The 12 Steps: Interpretations And Meditations - by Hearon Dickson

COURSE

The 12 Steps: Interpretations And Meditations

With Hearon Dickson

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.

AcceptanceAddictionConfidenceSecular MindfulnessMindfulness MeditationHealth & HappinessRecovery & HealingSecularMindfulness

Meet your Teacher

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 the yoga sutras, "restrain the modifications of the mindstuff." In other words, achieve greater peace of mind through the practices of yoga and meditation. Hearon is also certified in Y12SR, or the yoga of 12 step recovery, and he has led those classes periodically over the past 4 years. Hearon was in his 50's when he took his first yoga class and he is passionate about introducing yoga and meditation to those who might not otherwise experience them so that they can realize the same benefits that he has. Hearon is also an experienced retreat leader, having led 4 sold out international trips, with more to come. His students feel renewed after his sessions and retreats. See the link below for more information about all of Hearon's programs.

12 Days

167 students

4.8 stars

7 min / day

Acceptance

English

Lesson 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.

Lesson 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.

Lesson 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."

Lesson 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.

Lesson 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.

Lesson 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.

Lesson 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.

Lesson 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.

Lesson 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.

Lesson 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.

Lesson 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.

Lesson 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.

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