The StepsThis is one of the "action" steps that some may find easier than others to work. We are able to see direct results or benefits from this step. It is also a step which can be said to "purge" or "clense" oneself with.
To make a list of all persons we had harmed takes some considerable amount of time and work. This is because we need to be self searching, and frank with ourselves as to what "harmed" means. If we simply make a list of those who we may have offended with some remark, or slight action, we may have to take a very long time in compiling this list.
However, I do not believe this is the purpose of the step. We should be making the list of persons who our actions and deeds hurt, not just offended. The context of the word "harmed" seems to imply a deeper and more long lasting pain, then the word "hurt".
The step tells us to "make a list of all persons we have harmed", it does not state however that we should make a list of the actions we did that caused the harm. Yet, we must confront these actions and deeds to completely work this step. It seems to make little sense to say that "I have harmed so-and-so" without saying what the harm was that you did, and how or why it was caused.
We must be aware of the actions commited and the circumstances under which they were commited. While not being an excuse for our actions, our condition under which the actions took place needs to be noted and addressed.
This action of making the list can often be painful, as it forces us to confront and acknowlege actions and attitudes which we are most likely uncomfortable with. If we did not truly want to rid ourselves of the destructful habits we exibited, it would be very easy to gloss over this step and make the most cusory list we could imagine.
The second half of the step asks us to become "willing" to make ammends to the persons we have harmed, but does not actully have us do so. This is called for in step #9. The founders of AA saw a clear distinction between step 8 and 9 because, we need to become willing to do something before we can become able to do something.
Becomming willing to make these ammends means we have to drop barriers of pride and self righteousness. We need to prepare ourselves for the reactions of those we intend to speak to. The desired reaction is most likely one of acceptance. We must also be willing and ready to face some anger or resentment from those individuals who feel we have truly harmed them. We may also need to prepare ourselves to hear some unkind words from these people.
The Steps
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