Four old beliefs that do not help

In AA we learn to let go of old beliefs.

Here are four old beliefs that cause a lot of pain in a lot of people:

  • Identification with anything external (where we live, social class, nationality, job, physical appearance, wealth, possessions, attire, health, prowess, health or infirmity, sex, gender, sexuality, political beliefs, religious beliefs): the truth is that these are not who we are, so, if they are threatened, we are not being threatened;
  • Identification with our own defects of belief, thinking, or behaviour: the truth is that there are not who we are, either: they are patterns operating within us but they are not us.
  • Assumption of the role of judge: believing that we are entitled and qualified to judge the worth, attainment, or any other parameters of ourselves or others: the truth is that we are neither entitled nor qualified.
  • Believing we should be 'better' than we are: faster, smarter, younger, more spiritual, less defective, more effective, more efficient, more productive: the truth is that where we are and what we are right now is just fine.
Correct these errors and life becomes a lot easier.