At a recent AA meeting, one of the fellows said, “Holding my seat in this Program means more than sitting in meetings. There is a lot of work, a huge amount of work.”
The next day I reflected on his share. Our way of life and our design for living take a lot of work.
Recovery Is More Than Attending AA Meetings
Look at the number of references to work:
- “Immunity from drinking (is ensured best by) intensive work with other alcoholics.”
- “Faith without works is dead.”
- “Work with other alcoholics … works when all other activities fail.”
- “If we have the proper attitude and work at it.”
- “These promises will always materialize if we work for them.”
- “(He failed to) enlarge his spiritual life through work.”
- “… it was imperative to work with others.”
- “It works; it really does.”
And at every meeting, we read “How It Works.”
There is no question, our Program and our way of life involves work, a lot of work. The easier, softer way, avoiding work, will not be effective. It will fail, often catastrophically with a relapse.
The Easier, Softer Way Can Cost Us
And even if it does not fail, it means suboptimal living. As one AA friend said, “It’s like winning the lottery and not cashing the ticket.”
The consequences of failing to work is both a promise and a threat.
- The threat: If I don’t do the work, I am at risk.
- The promise: If I do the work, I achieve a life beyond imagining.
Over the years I have experienced the consequences of both the threat and the promise. After many comparisons, I much prefer the latter, so I do the work.
Doing the Work Opens the Door to a Life Beyond Imagining
I strive to habituate work on the Program with:
- an annual inventory cycle
- a quarterly inventory cycle
- a monthly inventory cycle
- a daily inventory cycle
- seeking out newcomers
- helping alcoholics in trouble
That striving is work, requiring time, energy, and discipline.
Holding my seat in AA means more than sitting in meetings.
But Boy Howdy it is worth it.
Books to Support Your Twelve Step Journey
If you’re looking to explore Step work, spiritual awakening, and personal transformation more deeply, check out The GEMS Series: 12-Step Shares, Notes and Thoughts. These books offer insights, reflections, and real-life recovery experience that complement the journey through the Twelve Steps.
The books in The GEMS Series: 12-Step Shares, Notes and Thoughts can be purchased through my estore or the major online book retailers. Look for GEMS, More GEMS, Still More GEMS, and More GEMS Revealed.
FAQ for the Blog Post
What does “holding my seat in AA” mean?
Holding my seat in AA means more than attending meetings. It means actively participating in recovery through service, inventory, spiritual growth, and helping others.
Why does AA emphasize work?
AA emphasizes work because lasting recovery requires action. The Program points repeatedly to work with others, spiritual growth, inventory, and daily practice as essential parts of sobriety.
Is attending AA meetings enough for recovery?
Meetings are important, but the article suggests they are not the whole of recovery. AA becomes a way of life when its principles are practiced outside the meeting room.
What is the “easier, softer way” in AA?
The easier, softer way refers to avoiding the deeper work of recovery. The article warns that this approach can lead to relapse or a less fulfilling sober life.
What kind of work is involved in AA recovery?
The work may include daily inventory, periodic self-examination, helping newcomers, working with alcoholics in trouble, practicing spiritual principles, and staying active in the Program.
Why is helping others important in AA?
Helping others is central to AA recovery. The article highlights work with other alcoholics as a vital part of staying sober and living usefully.
What does “a life beyond imagining” mean?
A life beyond imagining refers to the promises and possibilities of recovery: freedom from alcohol, spiritual growth, usefulness, peace, and a fuller way of living.
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