Step Two and the Promise of Sanity
The scope of our 12-Step Program is revealed in Step Two: Step Two promises sanity.
Sanity means sound thinking. Our thinking—our mental operations—guides us, like a rudder guiding a boat through the flow of experience.
Sound Thinking as the Rudder of Recovery
Picture a sailboat:
- The rudder is underwater.
- It is controlled by a tiller in the cockpit.
- Though unseen, the rudder pushes against the water to turn and steer the boat.
In the same way, our thoughts work unseen—not underwater, but in the underconscious. They act as a kind of life rudder, quietly directing the course of our lives.
Our thoughts push against the flow of life and steer us.
Before we are restored to sanity and sound thinking, our rudder is flawed. It is full of holes and cannot steer us well. We may push and pull on the tiller, but with a damaged rudder, our efforts are almost useless.
Restored Sanity Gives Us the Power to Turn
When we are restored to sanity, however, the picture changes.
- The holes are filled.
- The rudder becomes solid and functional.
- It can actually turn the boat.
In this restored state, we discover we have the Power to participate in managing our lives.
God willing, we can turn away from the drink. And, God willing, we can also turn away from the character defects that beset us.
Sanity—the gift of sound thinking—gives both God and us a stronger, more effective steering ability. Together, we can better navigate the flow of life.
Now, when we push or pull the tiller, the Power of the rudder is manifest. We have the Power to turn our lives. We can form an intention and see it revealed in the turning of our lives.
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.
FAQs
What does Step Two promise in 12-Step recovery?
Step Two promises sanity. In this reflection, sanity means sound thinking—the restoration of our ability to think clearly and live differently.
What does “restored to sanity” mean?
Being restored to sanity means our thinking becomes more sound, useful, and spiritually guided. We begin to regain the ability to make better choices.
Why is the rudder metaphor important?
A rudder is mostly unseen, but it determines the direction of a boat. In the same way, our thoughts may be hidden, but they steer the course of our lives.
How does addiction affect thinking?
Addiction can damage our mental and spiritual steering. Like a rudder full of holes, flawed thinking may leave us unable to guide our lives effectively.
How does Step Two help with addiction recovery?
Step Two opens us to a Power greater than ourselves. Through that Power, our sanity and sound thinking can be restored.
Can Step Two help with character defects?
Yes. This reflection explains that restored sanity helps us turn away not only from the drink, but also from the character defects that trouble us.
What role does God play in restored sanity?
God provides the Power that restores sound thinking. With God’s help and our willingness, we can better navigate the flow of life.
What does it mean to “turn our lives”?
To turn our lives means to form a new intention, act with spiritual guidance, and move in a healthier direction through recovery.
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