Each month, 12-Step programs promote a step that is in accordance to the number of the month in their literature and in discussion meetings. Since November is the eleventh month of the year, the eleventh step might be more talked about as a topic in meetings and read about in daily devotional books. The point is to familiarize members with the perspective of how the eleventh step is worked and can be useful in their life.   

“Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God as we understood Him, praying only for the knowledge of His will for us and the power to carry it out.”

Many people view this step as something that directly relates to a religious practice. In 1935 when these steps were written, religion and spirituality were considered one in the same during that era. In a 12-Step program, religion is considered an outside issue that should not be brought into the program according to Tradition Ten. Although one may perceive the writing of the step to be one with religious connotations, the step was meant to be strictly of spirituality which signifies that step eleven must come from within each person.

When working steps one through ten, you should have begun to develop a personal relationship with a Higher Power of your own understanding. Daily spiritual maintenance will assist you in getting comfortable with the communication of your Higher Power. There is no set way to pray or to meditate as this will be left up to your own discretion and with what works for you personally.

Finding your own technique will come from practice, dedication, and taking suggestions from others who have walked in sobriety before you. Prayer can mean kneeling on your knees saying the Serenity Prayer or other prayers. Prayer can also be a dialogue to state your fears, what you are grateful for, and to get direction from a power greater than yourself. Meditation can take on a variety of methods that are beneficial to the eye of the beholder. Guided meditations, breathing techniques, mindfulness, or going for a walk are beneficial to clear your thoughts and achieve a calm emotional state.

Using prayer and meditation that step eleven suggests is important to establish contentment, direction, tranquility, and continued growth. These things were the very aspects that you were missing out on when you were actively participating in your addiction. To make prayer and meditation a part of your daily life in lieu of the addictive behaviors you once exhibited means that you will begin to use the faith that you have in your Higher Power to acquire a moral compass and to heal from your past.

The Kimberly Center is an evidence-based treatment program that assists individuals who are suffering from substance abuse and related issues. Our goal is to restore a healthier, happier, and more productive life in recovery.

Call us today to begin: 855-4-KCENTER (855-452-3683)