The 12 Steps: Interpretations And Meditations

Von Hearon Dickson

Was du lernen wirst

In this course, we will review the 12 steps of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), reviewing both the traditional and the agnostic versions. Having been in recovery for 10 years, I will explain my interpretation of the steps, including the ways they have been beneficial to me, and provide parallels with yogic philosophy where I believe it is appropriate. Each day will close the session with a meditation relevant to that step.

Hearon Dickson

Annapolis, MD, USA

Hearon has been in recovery from an alcohol use disorder since August, 2015. He completed his Yoga Alliance 200 hour teacher training in 2020 and immediately opened a virtual yoga studio in response to the pandemic. During that time he also became a certified meditation and mindfulness teacher, and his goal is to help students, in accordance with...

Lektion 1

Acceptance

We learn the traditional and agnostic versions of step one, learn a word we can associate with that step, and meditate upon the concept of acceptance. We also explore several yogic principles that align with this step.

Lektion 2

Hope

We learn the traditional and agnostic versions of step two, learn a word we can associate with that step, and meditate upon the concept of motivation. We also utilize the dictionary to clarify some of the language used in this step.

Lektion 3

Commitment

We learn the traditional and agnostic versions of step three, learn a word we can associate with that step, and meditate upon the concept of living in the present moment, or, in AA parlance, "one day at a time."

Lektion 4

Introspection

We learn the traditional and agnostic versions of step 4, learn a word we can associate with that step, and meditate upon the concept of our higher consciousness. We also discuss two yogic principles which have relevance here.

Lektion 5

Integrity

We learn the traditional and agnostic versions of step five, learn a word we can associate with that step, and do a brief loving kindness meditation. We also learn Patanjali's definition of yoga and how that definition applies to this journey.

Lektion 6

Willingness

We learn the traditional and agnostic versions of step six, learn a word we can associate with that step, and meditate upon the concept of noting without identifying. In this step, we will also learn each of the yamas which comprise the first limb of yoga.

Lektion 7

Humility

We learn the traditional and agnostic versions of step seven, learn a word we can associate with that step, and meditate do a loving-kindness meditation. We also examine the progressive nature of these steps.

Lektion 8

Forgiveness

We learn the traditional and agnostic versions of step eight, learn a word we can associate with that step, and meditate upon forgiveness. The second limb of yoga is the niyamas, and one of the niyamas is introduced.

Lektion 9

Justice

We learn the traditional and agnostic versions of step nine, learn a word we can associate with that step, and meditate upon the concept of acknowledging those who have helped us in our lives. We also explore several yogic principles that align with this step.

Lektion 10

Perseverance

We learn the traditional and agnostic versions of step 10, learn a word we can associate with that step, and meditate upon the concept of confidence. We also explore the search for the yamas and niyamas, which comprise the first two limbs of yoga.

Lektion 11

Awakening

We learn the traditional and agnostic versions of step eleven, learn a word we can associate with that step, and meditate upon the concept of loving-kindness. We also explore each of the 8 limbs of yoga.

Lektion 12

Service

We learn the traditional and agnostic versions of step 12, learn a word we can associate with that step, and meditate upon the concept of leadership. This is our final day in this course, and I want to thank you for joining it and reiterate my encouragement to seek any help you may feel you need regarding your sobriety journey.