Daily Reflections, Nov 26th THE HAZARDS OF PUBLICITY. Attraction not Promotion.

Daily Reflections, Nov 26th THE HAZARDS OF PUBLICITY. Attraction not Promotion. People who symbolize causes and ideas fill a deep human need. We of A.A. do not question that. But we do have to soberly face the fact that being in the public eye is hazardous, especially for us. TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 181 As a recovered alcoholic I must make an effort to put into practice the principles of the A.A. program, which are founded on honesty, truth and humility. While I was drinking I was constantly trying to be in the limelight. Now that I am conscious of my mistakes and of my former lack of integrity, it would not be honest to seek prestige, even for the justifiable purpose of promoting the A.A. message of recovery. Is the publicity that centers around the A.A. Fellowship and the miracles it produces not worth much more? Why not let the people around us appreciate by themselves the changes that A.A. has brought in us, for that will be a far better recommendation for the Fellowship than any I could make. Step 11 of the 12-step program invites participants to engage in a continuous, deliberate practice of spiritual growth through prayer and meditation. This step is not just about seeking divine help or intervention in the process of recovery; it's also about actively working to improve one’s conscious understanding and connection with a higher power, however, one defines it. This higher power is referred to in a manner that allows for the broad inclusivity of beliefs, encompassing theistic traditions as well as non-theistic conceptions of spirituality. The practices of prayer and meditation suggested in step 11 serve dual purposes. First, they provide a structured way for recovering individuals to reflect on their daily experiences, decisions, and emotions in the context of their spirituality. Second, they offer a mechanism for gaining serenity and strength from a source outside of oneself. For many, this higher power is synonymous with a God of organized religion, but for others, it could be a universal spirit, nature, or simply the collective goodwill of the recovery community. The step calls for prayer and meditation to be carried out not as a plea for specific outcomes, but rather as a request for clarity in understanding one’s divine path and for the vigor to walk it. This is crucial because it marks a shift from a self-centered mindset—common in addictive behaviors—to a more humble and outward-looking perspective that seeks to align personal will with that which is deemed good and true by broader, more spiritual standards. In practical terms, step 11 often means daily meditation sessions, where individuals may use mindfulness, contemplation, or specific meditative practices from various traditions to achieve a state of mental calm and focus. Prayer, too, can take many forms, from traditional spoken prayers to more personal, conversational styles of communication with the higher power. It can be an expression of gratitude, a request for guidance, or an offering of one's will and life to the care of the divine. As individuals progress in the 12-step program, step 11 becomes a critical cornerstone of daily life. It often serves as the spiritual foundation for facing the day’s challenges and for making recovery a living part of the participant's journey. Regular engagement with this step can lead to profound personal transformations, including an increased sense of peace, and purpose, and a reorientation of priorities away from the ego and toward service and community. Moreover, step 11 is a testament to the evolving nature of recovery. It acknowledges that as individuals change and grow, so too will their understanding of a higher power and their relationship with it. It is a recognition that spirituality is not static but dynamic and that the path of recovery requires continuous commitment to spiritual progress. The principle behind step 11 also touches upon the shared experiences of those in recovery. By seeking to understand and do the will of a higher power, members of a 12-step program find common ground, support, and strength. They learn to listen to the wisdom of their shared struggles and triumphs, fostering a supportive network that upholds each individual's quest for spiritual awakening. In summary, step 11 is about growth and connection. It is about finding a deeper sense of self and a greater capacity for change. It stands as an invitation to step beyond the self-imposed limitations of addiction, to seek out a greater power, and to harmonize personal will with a higher, more universal will for a better, more purposeful existence. Through this step, many find not only the support they need to avoid substance abuse but also a richer, more contemplative way of life that serves them in all their endeavors.