The material presented
here is not Al-Anon Conference Approved Literature. It is a method
to exchange
information, ideas, feelings, problems and solutions on a personal
level.
hello, all. wondering if anyone can lend some insight into different approaches to step work. i'm working with a potential sponsor and she approaches it the way her sponsor did with her: take each word of each step and write on that word for every 5 year segment of your life.
every word. i am 49 years old. that's a lot of words, and an approach that i find rather abstract.
others tell me they have worked the steps by writing on the concepts or with the aid of accompanying questions or worksheets.
any input based on your experience with the process (and the flexibility of the process) would be helpful and appreciated. thank you.
My experience is not as extensive as some others here, but I will share what has worked for me. My sponsor had me use the Alanon hardcover book Paths to Recovery. It has a chapter on each step, with questions at the end of each chapter. I wrote the questions and my answers in a journal and then discussed the high points with my sponsor, one step at a time. I also like the question and answer format in the Step Work board on this site.
I did that intensive (searching, fearless and moral) method with the 4th step alone and have done 6 4th steps. The 4th is about defining me and the redefining me during the apology and amends process. All steps are worked daily in my recovery. The last word of step 2 presents and ongoing goal in my recovery. (((hugs)))
I do think that the process you outlined does sounds very extensive and if you are choosing this person as your sponsor, I believe that this is the process she supports.
I too like the Paths to Recovery process with the questions on each Step at the back of each chapter. I attempt to do this on the Step Work Board here.
I too have worked the steps several times since I entered program so it is not a one time thing.
I've also used the book referenced above as well as the format in the Reaching for Personal Freedom. There are a couple of 'unofficial guides' to working the steps that I've used in small group settings and the good old fashion format that is suggested in the AA Big Book (columns/rows). The last I mention might be confusing for Al-Anon members, but it's the most thorough format I've found that makes me truly consider what drove me to act/react the way I did/do....
I am the kind of thinker that I do better when I have a specific format - Q/A or Essay or Form. I can get easily distracted in a free form assignment. I don't think there is a 'best way' out there - and it is nice to have a sponsor to guide the process.
Many folks I know consider one step per month each year (after going through them once). So - January aligns with Step 1, Concept 1, Tradition 1 and so forth. We do this once a month also in our meeting lined up the same way. While real life issues and events are awesome for ESH, staying focused on our core foundation helps me stay focused on the end-game....peace of mind and serenity.
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Practice the PAUSE...Pause before judging. Pause before assuming. Pause before accusing. Pause whenever you are about to react harshly and you will avoid doing and saying things you will later regret. ~~~~ Lori Deschene
thank you, hotrod. i bought Paths to Recovery today since it has the same questions as its accompanying workbook. i was told to decide what seems to work best for me. the potential sponsor sounds like she's comfortable with her way but is talking to her sponsor about it as well. not sure yet whether we'll work together. to me it seems like two roads that lead to the same destination... will see. talking to others in meetings as well. most seem to do the questions.
thank you, Iamhere. i bought Paths to Recovery and saw Reaching for Personal Freedom - i think - in the meeting i attended today. i'm really leaning toward the question format - seems more direct to me - shall see.
