"Some of us have tried to hold on to our old ideas and the result was nil until we let go absolutely." (Page 58, Big Book)
What are our old ideas?
Scratch the surface of any upset or agitation, and you will find old ideas.
Ask yourself, what old ideas and beliefs does this upset or agitation tell me I must have? What would God have me believe instead? If you're having trouble with the second and third columns, ask someone with more experience in the programme. The old ideas and beliefs usually come from childhood. Try to cast your mind back to then. What does it tell you?
Upset or agitation | Old idea or belief | New idea or belief |
Example: The world is going to the dogs | Example: Every day everything gets a little bit worse People can't be trusted People are stupid People are evil I can do nothing about anything There is no point in trying I need the world to be OK for me to be OK | Example: The universe and what lies beyond are in God's hands God is in everything God is in everyone I am in God's hands God will guide me People are good: when they don't act right, they like me, are asleep People are smart and resourceful There are good people everywhere There is love everywhere God is everywhere God is present in every situation God is constantly active I may have a role in the growing good of the world I can ask God |
Example: The flat needs to be refurbished and is a mess | Example: My physical surroundings need to be in perfect order, perfectly functioning, clean, cleared, and clutter-free for me to be OK If there is something wrong, it's my fault If it's it not my fault, it's your fault I cannot rest until everything is perfect | Example: My purpose in life is to wake up and help others to wake up My physical environment is there to support that: it is not the purpose in itself I ask God's guidance in taking reasonable care of my surroundings My physical environment does not need to be perfect I am free unless obliged right now I need not monitor, scan, and assess constantly I trust God to show His will I don't need to figure out God's will God's will is the next right action |
Whenever you spot an upset or agitation, ask what old beliefs are invoked, and affirm the new beliefs.
Here is the table to fill out:
Upset or agitation | Old idea or belief | New idea or belief |
One option: do this for 14 days and boil down to the best 14 new ideas / beliefs to live by.