The second step promise of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is a powerful and transformative one. It states that “we came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.” This promise speaks to the need for humility and surrender, as well as the recognition that our own thinking and actions led us into the chaos and destruction of addiction.
In active addiction, our best thinking often revolved around finding the next drink or drug, manipulating and deceiving others, and numbing our pain and discomfort. We were trapped in a cycle of self-destruction, unable to break free on our own. It is this realization that prompts us to seek a Power greater than ourselves for help in finding sanity and recovery.
For many of us, the idea of relying on a higher power was initially met with resistance and skepticism. We may have grown up with different religious or spiritual beliefs, or perhaps we had no belief system at all. But the beauty of the second step is that it doesn't prescribe or define what this Power greater than ourselves should be. It is a personal journey of discovery and connection.
Personally, I struggled with the concept of a higher power when I first entered recovery. I had grown up in a religious household, but had long abandoned any belief in a traditional God. I felt disconnected and lost, unsure of how to approach this aspect of the program. However, I soon learned that a higher power could be anything that I could place my trust and faith in.
For some, this higher power may be nature, the universe, or the collective wisdom of the AA fellowship itself. Others may find solace and guidance in a specific religious or spiritual tradition. The key is to find something that resonates with you and allows you to let go of the need to control every aspect of your life.
Once we are willing to believe in a Power greater than ourselves, the promise of restoration to sanity becomes possible. This doesn't mean that all our problems will magically disappear, but rather that we will be given the clarity, strength, and support to face life's challenges without turning to substances. We begin to tap into our own potential and discover the person we were meant to be.
In my own journey, I found that as I cultivated a sense of spirituality and opened myself up to the possibility of something greater, I experienced a profound shift in my thinking and outlook on life. I no longer felt alone or powerless. I had a source of strength and guidance that I could turn to in times of struggle.
The second step promise is a reminder that we are not alone in our recovery. We have a Power greater than ourselves that is always available to us, ready to guide us towards sanity and serenity. It is a promise that offers hope and a path forward, as long as we are willing to let go of our old ways of thinking and open ourselves up to something new.
The second step promise of AA is a powerful invitation to embrace a Power greater than ourselves and seek restoration to sanity. It requires us to let go of our ego, surrender our will, and be open to the possibility of something beyond our own limited understanding. Through this process, we can find the strength, support, and guidance needed to overcome addiction and live a life of recovery.