Comparing “Into Action” to the original manuscript for our Basic Text
Comparison Format — Colors appear here only and are — — not used in the actual comparisons. — Words above brackets are from the pre-publication version. < Bracketed copy is from our Basic Text as it reads today. > ~ Format Examples ~Rarely have we < RARELY HAVE WE > seen a person fail who has thoroughly directions followed our < path >...~ ~ ~Now we think you can take it! < — — — — — > Here are the steps we took...~ ~ ~11. Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our — — — — — — < conscious > contact with God < as we understood Him >...~ ~ ~
Chapter 6 < Chapter 6 > INTO ACTIONHaving made your < HAVING MADE our > personal inventory, what shall you You < we > do about it? < We > have been trying to get a new your attitude, a new relationship with < our > Creator, and your You to discover the obstacles in < our > path. < We > have you admitted certain defects; < we > have ascertained in a rough you your way what the trouble is; < we > have put < our > finger on your the weak items in < our > personal inventory. Now these are case your about to be < cast > out. This requires action on < our > you part, which, when completed, will mean that < we > have yourself admitted to God, to < ourselves >, and to another human your being, the exact nature of < our > defects. This brings the fifth step Program of Recovery us to < the Fifth Step > in the < program of recovery > mentioned in the preceding chapter. This is perhaps difficult – especially discussing your You < our > defects with another person. < We > think you < we > have done well enough in admitting these things yourself, perhaps. We to < ourselves. There is > doubt < about > that. In actual practice, we usually find a solitary self-appraisal We strenuously urge you insufficient. < Many of us thought it necessary > to But you go much further. < We > will be more reconciled to yourself if we offer discussing < ourselves > with another person < when we see > you good reasons why < we > should do so. The best reason if you you first: < If we > skip this vital step, < we > may not overcome drinking. Time after time newcomers have tried to keep to themselves certain facts about their lives. Trying to avoid this humbling experience, they have turned to easier methods. Almost
73
invariably they got drunk. Having persevered with the rest
of the program, they wondered why they fell. < We think >
The answer
< the reason > is that they never completed their house-
cleaning. They took inventory all right, but hung on to
thought
some of the worst items in stock. They only < thought >
thought
they had lost their egoism and fear; they only < thought >
they had humbled themselves. But they had not learned
enough of humility, fearlessness and honesty, in the sense
all
we find it necessary, until they told someone else < all >
their life story.
More than most people, the alcoholic leads a double
life. He is very much the actor. To the outer world he
presents his stage character. This is the one he likes
his fellows to see. He wants to enjoy a certain reputation,
but knows in his heart he doesn't deserve it.
The inconsistency is made worse by the things he
does on his sprees. Coming to his senses, he is revolted
at certain episodes he vaguely remembers. These memories
are a nightmare. He trembles to think someone might have
observed him. As fast as he can, he pushes these memories
far inside himself. He hopes they will never see the light
of day. He is under constant fear and tension – that
makes for more drinking.
Psychologists < are inclined to > agree with us.
Members of our group
< We > have spent thousands of dollars
by psychologists and psychiatrists
for examinations < >.
We know but few instances where we have given these doctors
a fair break. We have seldom told them the whole truth
< nor have we followed their advice >. Unwilling to be
honest with these sympathetic men, we were honest with no
one else. Small wonder < many in > the medical profession
has
< have > a low opinion of alcoholics and their chance for
recovery!
You you
< We > must be entirely honest with somebody if < we >
74
expect to live long or happily in this world. Rightly and
you are going to you
naturally, < we > think well before < we >
choose the person or persons with whom to take this intimate
If you belong
and confidential step. < Those of us belonging > to a reli-
, you
gious denomination which requires confession < > must,
and of course, will want to go to the properly appointed
you
authority whose duty it is to receive it. Though < we >
you
have no religious connection, < we > may still do well to
talk with someone ordained by an established religion.
You will
< We > often find such a person quick to see and under-
your
stand < our > problem. Of course, we sometimes encounter
ministers
< people > who do not understand alcoholics.
you
If < we > cannot or would rather not do this,
your
< we > search < our > acquaintance for a close-mouthed,
your your
understanding friend. Perhaps < our > doctor or < >
your
psychologist will be the person. It may be one of < our >
you should not
own family, but < we cannot > disclose anything to
your wife your
< our wives > or < our > parents which will hurt them and
You your
make them unhappy. < We > have no right to save < our >
your
own skin at another person's expense. Such parts of < our >
you should
story < we > tell to someone who will understand,
you
yet be unaffected. The rule is < we > must be hard on
yourself
< ourself >, but always considerate of others.
Notwithstanding the great necessity for discussing
yourself that you are
< ourselves > with someone, it may be < one is > so
situated that there is no suitable person available. If
you postpone this step
that is so, < this step > may < be postponed >, only,
you yourself
however, if < we > hold < ourselves > in complete readiness
to go through with it at the first opportunity. We say this
you
because we are very anxious that < we > talk to the
right person. It is important that he be able to keep
a confidence; that he fully understand and approve what
you
< we > are driving at;
75
your
that he will not try to change < our > plan. But
don't
< we must not > use this as a mere excuse to postpone.
you your
When < we > decide who is to hear < our > story,
Have .
< we > waste no time. < We have > a written inventory < >
Be Explain
< and we are > prepared for a long talk. < We explain >
your you ,
to < our > partner what < we > are about to do < > and
you you
why < we > have to do it. He should realize that < we >
are engaged upon a life-and-death errand. Most people
approached in this way will be glad to help; they will
your
be honored by < our > confidence.
Pocket your ! Illuminate
< We pocket our > pride and go to it < , illuminating >
every twist of character, every dark cranny of the past.
you
Once < we > have taken this step, withholding nothing,
you will be You
< we are > delighted. < We > can look the world in
You
the eye. < We > can be alone at perfect peace and ease.
Your will you. You will
< Our > fears < > fall from < us. We > begin
your You
to feel the nearness of < our > Creator. < We > may have
you will
had certain spiritual beliefs, but now < we > begin
to have a spiritual experience. The feeling that the drink
problem has disappeared will < often > come strongly.
You will know you
< We feel we > are on the Broad Highway, walking
hand in hand with the Spirit of the Universe.
Return and you
< Returning > home < we > find a place where < we > can
. Carefully review you
be quiet for an hour < , carefully reviewing > what < we >
Thank your
have done. < We thank > God from the bottom of < our >
you Take
heart that < we > know Him better. < Taking > this book
your and
down from < our > shelf < we > turn to the page which
read
contains the twelve steps. Carefully < reading > the first
and you
five proposals < we > ask if < we > have omitted anything,
you you will
for < we > are building an arch through which < we shall >
your part of the
walk a free man at last. Is < our > work solid
you
so far? Are the stones properly in place? Have < we >
you have
skimped on the cement < > put into the foundation?
you
Have < we > tried to make mortar without sand?
76
you your
If < we > can answer to < our > satisfaction,
step six
< we then > look at < Step Six >. We have emphasized
you
willingness as being indispensable. Are < we > now
perfectly willing you
< ready > to let God remove from < us > all
you
the things which < we > have admitted are objectionable?
you yet
Can He now take them all – every one? If < we still >
you
cling to something < we > will not let go, < we > ask
you
God to help < us > be willing.
you are
When < > ready, < we > say something like this:
"My Creator, I am now willing that you should have all of
me, good and bad. I pray that you now remove from me every
single defect of character which stands in the way of my
usefulness to you and my fellows. Grant me strength, as
You
I go out from here, to do your bidding. Amen." < We >
step seven
have then completed < Step Seven >.
you you will
Now < we > need more action, without which < we >
Look
find that "Faith without works is dead." < Let's look > at
steps eight and nine. You
< Steps Eight and Nine. We > have a list of all persons
you you
< we > have harmed and to whom < we > are willing to make
complete You you
< > amends. < We > made it when < we > took inven-
You yourself
tory. < We > subjected < ourselves > to a drastic self-
you are to your
appraisal. Now < we > go out to < our > fellows and
you did You are
repair the damage < done > in the past. < We attempt > to
your
sweep away the debris which has accumulated out of < our >
yourself
effort to live on self-will and run the show < ourselves >.
you
If < we > haven't the will to do this, < we > ask until it
you you
comes. Remember < it was > agreed at the beginning < we >
would go to any lengths for victory over alcohol.
< would go to any lengths for victory over alcohol. >
You probably have
< Probably there are > still < > some misgivings.
We can help you dispel them. you
< > As < we > look over the
you
list of business acquaintances and friends < we > have hurt,
you will
< we may > feel diffident about going to some of them on a
reassure you
spiritual basis. Let us < be reassured >. To some people
you
< we > need not, and probably should not emphasize the
your
spiritual feature on < our > first approach.
77
You you
< We > might prejudice them. At the moment < we > are try-
your own life
ing to put < our lives > in order. But this is not an
Your yourself
end in itself. < Our > real purpose is to fit < ourselves >
to be of maximum service to God and the people about
you
< us >. It is seldom wise to approach an individual, who
your
still smarts from < our > injustice to him, and announce
you given your life to God
that < we > have < gone religious >. In the prize
ring, this would be called leading with the chin. Why lay
yourself a fanatic a
< ourselves > open to being branded < fanatics > or < >
bore? You
religious < bores? We > may kill a future opportunity to
he
carry a beneficial message. But < our man > is sure to be
impressed with a sincere desire to set right the wrong. He
your
is going to be more interested in < a > demonstration of
your
good will than in < our > talk of spiritual discoveries.
Don't advice
< We don't > use this < > as an excuse for shying
away from the subject of God. When it will serve any good
you should be your
purpose, < we are > willing to announce < our > con-
victions with tact and common sense. The question of how
you have
to approach the man < we > hated will arise. It may be
you you dome
he has done < us > more harm than < we > have < done > him
you
and, though < we > may have acquired a better attitude toward
you your
him, < we > are still not too keen about admitting < our >
you
faults. Nevertheless, with a person < we > dislike, we
advise you to your He is an
< > take the bit in < our > teeth. < >
ideal subject upon which to practice your new principles.
< >
Remember that he, like yourself, is spiritually sick.
< >
< It is harder to go to an enemy than to a friend, but we >
Go
< find it much more beneficial to us. We go > to him in
. Be sure to confess your
a helpful and forgiving spirit < , confessing our >
express your of it
former ill feeling and < expressing our > regret < >.
should you
Under no condition < do we > criticize such a person
be drawn into an argument with him
or < argue >. Simply < we > tell
you realize you
him that < we > will never get over drinking
you your
until < we > have done < our > utmost to straighten out the
You your
past. < We > are there to sweep off < our > side of the
street, realizing that nothing worth while
78
you . Never try
can be accomplished until < we > do so < , never trying >
to tell him what he should do. < His faults are not >
Don't discuss his faults. Stick to your
< discussed. We stick to our > own.
your you
If < our > manner is calm, frank, and open, < we > will
be gratified with the result.
In nine cases out of ten the unexpected happens.
you
Sometimes the man < we > are calling upon admits his own
;
fault < , > so feuds of years' standing melt away in an
will you
hour. Rarely < do we > fail to make satisfactory pro-
Your will
gress. < Our > former enemies < > sometimes praise
you you
what < we > are doing and wish < us > well. Occasionally,
cancel a debt, or otherwise
they will < > offer assistance.
you
It should not matter, however, if someone does throw < us >
You your
out of his office. < We > have made < our > demonstration,
your
done < our > part. It's water over the dam.
Do
Most alcoholics owe money. < We do > not dodge
your Tell you
< our > creditors. < Telling > them what < we > are try-
. Make your
ing to do < , we make > no bones about < our > drinking;
you
they usually know it anyway, whether < we > think so or
Never be your
not. < Nor are we > afraid of disclosing < our > alcoholism
you
on the theory it may cause < > financial harm. Approached
in this way, the most ruthless creditor will sometimes sur-
you. Arrange you and
prise < us. Arranging > the best deal < we > can < we > let
you your
these people know < we > are sorry < . Our > drinking has
you You your
made < us > slow to pay. < We > must lose < our > fear of
you you
creditors no matter how far < we > have to go, for < we >
you
are liable to drink if < we > are afraid to face them.
you
Perhaps < we > have committed a criminal offense
you
which might land < us > in jail if < it were > known to the
You your
authorities. < We > may be short in < our > accounts and
can't You
< unable to > make good. < We > have already admitted this
you you
in confidence to another person, but < we > are sure < we >
your
would be imprisoned or lose < our > job if it were known.
your
Maybe it's only a petty offense such as padding < the >
expense account. Most of us have done that sort of thing.
79
you have your wife. You
Maybe < we are > divorced < , and > have remarried
but haven't kept up the alimony to number one. She is in-
your
dignant about it, and has a warrant out for < our > arrest.
That's a common form of trouble too.
Although these reparations take innumerable forms,
there are some general principles which we find guiding.
Remind yourself you
< Reminding ourselves > that < we > have decided to go to
. Ask
any lengths to find a spiritual experience < , we ask > that
you the
< we > be given < > strength and direction to do the right
consequence to you
thing, no matter what the personal < consequences may be >.
You your ,
< We > may lose < our > position or reputation < > or face
you You You
jail, but < we > are willing. < We > have to be. < We >
must not shrink at anything.
Usually, however, other people are involved. There-
you
fore, < we > are not to be the hasty and foolish martyr who
would needlessly sacrifice others to save himself from the
alcoholic pit. A man we know had remarried. Because of
resentment and drinking, he had not paid alimony to his
first wife. She was furious. She went to court and got
an order for his arrest. He had commenced our way of life,
had secured a position, and was getting his head above water.
It would have been impressive heroics if he had walked up
to the Judge and said, "Here I am."
We thought he ought to be willing to do that if neces-
,
sary, but if he were in jail < > he could provide nothing for
either family. We suggested he write his first wife admitting
his faults and asking forgiveness. He did, and also sent a
small amount of money. He told her what he would try to do in
the future. He said he was perfectly willing to go to jail if
she insisted. Of course she did not, and the whole situation
has long since been adjusted.
80
If is going to
< Before > taking drastic action < which might >
, they should be consulted
implicate other people < we secure their consent >.
Use every means to avoid wide-spread damage. You cannot
< >
shrink, however, from the final step if that is clearly
< >
indicated. , after seeking advice, consulting
< > If < we have obtained permission, have >
involved, and asking
< consulted with > others < , asked > God to
guide you, there appears no other just honorable
< help > and < >
solution than most one, you
< > the < > drastic < step is indicated we >
take your medicine. Trust that the eventual outcome
must < not shrink. >
will be right.
< >
This brings to mind a story about one of our friends.
While drinking, he accepted a sum of money from a bitterly-
hated business rival, giving him no receipt for it. He sub-
taken
sequently denied having < received > the money and used the
incident as a basis for discrediting the man. He thus used
his own wrong-doing as a means of destroying the reputation
of another. In fact, his rival was ruined.
He felt < that > he had done a wrong he could not
possibly make right. If he opened the old affair, he
sure
was < afraid > it would destroy the reputation of his
own
partner, disgrace his family and take away his < >
livelhood
means of < livelihood >. What right had he to involve
those dependent upon him? How could he possibly make a
public statement exonerating his rival?
He finally
< After consulting with his wife and partner he > came
to the conclusion that it was better to take those risks
than to stand before his Creator guilty of such ruinous
slander. He saw that he had to place the outcome in God's
hands or he would soon start drinking again, and all would
lose
be < lost > anyhow. He attended church for the first time
in many years. After the sermon, he quietly got up and made
an explanation. His action met widespread approval, and
today he is one of the most trusted citizens of his town.
three
This all happened < > years ago.
you serious
The chances are that < we > have < > domestic
You are perhaps
troubles. < Perhaps we are > mixed up with women in a
you
fashion < we >
81
wouldn't care to have advertised. We doubt if, in this
respect, alcoholics are fundamentally much worse than other
people. But drinking does complicate sex relations in the
home. After a few years with an alcoholic, a wife gets worn
,
out, resentful < > and uncommunicative. How could she
be anything else? The husband begins to feel lonely,
sorry for himself. He commences to look around in the
night clubs, or their equivalent, for something besides
You may be
liquor. < Perhaps he is > having a secret and exciting
me
affair with "the girl who understands < >." In fairness
you
we must say that she may understand, but what are < we >
going to do about a thing like that? A man so involved
often feels very remorseful at times, especially if he is
married to a loyal and courageous girl who has literally
gone through hell for him.
you
Whatever the situation, < we > usually have to do some-
you your
thing about it. If < we > are sure < our > wife does not
you
know, should < we > tell her? Not always, we think. If she
you
knows in a general way that < we > have been wild, should
you you
< we > tell her in detail? Undoubtedly < we > should admit
your Your wife
< our > fault. < She > may insist on knowing all the
particulars. She will want to know who the woman is and
you
where she is. We feel < we > ought to say to her that
you You
< we > have no right to involve another person. < We > are
you ,
sorry for what < we > have done < > and < , > God willing,
you
it shall not be repeated. More than that < we > cannot do;
you
< we > have no right to go further. Though there may be
justifiable exceptions, and though we wish to lay down no
rule of any sort, we have often found this the best course
to take.
Our design for living is not a one-way street. It is
you
as good for the wife as for the husband. If < we > can
82
forget, so can she. It is better, however, that
you do needless
< one does > not < needlessly > name a person upon
her natural
whom she can vent < > jealousy.
There
< Perhaps there > are some cases where the utmost
Perhaps yours is one of them.
frankness is demanded. < >
No outsider can appraise such an intimate situation.
you will
It may be < that > both will decide that the way of good
sense and loving kindness is to let by-gones be by-gones.
of you
Each < > might pray about it, having the other one's
happiness uppermost in mind. Keep it always in sight that
you deal
< we are dealing > with that most terrible human emotion –
you and your
jealousy. Good generalship may decide that < >
wife attack ,
< > the problem < be attacked > on the flank < >
You have to
rather than risk < a > face-to-face combat. < >
decide about that alone with your Creator.
< >
Should you
< If we > have no such complication, there is plenty
you
< we > should do at home. Sometimes we hear an alcoholic
say that the only thing he needs to do is to keep sober.
needs to
Certainly he < must > keep sober, for there will be no
home if he doesn't. But he is yet a long way from making
good to the wife or parents whom for years he has so
shockingly treated. Passing all understanding is the
patience mothers and wives have had with alcoholics.
Had this not been so, many of us would have no homes
today, would perhaps be dead.
The alcoholic is like a tornado roaring his way through
the lives of others. Hearts are broken. Sweet relationships
are dead. Affections have been uprooted. Selfish and incon-
siderate habits have kept the home in turmoil. We feel a man
is unthinking when he says that sobriety is enough. He is
like the farmer who came up out of his cyclone cellar to find
his home ruined. To his wife, he remarked, "Don't see any-
thing the matter here, Ma. Ain't it grand the wind stopped
blowin'?"
83
Yes, there is a long period of reconstruction ahead.
You
< We > must take the lead. A remorseful mumbling that
you You
< we > are sorry won't fill the bill at all. < We > ought
your your
to sit down with < the > family and frankly analyze < the >
you
past as < we > now see it, being very careful not to criti-
Never mind their . They
cize them. < Their > defects < > may be
your
glaring, but the chances are that < our > own actions
are partly responsible. So < we > clean house with the
your
family, asking each morning in meditation that < our >
you
Creator show < us > the way of patience, tolerance,
kindliness and love.
You have to
The spiritual life is not a theory. < We have to >
live it your
< live it >. Unless < one's > family expresses a desire to
, however, you
live upon spiritual principles < > we think < we >
leave alone. You
ought < not > to < urge > them < . We > should not talk
to them
incessantly < to them > about spiritual matters < >.
Your practice
They will change in time. < Our behavior > will convince
your Remember
them more than < our > words. < We must remember > that
ten or twenty years of drunkenness would make a skeptic
out of anyone.
you
There may be some wrongs < we > can never fully right.
Don't you
< We don't > worry about them if < we > can honestly say to
yourself you you
< ourselves > that < we > would right them if < we > could.
you see
Some people < > cannot < be seen > – < we > send them
an honest letter. And there may be a valid reason for post-
ponement in some cases. But < we > don't delay if it can
Be and
be avoided. < We should be > sensible, tactful, < > con-
. Be
siderate < and > humble without being servile or scraping.
one of you are to your
As < > God's people < we > stand on < our own >
on your belly
feet; < we > don't crawl < > before anyone.
you your
If < we > are painstaking about this phase of < our >
you you
development, < we > will be amazed before < we > are half
You
< way > through. < We > are going to know a new freedom and
You
< a new > happiness. < We > will not regret the past nor
You
wish to shut the door on it. < We > will comprehend the
84
word serenity and < we will > know peace. No matter how far
you you your
down the scale < we > have gone, < we > will see how < our >
experience can benefit others. That feeling of uselessness
You
and self-pity will disappear. < We > will lose interest in
your
selfish things and gain interest in < our > fellows. Self-
Your
seeking will slip away. < Our > whole attitude and outlook
upon life will change. Fear of people and of economic in-
you. You
security will leave < us. We > will intuitively know how to
you. You
handle situations which used to baffle < us. We > will sud-
you you
denly realize that God is doing for < us > what < we > could
yourself
not do for < ourselves >.
You say are .
< Are > these < > extravagant promises < ? >
They are
< We think > not. They are being fulfilled among us –
sometimes quickly, sometimes slowly. They will < always >
you
materialize if < we > work for them.
step ten
This thought brings us to < Step Ten >, which suggests
you
< we > continue to take personal inventory and continue to
right you
set < right > any new mistakes < > as < we > go along.
You life you
< We > vigorously commenced this way of < living > as < we >
your You
cleaned up < the > past. < We > have entered the world of
Your
< the > Spirit. < Our > next function is to grow in under-
standing and effectiveness. This is not an overnight
your life time
matter. It should continue for < our lifetime >. Continue
yourself
to watch < > for selfishness, dishonesty, resentment,
and fear. When these crop up, < we > ask God at once to
Discuss
remove them. < We discuss > them with someone immediately
. Make you
< and make > amends quickly if < we > have harmed anyone.
your
Then < we > resolutely turn < our > thoughts to someone
you your
< we > can help. Love and tolerance of others is < our >
code.
you
And < we > have ceased fighting anything or anyone –
your
even alcohol. For by this time < > sanity will have
You
returned. < We > will seldom be interested in liquor.
you will you would
If tempted, < we > recoil from it as < > from
You will
a hot flame. < We >
85
. You
react sanely and normally < , and we > will find that this
You your
has happened automatically. < We > will see that < our >
you
new attitude toward liquor has been given < us > without
your
any thought or effort on < our > part. It just comes!
You
That is the miracle of it. < We > are not fighting it,
you You
neither are < we > avoiding temptation. < We > feel as
you
though < we > had been placed in a position of neutrality
. You feel You
< – > safe and protected. < We > have not even
sworn off. Instead, the problem has been removed. It does
you. You ,
not exist for < us. We > are neither cocky < > nor are
you
< we > afraid. That is our experience. That is how we
react so long as we keep in fit spiritual condition.
It is easy to let up on the spiritual program of
your You
action and rest on < our > laurels. < We > are headed
you
for trouble if < we > do, for alcohol is a subtle foe.
We are not cured of alcoholism. What we really have is
a daily reprieve < contingent on the maintenance of our >
you
< spiritual condition >. Every day is a day when < we >
have to
< must > carry the vision of God's will into all of
your
< our > activities. "How can I best serve Thee –
Thy will (not mine) be done." These are thoughts which
you You
must go with < us > constantly. < We > can exercise
your you
< our > will power along this line all < we > wish.
It is the proper use of the will.
Much has already been said about receiving strength,
inspiration, and direction from Him who has all knowledge
you
and power. If < we > have carefully followed directions,
you
< we > have begun to sense the flow of His Spirit into
you you
< us >. To some extent < we > have become God-conscious.
You
< We > have begun to develop this vital sixth sense. But
you
< we > must go further and that means more action.
Step eleven
< Step Eleven > suggests prayer and meditation. < We >
Don't by
< shouldn't be > shy on this matter of prayer. Better men
86
you
than we are using it constantly. It works, if < we > have
the proper attitude and work at it. It would be easy to be
give you
vague about this matter. Yet, we believe we can < make >
some definite and valuable suggestions.
you awake tomorrow morning, look back over
When < we retire at night, we constructively review >
the before you
< our > day < >. Were < we > resentful, selfish,
, you
dishonest < > or afraid? Do < we > owe an apology? Have
you yourself
< we > kept something to < ourselves > which should be
you
discussed with another person at once? Were < we > kind
you
and loving toward all? What could < we > have done
you yourself
better? Were < we > thinking of < ourselves > most of the
you you
time? Or were < we > thinking of what < we > could do for
you
others, of what < we > could pack into the stream of life?
< But we must be careful not to drift into worry, remorse >
< or morbid reflection, for that would diminish our use- >
you have faced yesterday,
< fulness to others. > After < making our review we >
for any wrong. Ask to be shown
ask God's forgiveness < and inquire >
to do. Thus you keep clean as you live each day.
what < corrective measures should be taken. >
Next,
< On awakening let us > think about the twenty-four
Consider your
hours ahead. < We consider our > plans for the day. Before
you guide your
< we > begin, < we > ask God to < direct our > thinking
. Especially ask
< , especially asking > that it be divorced from self-pity,
Then go ahead and use
dishonest or self-seeking motives. < Under these condi- >
your common sense. There is nothing hard or mysterious
< tions we can employ our mental faculties with assurance, >
about this. Clear
< for after all > God gave < us > brains to use. < >
your thinking of wrong motives. Your
< Our > thought-life will
be placed on a much higher plane < when our thinking is >
< cleared of wrong motives >.
through your you
In thinking < about our > day < we > may face inde-
You
cision. < We > may not be able to determine which course
you
to take. Here < we > ask God for inspiration, an intuitive
Relax
thought or a decision. < We relax > and take it easy.
Don't Ask God's help. You will be
< We don't > struggle. < We are often >
you
surprised how the right answers come after < we > have
practiced a few days
< tried this for a while >.
87
What used to be the hunch or the occasional inspiration
your
< gradually > becomes a working part of < the > mind. Being
making your
still inexperienced and < having > just < made conscious >
you
contact with God, it is not probable that < we > are going
divinely the time. That
to be < > inspired < at > all < times. >
would be a large piece of conceit, for which you
< We > might pay
< for this presumption > in all sorts of absurd actions and
you will your
ideas. Nevertheless < , we > find that < our > thinking
will, as time passes, be more and more on the plane of
. You will
inspiration < and guidance. We > come to rely upon it.
This is not wierd or silly. Most psychologists pronounce
< >
these methods sound.
< >
You might
< We usually > conclude the period of meditation with
you
a prayer that < we > be shown all through the day what
your He give you
< our > next step is to be, that < we be given > whatever
you every situation. Ask
< we > need to take care of < such problems. We ask >
. Be
especially for freedom from self-will < , and are > careful
yourself You
to make no request for < ourselves > only. < We > may ask
yourself
for < ourselves >, however, if others will be helped.
Never your
< We are careful never to > pray for < our > own selfish
People waste
ends. < Many of us have wasted > a lot of time doing that
,
< > and it doesn't work. You can easily see why.
curcumstances your wife
If < circumstances > warrant, < we > ask < our wives > or
a friend you you
< friends > to join < us > in morning meditation. If < we >
belong to a religious denomination which requires a definite
be sure to
morning devotion, < we > attend to that also. If
you are a member of a body, you
< > not < members of > religious < bodies, we >
might
< sometimes > select and memorize a few set prayers which
emphasize the principles we have been discussing. There
If you do not know of any,
are many helpful books also. < Suggestions about these >
ask your
< may be obtained from one's > priest, minister, or rabbi
, for suggestions
< >. Be quick to see where religious people
are right. Make use of what they offer.
you ,
As < we > go through the day < we > pause < , > when
. Be still
agitated or doubtful < , > and ask for the right
It will come. Remind yourself you
thought or action. < We constantly remind ourselves we >
are no longer
88
. Humbly say to yourself
running the show < , humbly saying to ourselves > many times
You will be
each day "Thy will be done." < We are then > in much less
danger of excitement, fear, anger, worry, self-pity, or
You will
foolish decisions. < We > become much more efficient.
You will you will be
< We do > not tire < so > easily, for < we are > not < >
you
burning up energy foolishly as < we > did when < we were >
yourself
trying to arrange life to suit < ourselves >.
Try it.
It works – it really does. < >
undisiplined
We alcoholics are < undisciplined >. So < we > let God
you
discipline < us > in the simple way we have just outlined.
But this is not all. There is action and more action.
What works? We shall
"Faith without works is dead." < >
treat them in the which
< The > next chapter < > is entirely devoted
step twelve
to < Step Twelve >.
e-aa discussion of Into Action
]
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