A Pagan approach to the Twelve Step programs
by Anodea Judith
E-Mail at shakti7@netdex.com
(Steps 13 through 15)
The beginning of this article may be found at recovery.html
Standard steps are listed in italics, adapted steps in
bold, and commentaries in regular type.
Step 13: I examine my life story and my addiction (and codependency) in the
context of my role in a patriarchal, capitalistic system.
Another good book to read on this is Anne Wilson Schaef, When Society Becomes
an Addict.
Step 14: I use the events life brings as lessons for growth and accept
my mistakes as part of my humanness.
Very important for keeping sobriety -- how not to fall down when life presents
difficulties. Seeing problems as opportunities, having a sense of compassion
for ourselves when we fail to be perfect, and learning from mistakes are
valuable steps to ongoing progress.
Step 15: We grow in our awareness that we are sacred beings, interrelated with
all living things and, when ready, take an active part in helping the planet
become a better place for all people including ourselves.
We could include a few other species here simply by saying "all" and leaving
off the word "people." This solidifies the connection between ourselves and
the web of life, again between the power within and the power without.
This adaptation is meant to coincide with the 12-steps as they are now, but we could
combine steps 2 and 3, steps 4 and 5, and steps 8 and 9, making each pair into
a single step. The additional three steps listed above could then be included
for a total of twelve. Or throw them out altogether and start fresh, but
however we proceed, the value does not lie in any of the individual steps but
in the creation of a structural program. It takes more than wishing to change
a lifelong pattern: we have to adopt a strategy, a plan, and then carry it out
for a substantial period of time. The plan needs to fit the problem, and then
each of the various wounds we suffer from this culture may require different
programs.
The other deep value in the twelve step program is its inclusion of a
spiritual dimension in the recovery process. Spiritual connection and
healing are part of the same thing because a wound to the soul is a rupture of
spirit. Since spirit has many forms, to truly become an open system we
avoid qualifying spiritual experience for other human beings. Both the
creation of a program and the experience of "spiritual awakening" are
personal and profound. These steps are meant as a guide to creating a program
that offers empowerment of the individual and validation of a variety of
spiritual experiences. The paths are many. The journey brings its own
reward.
A SUMMARY:
A PAGAN 12-STEP PROGRAM BY ANODEA JUDITH
- Admitted we had a problem and that we were squandering our power.
- Came to see how the power within and without had been misaligned and
made a decision to reconnect them, seeing them as One.
- Through sharing and feedback from others, took an intelligent look at
our behavior, examining our relationship to family patterns and dysfunctional
culture.
- Made myself ready and willing to let go of old patterns.
- Learned to ask for help.
- Made a list of harm done, and carried out rectification and balancing
wherever possible.
- Made the commitment to continue the process of recovery, knowing that
change takes time.
- Pursued the strengthening of our connection with the web of life
through appropriate activity and spiritual practice.
- Having experienced a stabilized change from our awakening, we sought
to help others along the path.
- Examine my life story and my addiction (and codependency) in the context
of my role in a patriarchal, capitalistic system.
- Use the events life brings as lessons for growth and accept my mistakes
as part of my humanness.
- Grow in our awareness that we are sacred beings, interrelated with all
living things and, when ready, take an active part in helping the planet
become a better place for all including ourselves.
Many thanks to Marilee Lewis,
Bronwen of Harvest Moon, Selene
Vega, Maryanne Glazer, and Andrew Conn, for discussions and suggestions.
Also many thanks to Charlotte Kasl, Ph.D., for her writings on the
topic. Look for her books Women, Sex and Addiction: A Search for Love and
Power; and Many Roads, One Journey: Twelve-Step Programs in an Age of
Diversity.
Copyright © 1998 by Anodea Judith.
Note: reprinted, with the author's permission, from Green Egg, vol.24,
no.92, Ostara, 1991, pages 10 through 12.
Article is divided into four HTML files for convenience.
A short list of Recovery resources on the Net.
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