The StepsIt may be of some significance that the founders of AA chose to use the term" a power greater than ourselves " as compared to "God". Is this so that those with little or no belief in God would feel at home in the program? Did they feel that by introducing a moral perspective on the lives of the people they were trying to reach, that they might scare off some who while truly needing help, may feel uncomfortable with an overtly religious program?
The Big Book devotes a section to "We agnostics". And in this section there is the question " Do I now believe, or am I even willing to believe, that there is a Power greater than myself." Surely we cannot be as concieted that we feel we are the greatest designed thing in the whole universe. This belief has led to many a war based on the assumption that one being, or race of beings is far superior than others.
A belief that we are the culmination of the ultimate perfection is so egotistical that it is almost humourous.
This reminds me of a statement by animal rights activests who oppose the "exploitation" of animals by humans who believe that everything available to is has been placed there soley for our use. The activest felt that this was like the radio antenna on top of the Empire State Building, assuming that the building was made soley to support it in the sky.
Yet we as humans seem to always consider ourselves vastly superior than other forms of life around us. We are by comparison, the most accomplished species on this planet. We are the ones who have accomplished the most, but we must remember we are the ones who have the greatest success in killing ourselves, and ruining this planet.
The understanding of this step is also a confirmation that we cannot do this on our own. The Power Greater than ourselves may be for most their belief in God, it may be an acknowlegment of "the fates", or it may be an acceptence in the power of a group, the brotherhood of a commonly shared expierience or condition. No one truly can accomplish this on their own. The support, and understanding of others who share our condition and similar expieriences is a powerful force, and can be used to great good
Can the "power greater than ourselves" be the strength of community, or the fellowship of others in the same situation? Alone we can accomplish very little, but there is strength in numbers. There is the shared experience, the gained knoweledge of others who have attempted and succeded in a task.
If we state this step as a truth, it follows that we did not at one time believe that this action ( a restoration of our sanity ) was at all possible given the situation we were in. It is an affirmation of the power of the human existance and the ability to survive. It is also an acknoweledgement of the desperate situation we have found ourselves in.
While the recovery process can succeed on your own, the shared knoweledge of others can be a great tool. It is also reassuring to know that others may have had difficulties, in their road to recovery. Hearing of another persons struggles may help you to avoid the same situation, or it can make you realize how much you have already improved.
Along with Step 1, it is the begining of a realization of the help we truly are hoping to find. We have realized that there is a problem and we are seeking a way to extricate ourselves from this condition. It is a plea from ourselves, to ourselves asking to reject the lifestyle we have led, and to start upon a new, more structured, and healthier way of living.
A process which is very difficult to succeed at on your own, can be made easier by the strength, advice, and caring of others.
The Steps
Various Topics
Personal Stories
Assorted Quotes
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