At Willowcherry.us, we believe in the transformative power of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). This powerful program has helped countless individuals overcome addiction and find lasting recovery. As we explore the core principles of AA, today, we’re delving into Step 2: “Came to believe that a power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.”
Step 2 might seem daunting at first, particularly in today’s world that often emphasizes self-sufficiency and control. But within this step lies a profound truth – a truth that transcends religion or dogma and speaks to the very core of human experience.
A Story of Acceptance: From Rock Bottom to Redemption
Imagine Sarah, a high-powered executive who has battled alcoholism for years. Her addiction has chipped away at her relationships, her career, and her sense of self. One night, after a public humiliation, Sarah finds herself at rock bottom. Filled with despair, she contemplates ending it all.
But then, a glimmer of hope emerges. A friend reaches out, inviting her to an AA meeting. Hesitantly, Sarah attends. There, she hears stories of transformation, of individuals who have found freedom from the shackles of addiction. She is particularly struck by a man named John, who shares his own experience with Step 2.
John speaks of his lifelong struggle with alcohol and the moment of surrender that became a turning point. He describes a realization – that he was powerless over alcohol and that true recovery required a force beyond himself. This concept resonated deeply with Sarah.
As Sarah continues attending meetings and working the AA program, she begins to understand the true essence of Step 2. It’s not about subscribing to a specific religion; it’s about acknowledging the limitations of the ego and embracing the possibility of a higher power – a power that can guide her on the path to recovery.
The Power of Acceptance in a Chaotic World
In a world that often prizes control and achievement, Step 2 offers a radical yet liberating perspective. It compels us to acknowledge that we are not always in control. We are vulnerable to forces beyond our understanding, including the disease of addiction.
This concept might feel counterintuitive in today’s hustle culture. We are bombarded with messages telling us to “girl boss” our way to success and to achieve happiness through sheer willpower. But AA wisdom reminds us that true strength lies in acknowledging our limitations and surrendering to something greater.
This doesn’t mean passivity or resignation. It’s about accepting our current reality as a starting point for growth. By letting go of the illusion of complete control, we open ourselves to the possibility of transformation.
Finding Your Higher Power: A Philosophical Exploration
The concept of a “higher power” in Step 2 can be a source of confusion for some. It’s important to remember that AA is a program of spiritual principles, not a religious doctrine. The higher power can manifest differently for each individual.
For some, it might be a connection to a higher purpose, a sense of awe inspired by nature, or the collective wisdom of the AA community itself. The key is to find something that transcends the self and offers a sense of hope and guidance.
Step 2 and Today’s Hottest Topics
Step 2’s message of acceptance resonates with many of today’s most pressing issues. Here are a few examples:
- Mental health: The emphasis on self-acceptance in Step 2 aligns with the growing conversation around mental health. By acknowledging our limitations and seeking help, we can start the journey towards healing.
- Addiction recovery: Step 2 is a foundational principle in addiction recovery programs beyond AA. Recognizing the powerlessness over addiction is crucial for lasting change.
- Social justice: The concept of a higher power can inspire us to connect with something larger than ourselves and work towards a more just and equitable world.
Conclusion: A Step Towards a Brighter Future
Step 2 of AA is not about blind faith or religious dogma. It’s about embracing the power of acceptance and surrendering to the possibility of something greater than ourselves. In a world that often feels chaotic and out of control, Step 2 offers a path towards hope, healing, and transformation.
At Willowcherry.us, we invite you to explore the wisdom of AA and embark on your own journey of recovery. Remember, you are not alone. There is hope, and there is help available.
– [ ] Do you believe there is an order to the universe or are events random: I absolutely believe there is an order to the universe, the universe is far too intricately designed to be of random cause. This is especially seen when we examine life on the cellular level or even more profound the human mind and DNA complexity. Not to mention how the animal kingdom works in absolutely harmony and all these specific and interesting adaptation animals have that allow them to thrive in their given ecosystem.
– [ ] What as the attitude towards spirituality in your childhood home: I was raised in a Christian household and I was taken to church regularly growing up. I always felt the Bible being a superficial form of control from a young child and never truly believed in it. I was an atheist for quite some time because the only narrative of god I knew was that of the Christian concept, and I rejected that concept because it did not sit right with me.
– [ ] How do you feel about the spiritual tradition you grew up in? Did it contribute to your addiction or provide you any aid or comfort?: I believe Christianity is a great religion that has lots of eternal truth and wisdom, as well as the embracing of morals and traditional values. However, I do believe it’s just a program for a person to have a profound joyful and full filling life, and teaches you concepts of preserving your mind and body from degeneration(especially in the modern world). I believe many of the stories in the Bible have life lessons that can be concluded from them and applied. I do think most of the Bible is not meant to be literal. I think it also quite evident a very smart group of people wrote the Bible as well as the Quran. I do think modern evangelical Christianity has been corrupted and undermined for purposes of its followers being in a docile and sympathetic state. The religion/ spiritual tradition I grew up in had no positive or negative effects on comforting or aiding my addiction.
– [ ] Do you ever attend religious services or rites of any kind? Why or why not?: I was attending church a few times a month last year with my uncle. I have stopped going to church there because large crowds give me very bad anxiety and that church in particular had too much singing and not enough diving into scripture for my liking. I would very much like to attend an Orthodox Christian church, but unfortunately there are none around here.
– [ ] What role does spirituality currently play in your life: It does not play a significant role but I’m trying to pray more frequently and sincerely (I often forget or get distracted by other thoughts in the middle of prayer so it is a struggle). It is something I certainly need to work on, I have read some information online on how semen retention is supposed to vastly improve your spiritual connection with god, and is something I’m trying to work on but it’s hard being young.
– [ ] Do you wish spirituality played a larger role in your life? If so why doesn’t it?: Yes I very much wish it played a larger role in my life, I truly feel like I struggle to have a connection with god. I think some of the reasons I struggle to have a connection with god is because I do not have a clean temple: nicotine, caffeine, wasting my seed/life force(from masturbation), possible fluoride consumption from tap water, forgetting to pray or get distracted in the middle of prayer and forgetting about it completely.
– [ ] Do you ever feel anger at a Higher Power? Why do you feel it? Is it justified?No I have never felt anger towards my higher power, not that I can remember at least
– [ ] Have you ever prayed to a higher power in moments of distress? Why? How did it make you feel?: Yes, I have prayed to a higher power in moments of distress. Even atheist will pray to a higher power in near death experiences as a last resort to comfort and ease in an extremely distressing situation. I’ve prayed to a higher in moments of distress for comfort and hope when I was mentally broken, it made me feel temporarily at peace and comforted, but this quickly resided.
– [ ] Have you ever made a deal or bargain with a higher power? Did you keep to it? Why?: I made a deal with my higher power when I broke my back. I was very distraught because I throught I’d be in pain and not able to run or be active for the rest of my life. Essentially, I made a deal that was: if you make my back new again where I can still enjoy my youth I will worship you with prayer and gratitude for the rest of my life. No I didn’t really keep to my deal because I got on drugs again and felt I wasn’t worthy of prayer with god, and quit praying. My back has been fully healed almost perfectly with the ability to run and lift heavy things.
– [ ] Does your Higher Power have characteristics? If so, what are they?: I’m not exactly sure I would describe my higher power other then mysterious, omnipotent, shapeless, all encompassing. It hard to describe unless I’m on psychedelics, then I can understand well what god is.
– [ ] Did you ever feel like someone in your family had authority over you and abused it? How does that make you feel about the concept of a Higher Power?: No, I have never felt like someone in my family abused their authority over me.