Hello everyone, this week we started Step Ten and read to pg 203 Cognitive Inventory. We talked about the different ways we practice Step 10 after discussing making amends to ourselves at the end of Step Nine.
So here's the discussion question for you to consider: In what ways does practicing step ten, in whatever way you do that, either formally or informally, add to the process of making amends to yourself. Think about it.
For me, I know that I am being kinder to myself by not letting harms pile up so that I have to do a 4th step. By promptly dealing with unskillful behaviors I allow myself some grace and peace of mind, and that is making an amends to myself because I'm changing the way I live for the better of all beings, myself included. THis is the bliss of blamelessness that the Buddha refers to, and I deserve to live in that peace today. Doing Step ten helps me do that.
What about you? Any thoughts?
Wow! The bliss of blamelessness carries a lot of meaning for me right now in my journey. In my 12th step service work, I have the opportunity to serve a couple of districts by attending their district meetings and help if I am asked for guidance. I also give a very short report of section happenings. The hardest part of this new position is that I need to refrain from adding unsolicited advice. It is very hard. I want to interject many times during the meetings because I “think” I know a better way. In essence I am stepping on the toes of others and they are retaliating. I also have a tendency to want to get my hands into areas that are of no concern to me. Like if I see what I think is a traditions violation I need to address it right away. No matter where I spot it. It became obvious to me that my ego is off balance.
In an effort to gain insight and get help with being the “AA” police I spoke with a service sponsor and the best advice was to truly understand that everyone has a right to be wrong. Moreover I don’t have the right to interfere with the learning of a new trusted servant in the fellowship. The advice helped me to see where I was taking something away from someone else.
Most of all I learned a new way my ego and defects manifest themselves to harm others. To be blamelessly blissful is the best concept for me focus on right now. There is always something for me to seek higher guidance for.