Twelve Steps: First An Event—Then A Process

I view the first nine steps as primarily a short-lived event that teaches how to begin the lifelong process of the living last three steps.

The event:  Steps One, Two and Three are simply admitting:  I can’t; God can; then asking for help. This is a prerequisite! Step Four begins “at once” (p 64) which may take a week or so of writing to attain honest information to allow a sponsor to show how to “face and be rid of” selfishness, dishonesty, resentment and fear—this sponsor-help procedure often takes only an hour or so. (p 64-71).

Step Five begins “at first opportunity” (p 74) which can start about five minutes after finalizing Step Four with a sponsor. This may take only an hour or so but may vary. Step Six begins then, not later (p 76) and Step Seven begins “when ready.” (p 76) Steps Six and Seven are often completed in a rather short period. Most of the Eighth Step “harms to others” has been already listed from Step four and Step Nine begins “Now.” (p 76) Of course, Step Nine may last for an indefinite period as continued in Step Ten.

The Process: I view the above, Steps One through Nine, as a learning event that has a beginning and an end. Once this learning has taken place it is time to put what has been learned into action by following the clear-cut directions of Steps Ten, Eleven and Twelve for a lifetime. (p 84-103) Of course, “learning” continues as we go along.

I view the important difference between an event and a process is the former has a timeline, of sorts, but the latter is non-ending.  First, we learn how to do it—then we do it.

Bob S, Richmond, IN