I know, I know... there's a step-working message board, but I really haven't found what I was looking for on that site.
As NA members, what was your experience with step 7?
I did a half-assed attempt about 3 years ago while in treatment, but never really got much out of it. The counselor we had at that time was a "normie" and I wasn't about to go around asking anyone in meetings about anything "spiritual." Oh heavens no! hahaha!
Boy life's changed!
I just completed step 6 with my sponsor last week. I'm starting on step 7 with the step working guide, but just wanted a little experience, strength, and hope from some other members on how they worked theirs and what kind of... I don't know... experience, feelings, etc you had after.
I'm already practicing the step in some ways and have seen some wonderful benefits. My motivation is up, attitude is changing, and life is good! :)
Hey Amanda ,nice meeting you.....You have made yourself"entirely ready" previously so now you are ready to completely trust your Higher Powers wisdom is greater than your own.I found, for me I was always impatient,"how come it ain't happening 'iM READY WHATS GOING ON ,?? Still doing the same junk,, all me stuff...It is really a spiritual happening.We have to realize God knows what needs to go,we may think we do, but not always the case. Like it tells us elsewhere do we want to become so blatantly honest ,without discernment,compassion and other principles that it will bring us farther ,not closer, from our Higher Powers will and guidance..?This is a big step for help from our sponsor,they may see things we arent even aware of,,(support people etc)We just continually ask God in to work in Gods way and Gods time.This does free us up of some of our fears and brings about a peace"I read as ' THAT SURPASSES ALLUNDERSTANDING from my spiritual readings.......Faith (being sure of what we hope for,and certain of what we have not seen) is also a big quotient for me.I trry and live by faith and trust,.We continue to have 'spiritual awareness' thru working our steps,keeping our 3rd step principle of commitment" ( even when it looks as if nothing is happening(you know that well whats taking so long syndrome!!!,for me anyway)And finally ,I know this is a life long trip,I WILL LOSE SOME SHORTCOMINGS AND PICK UP OTHERS,BUT I WILL STILL TRY TO REMAIN "ENTIRELY READY" AND HUMBLY ASK ,IN GOD'S TIME.. I believe,THINGS THAT "NEED TO GO" WILL...my stuff .......GOOD JOB STAYING IN THE SOLUTION AND FOR THE SERVICE YOU DO(READ YOUR BIO)sorry for typing cant type and look at same time:) :)
-- Edited by MIKEF on Saturday 26th of February 2011 09:22:15 AM
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Our purpose is to remain clean,just for today,and to carry the message of recovery.
My experience with step 7 is that it is a life-long process. I first I become ready to have all my defects of character removed in step 6, and then, finding that I cannot do this by myself, I humbly ask my higher power to remove them. My willingness and humility come as a direct result of understanding how these defects of character are causing problems for me and other people. Pain is a great motivator for me. My sponsor plays an important role in this process, since he can help me understand the exact nature of my defects of character and how they are causing problems. Progess not perfection is important here too. I have found that no defect of character has been completely removed in 26 years of recovery, though most of them have gotten better. For example, I have become more honest, patient, tolerant, and kind, and less fearful and less angry. But I still am capable of reverting back to an old, bad habit, especially when I am under stress.
I had an interesting experience with step 7. After completing the workbook and humbly asking the God of my understanding to remove my shortcomings, I found that I had profoundly completed step 2. Yup...my 'coming to believe' was deeper and richer. I found a peace in my reliance on a higher power who could do for me what i could not do for myself. I loved working step 7. It had a significant impact on my life.
I'm with Avid on this one. Also having the awareness of my shortcomings made it possible for me to change them. Whenever I feel that I'm running on a defect I can take a breath and correct my behavior. God gives me this awareness and I trust that he will show me when I start to act out.
