Step Three
“Bring the body and the mind will follow.” This was an early piece of A.A. folk- wisdom that program old-timers used to pass on to new recruits. It was a simple way to convey the deeper truth that this is a program of action. Steps Three through Twelve are action steps designed to bring about what Carl Jung called a “conversion experience” or a “spiritual awakening”. This change in the Mind of the addict had to be powerful enough to overcome addiction. Take enough rigorous action and soon the Mind will change. Worry about it, think about it, talk about it and you’re very likely to remain unchanged.
The new wave of historical information about AA’s emergence from the Oxford Group is teaching us just how rapidly people went through the Steps when AA first began. Step One and Step Two actually don’t require any action at all. They require only simple admissions to a few questions; but unless the newcomer can answer theses questions in the affirmative, he or she won’t have any success with the remaining Steps.
Are you powerless over alcohol or drugs?
That means once you start using, does your drinking trigger a craving that causes you to drink more than you intended?
If the answer is yes, then you’ve completed the first half of Step One.
Has your life become unmanageable?
That means when you’ve tried quitting, have you been unable to “stay quit”
If you answered “no” they would likely recommend that you try some more controlled drinking. They would do this because they were convinced they could not be of help until you were convinced of the truth of Step One and the resulting HOPELESSNESS that such an admission very logically describes. If the answer is “yes”, you’ve completed the second half of the Step.
The Step Two question had to do with the belief, or even the willingness to believe, in the possible existence of a Power greater than your self.
Do you believe - or are you even willing to believe – there is a Power greater than yourself and that this Power could provide you with the sanity not to pick up that first drink?
Answer “no” and there is really no use proceeding. You can’t go on to Step Three until you’ve completed Step Two. When they spoke of a Power, they weren’t talking about a doorknob or a light bulb or even the A.A. group. They were talking about a concept of
God. It wasn’t necessarily that it be their concept of God. Any concept that allowed you to answer “yes” to the Step Two question would suffice so you could then begin to take the action Steps. Again, it didn’t matter so much what your concept was, so long as the
Power wasn’t you! Once you’ve answered “yes”, you’re then ready for the action of Step
Three.
The action is making a decision; not just a decision in your head, but a decision in the presence of another person.
A few suggestions might include the following:
- Find a person or a small group of persons with whom you could take this Step.
- Ask if they would listen to your Third Step - it should only take a few moments.
- As the Big Book says, “We found it very desirable to take this spiritual step with another person….The wording was, of course, quite optional so long as we expressed the idea, voicing it without reservation.”
- Read the version in the Big Book (p.63) if you like, or write a short version in your own words that better expresses the same idea. A third option is to fumble spontaneously but honestly with words that come close to expressing the ideas behind this Step.
- The main idea is setting straight your relationship with this Power you believe exists. You are submitting your resignation as god (remember, it didn’t work!) and you’re deciding to let the God of your understanding now be your God.
- Place your life and your will into God’s care.
A final thought on the subject is the physical posture you might assume for the minute or two when you’re taking this Step. If you’re truly meeting and addressing the Creator of the universe, you might not want to be slouched in a chair or have your feet propped up on a desk. Hitting your knees might just do wonders for getting your action program off to a good start! “Bring the body and the mind will follow.”
For comments: Bill Wigmore / Austin Recovery / 8402 Cross Park Dr. / Austin, Texas 78754 or email: bwigmore@austinrecovery.org