me to be sorry. Help me toBe quick to see where religious people are right.not repeat such behaviors. Show me the way ofMake use of what religious people have to offer.Patience, Tolerance, Kindliness, and Love and help melive the spiritual life.WHAT IS OUR/MY PURPOSE?‘To love and be loved.’ To find our way home.’‘Trust God, clean house, help others.’p17www.bigbookworkshop.comRevised 7/4/2021

ASSIGNMENTS: Twelve Steps to Spiritual AwakeningPRAYER FOR DEEP RESENTMENT:God,(INSERT NAME of person regarding this resentment),like me is a spiritually sick person.Please: (choose one or two most resonate bullets) Help me to show (Name) tolerance,compassion and patience Release me from being angry Enable me to release this resentment Remove this resentment Show me how to take a kindly and tolerantview of (Name) Bring me to accept reality as it is Show me how I can be helpful to (Name)Thy will be done.(Suggestion: Say this prayer for 30 days. Consider taking anAccountability Partner. We pray because we arepowerless/We are accountable because we are human)12 Step ACRONYMSI S M’S – I, Self, Me * I See Me * I Sponsor Myself * ISabotage Myself * Internal Spiritual Malady *Incredibly Short MemoryG I F T – God Is Forever ThereW I S D O M – When In Self Discover Our MotivesF A I T H – Fantastic Adventure In Trusting HimP U SH – Pray Until Something HappensT I M E – This I Must ExperienceF A M I L Y – Forget About Me I Love YouF I N E – F*ked up. Insecure, Neurotic, & EmotionalD E A D – Drinking Ends All DreamsD A M M – Drunks Against Mad MothersF E A R – F*k Everything And Run * Fight EveryoneAnd Relapse * False Evidence Appearing Real * FaceEverything And RecoverSERENITYSee things for what they areEverything happens for a reasonRely on God for the answerEngage in prayer when you are in needNever give up on God, God never gives up on youIllustrate character by exampleTry forgivenessYesterday learn from, today learn towards,tomorrow learn top18www.bigbookworkshop.comRevised 7/4/2021

ASSIGNMENTS: Twelve Steps to Spiritual Awakening p2 www.bigbookworkshop.com Revised 7/4/2021 These assignments are designed for a Twelve-Month Workshop using the book “Alcoholics Anonymous”.For more information, visit – www.herbk.com or www.bigbookworkshop.com To those