Tenth Step: We Continued
“We continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong, we promptly admitted it.”
“Ugh, I’m so tired of looking at myself! When do I get a break? How much longer do I have to do this stuff?” Since we’ve made it this far, it only makes sense to go a little further. Step Ten is when we practice the Spiritual Principle of Perseverance. We have to remember, Recovery is something we get to do. Not everyone gets this opportunity to learn about and practice Spiritual Principles while making mistakes along the way. We are freely given a new way to live by our forefathers, it is truly an honor and a privilege to be in Recovery. Working the Tenth Step is a huge part of continuing on our journey and persevering.
Self-discipline greets us straight on in Step Ten. In this step, we are again told exactly what we need to do, “…take personal inventory and when were wrong, …promptly admitted it.” Many Addicts and Alcoholics take their inventory at night and look at their day before going to bed. They look at all the things they did right and of course, where they may need to make improvements. A great piece of Literature published by Narcotics Anonymous is Information Pamphlet Nine, Living the Program. Addicts that work the Tenth Step in NA, often incorporate this useful tool in their daily lives. Taking a look at ourselves on a regular basis requires a new level of Self-discipline to go along with our new way of life.
We have learned to apply Honesty in Steps One, Four, Five and Eight. Now, in Step 10, we once again get to practice even more Honesty! By this time our honesty, especially our self-honesty, has grown exponentially. We no longer have to rely upon hindsight to see how we may have done harm. We are blessed with the ability to see it in “real-time.” All of a sudden we get that uncomfortable feeling in our gut the minute we misspeak or step on someone’s toes, if not immediately, soon thereafter. It is then and there we are afforded the opportunity to make it right, and so we do! Again, this is an awesome place and time for continued growth and healing by practicing these Spiritual Principles.
While working the Tenth Step, we are constantly vigilant of our behavior and how we treat others. The benefits are infinite, amongst them self-esteem and Integrity. We were first introduced to the Spiritual Principle of Integrity in Step Five. We are finally experiencing the fruits of our labor (the practicing of these Principles) and are rewarded with a conscience that allows us to consider other’s feelings before we say and or do something that may cause harm. We have a new voice in our head that actually makes some sense. It says, “Don’t do that,” or “Walk away.” Or even better, “I’m going to keep my mouth shut this time!” All of these responses are signs of our new-found attitude, one of Integrity.
We are now ready to continue on our Spiritual journey and begin Step Eleven. Go to Step Eleven
FAQs
Step Ten is when we practice the Spiritual Principle of Perseverance. We have to remember, Recovery is something we get to do. Not everyone gets this opportunity to learn about and practice Spiritual Principles while making mistakes along the way.
What are the spiritual principles of Step 10? ›
Step Ten of AA puts into practice the spiritual principles of vigilance, maintenance and perseverance. Acknowledging what's working and balanced can also help us to pinpoint what's out of balance and not working.
What are the spiritual principles behind the 12 steps? ›
The 12 spiritual principles of recovery are as follows: acceptance, hope, faith, courage, honesty, patience, humility, willingness, brotherly love, integrity, self-discipline, and service. Below are the spiritual principles of recovery, listed in order with the corresponding step: Step 1: Acceptance. The 2nd Step: Hope.
What are the spiritual principles of OA? ›
The Step Principles are so beautiful in their simplicity: Step One, honesty; Step Two, hope; Step Three, faith; Step Four, courage; Step Five, integrity; Step Six, willingness; Step Seven, humility; Step Eight, self-discipline; Step Nine, love; Step Ten, perseverance; Step Eleven, spiritual awareness; Step Twelve, ...
What are the 12 steps for spiritual growth? ›
Twelve Steps To Spiritual Maturity
- Recognition that God should be first (Matthew 6:33).
- Authority (2 Timothy 3:16,17). ...
- Willingness (John 7:17). ...
- Responsibility (Romans 6:16,17). ...
- Transformed (Romans 12:1,2). ...
- Commitment (2 Timothy 1:12). ...
- Forgiveness (Acts 2:38; 1 John 1:9). ...
- Hopeful (Romans 8:17-25).
HONESTY – Fairness and straight forwardness of conduct: adherence to the facts. HOPE – To expect with desire; something on which hopes are centered. FAITH – Complete confidence; belief and trust. COURAGE – Firmness of mind and will in the face of extreme difficulty; mental or moral strength to withstand fear.
What are the 5 C's of spirituality? ›
The 5 C's of decision making are Counsel of Saints, Commanding Scripture, Common Sense, Compelling Spirit, and Coincidental Signs.
What is the first spiritual principle? ›
The first Spiritual Principle behind this step is Honesty. Wait, what is a Spiritual Principle? A principle is something by which we try and condition our behavior.
What is the meaning of spiritual principles? ›
Spiritual Principles are ideas or concepts that are always true, regardless of time or circ*mstances. That's why I sometimes call them "true truths".
What are the spiritual principles of Step 11? ›
The Spiritual Principle of Commitment plays an important part of the Eleventh Step. We continue to pray and reach out to our Higher Power. During this time, it is also suggested that we learn how to meditate. Many addicts and alcoholics agree that prayer is asking God and meditation is listening for the answer.
Our minds can be a link to Spirit through these 12 capacities: wisdom, love, strength, faith, imagination, order, understanding, will, power, zeal, release, and life itself. We can paint the life we want by focusing on, understanding, and cultivating these 12 spiritual powers.
What are the 4 principles of God? ›
Well, we have the first principles and ordinances of the Gospel—faith, repentance, baptism, and the Holy Ghost; and in the kingdom of God there are laws which teach us the way to perfection.
What do you abstain from on OA? ›
The OA program doesn't promote any particular diet, but wheat and sugar so pervasively spark compulsive eating that many members make abstinence from them the turning point in overcoming their addiction.
What are the spiritual principles of Step 12? ›
The principles of AA Step 12 are:
- Honesty.
- Hope.
- Faith/Action.
- Courage.
- Integrity.
- Willingness.
- Humility.
- Brotherly/Sisterly Love.
Step Ten is when we practice the Spiritual Principle of Perseverance. We have to remember, Recovery is something we get to do. Not everyone gets this opportunity to learn about and practice Spiritual Principles while making mistakes along the way.
What is the summary of Step 12? ›
Step 12 emphasizes helping fellow people struggling with alcohol addiction achieve sobriety, fostering a sense of community, and maintaining spiritual growth.
What is the purpose of step 10? ›
The purpose of AA's tenth Step is to demonstrate to yourself that you can control your actions. You are no longer functioning like a robot under the weight of old habits or while not thinking about what you are doing.
What is the spiritual principle of acceptance? ›
The higher power referenced in AA is not limited to the traditional God or any religious organization or institution. The spiritual principle of acceptance means that you have admitted defeat, you realize you are powerless over your disease or addiction, and that your life is unmanageable.
What is the principle of AA Tradition 10? ›
Tradition 10: Outside Opinions
By choosing not to express opinions on outside issues such as politics, alcohol reform, or religion, AA and Al-Anon avoid controversy, both publicly and within the fellowship itself. Tradition 10 also helps members to maintain focus on their common purpose.
What are the promises of the step 10? ›
Step Ten Promise
For by this time sanity will have returned. We will seldom be interested in liquor. If tempted, we recoil from it as from a hot flame. We react sanely and normally, and we will find that this has happened automatically.” Page 84.
