Basic Instructions of Step Ten and Step Eleven (84–85)

Basic Instructions of Step Ten (84–85)

We continue to watch for selfishness, dishonesty, resentment, and fear as we go through the day.

When (not ‘If’) these crop up, we ask God at once to remove them. Note that there is no analysis. Do not seek to ‘understand’ as a method of ‘processing’ these. Understanding comes automatically from this process. Note that we ask God at once, not at the end of the day.

We discuss them with someone immediately. Apply this if you are so deeply involved in your own drama you cannot function. Otherwise, get on with being helpful wherever you are.

We make amends quickly if we have harmed anyone.

Then we resolutely turn our thoughts to someone we can help. Take whatever action suggests itself on the basis of this.

When disturbed, we ask God to show us how to be loving and tolerant. We use love and tolerance as our yardsticks for making decisions and treating others.

Step Eleven basic instructions (86–88) At the end of the day, carry out a 5–10 minute review of the period since the last review. This is part of the evening meditation. Start with realizing that a loving God is present with you. Then ask God to show you the truth. Do not beat yourself up for what you find.

Were we resentful, selfish, dishonest or afraid? Pick the top one of each and resolve to discuss with a sponsor or friend the next morning.

Do we owe an apology? Make a list of people to apologize to or make amends to the next day, where applicable.

Have we kept something to ourselves which should be discussed with another person at once? Make a list of such matters and whom they will be discussed with.

Were we kind and loving toward all? What could we have done better?

Were we thinking of ourselves most of the time? Or were we thinking of what we could do for others, of what we could pack into the stream of life?

Be careful not to drift into worry, remorse or morbid reflection, for that would diminish our usefulness to others.

Ask God’s forgiveness (and know that it will be totally given).

Inquire (of God) what corrective measures should be taken. Keep it simple (a couple will do). Check them out with someone with more experience in the program, if you are new to this or unsure.

At the beginning of the day:

If we face indecision, we ask God for inspiration, an intuitive thought, or the right decision. We relax and take it easy. We don’t struggle.

We pray some set prayers that emphasize the principles of AA.

We read some spiritual literature and ask God to show us how we can apply it to our day.

Finally, we pray that we be shown all through the day what our next step is to be, that we be given whatever we need to take care of such problems. We ask especially for freedom from self-will, and we are careful to make no request for ourselves only. We may ask for ourselves, however, if others will be helped.

References:

http://first164.blogspot.com/search/label/Step%20Ten

(FYI: I love this blog and the author is a wealth of information!)