In principle, I have power over my thoughts. As a result, I have power over my actions, my words, my feelings, my internal life, and to some extent my external life.
In principle, you have power over your thoughts and, as a result, your actions, your words, your feelings, your internal life, and to some extent your external life.
I have some power to affect your thoughts, and thus the rest.
You have some power to affect my thoughts, and thus the rest.
I can affect your thoughts only with your permission, however.
You can affect my thoughts only with my permission, however.
When I recognise who has power over what and act accordingly, my life is harmonious. When I do not, my life is disorderly, hence unmanageable.
In the disorder of Al-Anonism, Step One manifests in four ways:
[In all cases, for thoughts read thoughts, actions, words, feelings, internal life, and to some extent external life.]
When spiritual sickness blocks my power over my thoughts: unmanageability (distress and disorder) follows.
When I try to control others' thoughts: unmanageability (distress and disorder) follows.
When I feel responsible for others' thoughts: unmanageability (distress and disorder) follows.
When I hold others responsible for my thoughts: unmanageability (distress and disorder) follows.
In principle, you have power over your thoughts and, as a result, your actions, your words, your feelings, your internal life, and to some extent your external life.
I have some power to affect your thoughts, and thus the rest.
You have some power to affect my thoughts, and thus the rest.
I can affect your thoughts only with your permission, however.
You can affect my thoughts only with my permission, however.
When I recognise who has power over what and act accordingly, my life is harmonious. When I do not, my life is disorderly, hence unmanageable.
In the disorder of Al-Anonism, Step One manifests in four ways:
[In all cases, for thoughts read thoughts, actions, words, feelings, internal life, and to some extent external life.]
1. Denying my power over my thoughts
When spiritual sickness blocks my power over my thoughts: unmanageability (distress and disorder) follows.
2. Denying my powerlessness over others' thoughts
When I try to control others' thoughts: unmanageability (distress and disorder) follows.
3. Denying others' power over their thoughts
When I feel responsible for others' thoughts: unmanageability (distress and disorder) follows.
4. Denying others' powerlessness over my thoughts
When I hold others responsible for my thoughts: unmanageability (distress and disorder) follows.
Exercise
On four sheets of paper, write:
- Examples of powerlessness over my own thoughts.
- Examples of powerlessness over others' thoughts: where I try to control what I cannot control.
- Examples of powerlessness over others' thoughts: where I feel responsible for what I cannot control.
- Examples of others' powerlessness over my thoughts: where I hold others responsible my for thoughts.
Share with a sponsor.
Proceed to Step Two.