In recovery and emotional healing, learning how to become undisturbed is one of the most powerful spiritual practices. At my AA Home Group, a fellow once shared a phrase that became a cornerstone in my sobriety journey: “If I am disturbed, the first order of business is to become undisturbed.” In this post, I’ll explore what this truly means—and how it can guide us toward serenity, even in emotional turmoil.
This seemingly simple declaration holds remarkable depth.
What Does “The First Order of Business” Really Mean in Recovery?
First, notice the careful phrasing: “the first order of business,” not “my first order of business.” This isn’t a personal decree, but an objective priority – a universal truth, or perhaps a directive from a Higher Power. It’s something that, independent of what I think or believe, ought to be done first.
Why “Becoming Undisturbed” Is a Process, Not a Quick Fix
Second, the verb “become” is crucial. It indicates a complex, transitive shift from one state (disturbed) to another (undisturbed). This isn’t an immediate switch but a process that requires time and effort. The priority isn’t to somehow instantly be undisturbed; rather, with effort and time, to transform into that state.
Aligning Will and Surrender: Letting Go of Control
Third, he does not specify how this change will happen or who will facilitate it. By simply stating it as a top priority, he aligns his will and desire with an objective priority, desiring to become undisturbed. Importantly, he does not claim that it will be achieved through his own power or under his own steam.
The Power of Pausing in Recovery
The true brilliance, however, lies in what remains unarticulated. Simply stating or even thinking, “the first order of business is to become undisturbed,” creates a pause. In the whirlwind of emotions and thoughts that trigger disturbance, this declaration acts as a breath, a moment of stillness.
Pausing is the indispensable first step to becoming undisturbed. It’s the sine qua non, the necessary condition for reaching a state of calm. Without that crucial moment of recognizing the priority, there is no hope of transitioning from turmoil to tranquillity. Once you acknowledge that priority, you can truly begin on your journey to becoming undisturbedness.
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, and Still More GEMS.
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