Assignment 1 - Orientation to the Workshop

  1. Obtain a new Alcoholics Anonymous book, 4th Edition (unless your current 4th Edition book has no writing/highlighting: then it’s OK!)

  2. Create and pray a “Set Aside Prayer”
    a) As part of your daily morning prayer and meditation practice, and

    b) Every time before you begin doing any part of the workshop assignments.

    Example of a “Set Aside Prayer”

    God, please set aside everything I think I know about myself, my unmanageability, my spiritual path and You,
    for an open mind and a new experience of myself, my unmanageability, my spiritual path and especially You.
     

  3. Listen to:
    •   Podcast 2020 – 01 Orientation to the Workshop

Additional Resources / Notes / Download

Printable PDF

Assignment 2 - Spiritual Awakening (Step 12)

  1. Start reading and highlighting your BIG BOOKS.  We start from the very first title page and keep reading up to page XXIV (not including “The Doctor’s Opinion“). Consider these four questions as you read, but do NOT answer. WE WILL BE REVIEWING THIS IN WEEK 5.

    i. Is this Twelve Step process what I really want to do at this time in my journey?
    ii. Why do I want to submit to this process at this time?
    iii. At this time am I willing to go to any lengths? What does this mean?
    iv. In what areas of my life am I being dishonest with myself and others.

    Gentle reminder: Reading two pages a day is enough!  Please don’t worry about doing it all at once. AND we always highlight when we are studying the Big Book.

  2. Please read and highlight the Appendix II. Consider terms: “Spiritual Experience”/”Spiritual Awakening”/”Unsuspected Inner Resource”

  3. Look up the words: “Anonymous”, “Recovered”, “Meditation”, “Prayer”, “Contemplation”

  4. Listen to:
    •   Podcast 2020 – 02 Introduction to Spiritual Awakening CLICK HERE

Extension:

  1. To prepare for next week (if you have time) listen to this topic OUR WAY OF LIFE:
    •   Watch on YouTube – Our Way Of Living – In the Light (Steps Ten, Eleven and Twelve)

Printable PDF

Assignment 3 - Our Way Of Life - Part 1 (Step 11)

  1. Read and highlight Big Book instructions on Step Eleven Prayer and Meditation – pages 85-88

  2. Review WOL-BBW pages 4-7. Consider this “My behavior tells me what I believe.” Am I taking time in the morning, evening and all day long? What does that look like?

  3. LISTEN to these two workshops(if you have time – the participant shares are valuable to listen to)

    •   Podcast 2020 – 03 Introduction to Prayer and Meditation

    •   YouTube – Meditation & Intentional Consciousness with James Finley PhD

Printable PDF

Assignment 4 - Our Way Of Life - Part 2 (Step 10)

  1. Read and highlight the Big Book instructions on Step Ten – pages 84-85. 

  2. Look up the word “reprieve” in a dictionary (“we have a daily reprieve”). 

  3. Consider the terms “not cured” and “spot check inventory”. Write out definitions.

  4. LISTEN to:
    •   Podcast 2020 – 04 Introduction to Daily Inventory

Extension:

  1. LISTEN to:
    •   YouTube – Emotional Sobriety (Part 1)

Printable PDF

Assignment 5 - Sponsorship / Step Guide

  1. Read the last two paragraphs on page 18 from the Big Book (“But the ex-problem drinker…”).

  2. Review WOL-BBW “Profile of a Sponsor” (CLICK HERE).

  3. Introducing next week: Accountability Partners, SIGNAL community, study groups & study buddies (CLICK HERE to install Signal in preparation).

  4. Reminder to keep reading your Big Book up to the Doctors Opinion (Assignment 1, Question 1).

  5. Listen to:

    •   YouTube – Sponsorship / Helping Others – Enlarging Compassion

Extension:

  1. Listen to:

    •   Podcast 2020 – 05 Introduction to the Big Book 1/3 CLICK HERE

    •   Podcast 2020 – 06 Introduction to the Big Book 2/3 CLICK HERE

    •   Podcast 2020 – 07 Introduction to the Big Book 3/3 CLICK HERE

Printable PDF

Assignment 6 - Continue Sponsorship / Step Guide

  1. Consider taking an accountability partner for 30 days.

  2. Consider trialing workshop tools: SIGNAL outreach community/study groups/study buddy.

  3. LISTEN/WATCH:

    •   YouTube – BIG BOOK: Title Pages, Preface, Forwards

  4. Review WOL-BBW page 9 – HISTORY of Alcoholics Anonymous

Printable PDF

Assignment 7 - Body / Craving

  1. Read and highlight “The Doctor’s Opinion” (xxv-xxxii) in the Big Book Alcoholics Anonymous. Ask yourself the question “What is wrong with my body?”

  2. Using a dictionary look up and write out the definitions for: “allergy”, “phenomenon”, “craving” and “addiction”

  3. What does Dr. Silkworth mean by “craving”?

  4. LISTEN to the FIRST 30 MIN OF TEACHING from these podcasts :
    •   08. Step 1 – The Body 1/4 CLICK HERE
    •   09. Step 1 – The Body 2/4 CLICK HERE
    •   10. Step 1 – The Body 3/4 CLICK HERE
    •   11. Step 1 – The Body 4/4 CLICK HERE

Extension:

A Design For Living – Living In The Light

Jo and Herb workshop on Steps 10, 11 & 12.

Please watch, share and (if you can!) make a comment on YouTube: https://youtu.be/BcNkM5sF0Pc

Printable PDF

Assignment 8 - Body / Craving

  1. Complete the “BODY” worksheet from WOL-BBW. Remember to focus on the physical reaction that occurs AFTER we engage in the addiction/unmanageable behaviour (food, alcohol, control, shopping etc.)

  2. Read “Bill’s Story” pages 1-8 only (skip 9-16). Look for identification: how he thought, felt, drank and behaved

  3. Continue from last week LISTEN to the FIRST 30 MIN OF TEACHING from these podcasts :
    •   08. Step 1 – The Body 1/4 CLICK HERE
    •   09. Step 1 – The Body 2/4 CLICK HERE
    •   10. Step 1 – The Body 3/4 CLICK HERE
    •   11. Step 1 – The Body 4/4 CLICK HERE

  4. Read pages 17 to 23 “There Is a Solution”, and consider the ALLERGY OF THE BODY.

Extension:

A Design For Living – Living In The Light

Jo and Herb workshop on Steps 10, 11 & 12.

Please watch, share and (if you can!) make a comment on YouTube: https://youtu.be/BcNkM5sF0Pc

Printable PDF

Assignment 9 - Mind / Obsession

  1.  Using a dictionary look up and write out definitions for: “delusion”, “Illusion”, “obsession”, and “insanity”.

  2. Read and highlight pages 23 to 35 in the Big Book, and consider OBSESSION.

  3. Read and highlight pages 35 to 43 in the Big Book and consider those STRANGE MENTAL BLANK SPOTS.

  4. Complete the “Mind” worksheet from the WOL-BBW (p. 17).

  5. LISTEN to Podcast 2020:
    •   Step 1 – 16. The Mind 5/5 CLICK HERE

Extension:

  1. If you have time LISTEN/WATCH:

    •   Herb K – STEP ONE: NO CHOICE!  CLICK HERE

    •   Step 1 – 12. The Mind 1/5 CLICK HERE
    •   Step 1 – 13. The Mind 2/5 CLICK HERE
    •   Step 1 – 14. The Mind 3/5 CLICK HERE
    •   Step 1 – 15. The Mind 4/5 CLICK HERE

Printable PDF

Assignment 10 - Will / Unmanageability

  1. Read and highlight pages 44 to 45 in the Big Book, to the end of the 2nd sentence, 2nd full paragraph ending with “… will solve your problem”. Consider the phrase “Lack of Power”.

  2. Read and highlight page 52 of the Big Book, 2nd full paragraph beginning with “We had to ask ourselves …” ending with “Of course it was …”. This is the behavioral description of UNMANAGEABILITY. Consider “bedevilments” in my life today.

  3. Read and highlight from pages 60 to 62 in the Big Book, from the last full paragraph on page 60 (begins “The first requirement …” ends on page 62: “We had to have God’s help.”). This describes the actual nature of the spiritual malady. 5. Reread the “bedevilment” paragraph on page 52 out loud, substituting the words “I”, “me” and “my” and using the present tense, for example: “I have to ask myself …” Pause and ask yourself for each item: “Is this my experience?”; “Is this how I feel?” – “TODAY?”

  4. Complete the “Will” worksheet from WOL.

  5. Beginning with the last paragraph on page 60, turn the following sentence into a question: “The first requirement is that we are convinced that any life run on self-will can hardly be a success.” Am I convinced? Reflect.

  6. LISTEN to the PODCAST 2020. 

    16. Step 1 – The Will 1/3 CLICK HERE

    17. Step 1 – The Will 2/3 CLICK HERE

    18. Step 1 – The Will 3/3 CLICK HERE

Extension:

  1. Look up and write out definitions for:

“Unmanageability”

“Surrender”

“Narcissism”

“Defeat”

“Admit”

“Malady”

“Concede”

“Solipsism”

“Willfulness”

“Bedevilment”

“Will”

 

“Willpower”

“Self-seeking”

“Self-centered”

 

Printable PDF

Assignment 11 - Decision about Concept

  1. Ask yourself and write the answer: “What do I believe about God?” NOT asking about what you think you know, feel, want, or that you have been told. “What do you BELIEVE – right now?”

  2. Read Chapter 4 (We Agnostics p.44-57) and highlight anything that stands out to you for any reason.  

  3. Re-read and highlight Chapter 4, with a different color. This time highlight and mark the phrases that you disagree with, have resistance to, doubt, or have any negative connections

  4. Re-read (for the last time!) and highlight Chapter 4, in a different color. This time highlight and mark the phrases that you can embrace, that you resonate with– especially looking at the synonyms for God, for example, “Power”, “New Land”, “Broad Highway”, etc.  

  5. Question 1 above asked ‘what do you believe?’. Now consider what is my behavior telling me about my beliefs? (Note: “My behavior tells me what I believe”)

  6. Choose the attributes or qualities (for example: power, caring) you NEED/want God to be/have. Write out your CHOICE of CONCEPT for POWER. Begin to act as if it is real!  

Extension:

  1. Listen to the 2020 podcasts:

    20. Step 2 – Belief CLICK HERE

    21. Step 2 – Doubt CLICK HERE

    22.Step 2 – A Decision About CLICH HERE

    23. Step 2 – My Concept CLICK HERE

  2. Re-read and highlight Spiritual Awakening, Appendix 11, pages 567-568 (again!). 

  3. Read and highlight the balance of Bill’s Story (pages 9-16) in the Big Book. What would a “Spiritual Awakening” look like for Bill in the story?

  4. Look up and write out definitions for:

“Belief“

“Love“

“Atheist“

“Faith“

“Trust“

“Decide“

“Hope“

“Agnostic“

“Process“

Printable PDF

Assignment 12 - Decision for Relationship

  1. Read and highlight pages 58 to 63 in the Big Book in preparation for Step Three decision.

  2. On pages 62-63, Bill Wilson suggests five relationships – can you find them?

  3. Name you Relationship: Find a word or phrase for a relationship with Power that your heart yearns for (bearing in mind that you can always change it later!). For example, Divine Architect, Healer, Teacher, Coach, Support, etc. Make the relationship personal to you, connected to the desired attributes for a Higher Power that you described in your Step Two writings. Consider also, does it have an element of power, of caring, and of goodness.

  4. Reflect on the Step Three promises found in the first paragraph on page 63 beginning “When we sincerely …”

  5. LISTEN/WATCH:
    Step 2 and 3 – “We Agnostics” – A Decision and a Choice CLICK HERE

    Path to Freedom Step 3 – “Decision for a Relationship“ CLICK HERE

Extension:

  1. Look up and write out the definitions for:

     

    “Decision“

    “Care“

     

    “Turn“

    “Alignment“

     

  2. Write out your own Step Three prayer based on the actual prayer on page 63.

Printable PDF

Assignment 13 – Obstacles to the Relationship (Col 1 – BB p.65)

  1. Read and highlight the balance of page 63 to 65 in the Big Book.

  2. Consider your “resentments“ through each decade of your life. Consider the people, institutions, and principles that still bother you.

    NOTE: A resentment is an anger that is felt over and over.  It is NOT the memory of an anger.  If today you are still angry (annoyed, irritated) at something from your past – it is resentment.

  3. PODCAST LISTEN:
    28. Step 4 – Column 1 (CLICK HERE)

  4. Write a list (column 1) of the people (institutions, principles) you resent today. You can use page 25 of the BBW-WOL.  (I suggest you keep it under 10 names).

  5. PODCAST LISTEN:
    29. Step 4 – Column 2 (CLICK HERE) 

  6. Now look at each name on your list and ask “why you are angry?“ (column 2).  Use the table on page 26 (WOL).  Using the names from your column 1 above, now write in why you are angry.  Note: no more than three examples each.  Keep it brief and simple.  See the example below (we will review this together next week):  Use BB page 65 as a model.  

       

    Person 1:

    A.  She is bullying me at work 

    B.  She doesn’t deserve her job 

    C.  She is the reason I had to quit 

Extension:

  1. Write out definitions for:

    “Inventory”

    “Anger”

    “Resentment”

    “Fear”

    “Infidelity”

    “Principles”

    “Dishonesty”

    “Secrets”

    		 
Printable PDF

Assignment 14 – Beliefs? Story? Column 3

  1. LISTEN to PODCAST 2020:

    29. Step 4 – Column 2 (CLICK HERE)

  2. Now look at each name on your list and ask “why you are angry?“ (Column 2). Use the table on page 26 (BBW – WOL). Using the names from your column 1 above, now write in why you are angry. Note: no more than three examples each. Keep it brief and simple. See the example below (we will review this together next week):

    Use BB page 65 as a model.

    Person 1:

    A. She is bullying me at work

    B. She doesn’t deserve her job

    C. She is the reason I had to quit

  3. Print out a supply of the Step Four Column 3 & 4 worksheets, from the “Way of Life” (BBW-WOL) document on p 25/26.

  4. Complete one Column 3 worksheet for next week. There is a worked example int the Appendix (page 59).

Extension:

  1. LISTEN:
    Step 4 – Col 3: Self Esteem and Pride (1/4) (CLICK HERE)

    Step 4 – Column 3 (2/4) & Deep Resentment (CLICK HERE)

Printable PDF

Assignment 15 - Continue Column 3 / Prayer for Deep resentment

  1. Look at your list of resentments (Column 1) and make a note of the deep resentments.

  2. Read and highlight material about Deep Resentments from pages 66 to 67 in the Big Book down to paragraph 3 starting with “Referring to our list again…“

  3. Construct a prayer of your own for the removal of, and freedom from, resentments from your head/heart/gut. Use the “Deep resentment Prayer“ from the WOL.  Remember – you are praying for your own healing.

  4. Pray your prayer for removal from yourself, of resentment for each person with whom you have your deep resentments – every day: if you have 8 deep resentments then you do 8 prayers for the removal of deep resentments.

    It is suggested you do this on your knees to get your full attention each morning until you know in your inner most being that the resentment has been removed. Cross this resentment off. It may take many months for the first resentment to be lifted.

  5. Continue to complete the Column 3 worksheets.

  6. LISTEN to PODCAST 2020:
    Step 4 – Column 3 (3/4) CLICK HERE
    Step 4 – Column 3 (4/4) CLICK HERE

Printable PDF

Assignment 16 - Continue Column 3

This week our homework is to aim to do (at least) one 3rd Column for each of the people in your Column 1 resentment list.

 

NOTE: Remember the prayer for deep resentment! (BBW-WOL p. 27)

Printable PDF

Assignment 17 - Introducing Column 4

  1. Read and highlight the column 4 paragraph from page 67 of the Big Book, “Refering to our list again….”.

  2. Review the Column 4 worksheet questions and the appendix worked example – see BBW-WOL.

  3. LISTEN:  
    34. Step 4 – Column 4 (1/2) CLICK HERE

  4. Complete one Column 4 worksheet.

  5. Consider where you are responsible? Consider why you might be hanging on to this resentment and what you might be getting out of holding on to it.  This is not about self-blame or self-loathing which some of us will want to hold on to. It is about accepting reality as it is.  “What is the LOVING thing to do here?”.

Printable PDF

Assignment 18 - Our Motives - Column 4

  1. LISTEN to PODCAST 2020:

    35. Step 4 – Column 4 (2/2) CLICK HERE

  2. Complete as many Column 4 worksheets as you can this week.

Printable PDF

Assignment 19 - Our Responsibilities - Column 4

  1. Continue with your Step 4 Column 3 and 4. Get as many completed as you can over the next 2 weeks. Finding REALITY. We are not “less than”, and “not more than”. Where is our humility today? Where is our Balance?

  2. LISTEN/WATCH to YouTube:
    14. RESENTMENT Column 3 & 4 (CLICK HERE)

Printable PDF

Assignment 20 – Fear - The STORY

    1. Read and highlight: starting from page 67 from “Notice that the word fear…” and stop when you get to page 68 “Now about sex…”.CONCRETE FEAR: fear of lack of money, or fear of being fired, fear of being homeless. 

      PSYCHOLOGICAL FEAR: fear of looking awkward, fear of powerful people, fear of being abandoned.

    2. Review your 3rd/4th column worksheets. From them list out all the fears.

    3. Take a fear you have listed and write out a FEAR TRAIN. See BBW-WOL Appendix for examples.

    4. LISTEN to PODCAST 2020:

      37. Step 4 – Fear Inventory (1/2) CLICK HERE

Printable PDF

Assignment 21 – Fear - The STORY (Part 2)

  1. Continue with your fear trains. Take each fear you have listed in your Column work and write out a FEAR TRAIN for each one.

    Remember: These do not take long each to write – just a few minutes!

  2. Do a “spontaneous dump” of any other fears that are on your mind. Let them emerge without comment or filter.

  3. Go over your life in brackets of time, looking for any age specific fears.

  4. LISTEN to PODCAST 2020:

    Step 4 – Fear Inventory (2/2) CLICK HERE

Printable PDF

Assignment 22 - Fear Inventory

  1. Continue to finish your FEAR TRAIN. Do you see a pattern of core fears? See WOL appendix for examples.  Remember – These do not take long to write – just a few minutes!

  2. Complete at least one FEAR TABLE (see the example in appendix WOL). Note: If you see the behaviour of DISHONESTY when you are experiencing fear – then the principle might be COURAGE. Then ask yourself: “What would someone with courage do?” Your answer here becomes a VISION STATEMENT and ACTION PLAN to aspire to (It is the column 5 on the FEAR TABLE).

  3. Consider taking an accountability partner for some of the actions you are highlighting in the column 5 of the FEAR TABLE.

  4. Continue to LISTEN:

    37. Step 4 – Fear Inventory (1/2) CLICK HERE

    36. Step 4 – Fear Inventory (2/2) CLICK HERE

Printable PDF

Assignment 23 - Fear - Sex

  1. Read and highlight in the Big Book from the bottom of page 68 “Now about sex…” through to page 70, stopping at “If we have been thorough…”.

  2. LISTEN to PODCAST 2020:
    39. Step 4 – Sex Inventory & readings from Big Book (CLICK HERE)

  3. As with other inventories, we make a list. Look over the history of your sexual activities (relationships) (see BBW-WOL p. 34).
    For example: played doctor, flirted with so-and-so; or a pattern you might be noticing like: one-night stands, affairs with married people, or perhaps we noticed we were avoiding healthy opportunities for intimacy. 

Printable PDF

Assignment 24 - Sex - Inventory?

  1. Complete the Sex Inventory Worksheet (see appendix in WOL). One worksheet per event.

  2. Collect the answers to your Question 9 on one piece of paper. 

    Now we sit in the Power of that unanswered question – “What should we have done instead?”  OR CONSIDER “Given what I now know…would I do anything differently today?” 

    REMEMBER: I could not do anything differently back then – but now…what would I do now? Consider also, do I see a pattern of behavior?  This will help you to identify your core values. These become part of your SEX IDEAL (our ideals/principles we become willing to live up to).  Consider what may be our CONDITIONED BEHAVIOUR, i.e. the taking on values just because they were our family’s, or our sponsor’s values, maybe values of our culture or religious traditions.

    We are invited to develop our own values by writing out our own SEX IDEAL.  Keep an open mind, using the Set Aside Prayer. We put our SEX IDEAL in the context of responsibility for our own behaviour. Some examples may be consideration of partner’s feelings; integrity; fidelity; respect for myself and my partner; etc.

    JUST A REMINDER: we are not the arbiter of others’ sexual conduct, and the Big Book has no opinion.

  3. Write out your SEX IDEAL.

  4. LISTEN to PODCAST 2020:
    39. Step 4 – Sex Inventory & readings from Big Book (CLICK HERE)

Extension:

  1. If you haven’t read Chapter Four from the Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions recently, then consider re-reading it now.

Printable PDF

Assignment 25 - Dishonesty - Secrets - Shame - Guilt

  1. Read conclusion in Big Book, pages 70 from “If we have been thorough…” to the end of the chapter (page 71).

  2. Consider the purpose of this whole process – to identify and remove (or have removed) the impediments or obstacles to a Relationship with that Power deep down inside us.

  3. Ask yourself where/when you have experienced: Guilt, Shame, Embarrassment, Dishonesty (Stealing), Irresponsibility, Disturbance.

  4. Consider Principles (Values) as expressed in the Seven Deadly Sins: Pride, Greed, Lust, Gluttony, Envy, Anger, Sloth (see WOL for examples)

  5. Do you have any secrets? Is there any experience, incident, or embarrassment that has not been shared? With which you are still uncomfortable?

  6. After praying the Set Aside Prayer, spend time reflecting (meditating) on each of these items above and write out your thoughts, feelings and memories. Be specific.  It is especially important to be specific about any area/item that you have conscious/intuitive awareness of resistance to disclosure; any area/event/behavior about which you have current discomfort or are currently disturbed. Err on the side of maximizing rather than minimizing. This is about “rigorous honesty” and about being transparent. This is about removing the sludge in us that blocks us from that Power. ASK: How free do you want to be?

  7. LISTEN to PODCAST 2020:
    40. Step 4 – Dishonesty, Secrets & readings from Big Book (CLICK HERE)

Printable PDF

Assignment 26 - Preparing Step 5

  1. This week continue to gather your inventories.

    a) Resentments – Put these in chronological order (oldest to most recent)

    b) Fear – Collect your Fear Trains / make sure you have completed at least one Fear Table

    c) Sex Conduct – Put your questions 1 – 9 in chronological order (oldest to most recent) / review your Sex Ideal

    d) Secrets – “Carefully reading the first five proposals we ask…” (BB p. 75)

  2. We are moving into Step 5. It is time to make an appointment with your Sponsor / Step Guide / Counsellor

Printable PDF

Assignment 27 - Step 5 - Transformation Process

  1. Read and highlight pages 72 to 75 in the Big Book.

  2. It is recommended that we do the Fifth Step in one sitting, preferably face-to-face. It is OK to give part of our story to someone who will understand, for example, a lawyer, a priest, a psychologist, etc.

  3. LISTEN to PODCAST 2020:

    41. Step 5 – Pages 72 – 75 from Big Book (CLICK HERE)

    42. Step 5 – Conclusion and preparing for Step 6 and 7 – Pages 75 – 76 from Big Book (CLICK HERE)

Extension:

  1. Read and highlight Step Five in the Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions.

  2. WATCH: Path to Freedom – STEP FIVE, SIX, SEVEN: Transparency / Transformation (CLICK HERE)

Printable PDF

Assignment 28 - Step 6 & 7

  1. Read and highlight the first paragraph on page 76 of the Big Book, “If we can answer…”.

  2. Make a list of your character Consider:

    a) your 4th column ( 9)

    b) the FEAR table (column 3)

    c) and your sex Inventory (qu. 8)

  3. Did any other character defects come to your attention, as you were reading through your Fifth Step?

  4. LISTEN to PODCAST 2020:

    43. Step 6 & 7 (CLICK HERE)

  5. Read and highlight the second paragraph on page 76 of the Big Book, “When ready, we say…”. This is the Step Seven Prayer.

  6. Consider writing out your own prayer – using your own words, and based on the principles and concepts of the Step Seven Prayer. A prayer in your own words will assist you to understand the prayer in the Big Book.

  7. Take an accountability partner to be saying the Seventh Step Prayer with a specific defect as the focus – do this for a set number of days.

Extension:

  1. Read and highlight Step Six in the Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions.

  2. Read and highlight Step Seven in the Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions.

Printable PDF

Assignment 29 - Transformation Process - Step 8

  1. Read and highlight Step Eight from page 59 of the Big Book.

  2. Read and highlight from the paragraph after the Step Seven prayer on page 76 of the Big Book to the bottom of page 83, not including the last paragraph.

  3. List each person or institution that you may have harmed. List the name of the person harmed; what you did; the specific harm that you think you have done.  Ask yourself “How did I damage or diminish their quality of life?”  or “What was the negative impact of my behavior on their life?”. 

  4. LISTEN to PODCAST 2020:

    44. Step 8 (CLICK HERE)

Printable PDF

Assignment 30 - Step 8 & 9

  1. Review each person or institute on your amends list from last week.  Have you considered the questions “What is the harm?”(HINT: it is usually NOT what I did).  This question often needs Sponsor/Step-Guide direction.

  2. Consider the specific amend you believe will address/repair the harm done; the proportional reparation. Again seek Sponsor / Step-Guide direction here.

  3. Write out an “APPROACH”.  Note: there is a suggested script in the WOL p.67 & 68.

  4. Review your script with your Sponsor/Step-Guide. If they don’t have a specific experience with that type of amends consider seeking an experienced “wise person”.

  5. LISTEN/WATCH:

    Podcast 45. Step 8 (CLICK HERE)

    Podcast 46. Step 9 (CLICK HERE)

Extension:

  1. Read and highlight Step Nine from the Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions.

Printable PDF

Assignment 31 - Step 8 & 9

  1. Re-read Big Book pages 76 to 83, identifying examples of specific amends, and also specific suggested attitudes and principles for making amends.

  2. Continue to review your amends “scripts” with an experienced step guide

  3. Pray to be guided in the Step Nine process.

  4. Are you clear on what was the exact HARM? Have you prepared a script? Are you saying a 7th step prayer daily? Have you stopped doing the unhealthy behaviour? Are you clear in your heart on your purpose?

  5. If you are ready, and can answer these CONSIDERATIONS …… it is time to make a BEGINNING. 🙂 Hold yourself accountable to your Sponsor/Step Guide for your progress.

  6. Keep working through your amends one by one until they are ALL done. YOU CAN DO IT. REMEMBER the 4th dimension…rocketed! Your aim here is to repair the damage YOU have done – it is not to relieve your guilt or shame. This is the transformation! You are the change you have been looking for.

  7. Optional – LISTEN:

    Podcast 46. Step 9 (CLICK HERE)

Printable PDF

Assignment 32 - Step 9 Forgiveness

  1. Forgiveness is a PROCESS … It is not an EVENT.

    Review pages 43 – 45 in the BBW-WOL. What does forgiveness mean to you? What does it involve? What actions are asked for to forgive?


  2. Look up “forgiveness” and write out the definition. 



  3. LISTEN/WATCH:


    Podcast 47. Step Nine – Forgiveness (CLICK HERE)

    FORGIVENESS: A Decision to Release – Fred Luskin 2021 (CLICK HERE)

Printable PDF

Assignment 33 - Step 9 & Our Way of Life (Steps 10, 11 & 12)

  1. Re-read and highlight pages 84 and 88 from the Big Book. Then outline what it says to do.  A daily program of ACTION.  What are the actions the Big Book is asking us to take?

  2. Re-read the WOL p.55, “Profile of a Sponsor”

  3. What kind of Sponsor am I?

Extension:

  1. If you have any time, try to watch these YouTube sessions: 

     

    a) Step 10

    Intentional Conscience (w Herb K)

    b) Step 11

    Meditation & Contemplation: Practice of Intentional Consciousness (w James Finley PhD)

    c) Step 12

    Sponsorship / Helping Others Enlarging Compassion (w Fr. Tom Weston, SJ)

 

Printable PDF