Step 6: Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character.
Step 7: Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings.
Koan: Once a monk made a request to Joshu. “I have just entered the monastery,” he said, “Please give me instructions, Master.” Joshu said, “Have you had your breakfast”? “Yes I have,” replied the monk. “Then,” said Joshu, “wash your bowls.” The monk had insight. Case 7 of The Gateless Barrier by Zenkei Shibayama
Joshu isn’t telling the monk to anything profound…only to do the next right thing - - and look what happened!
Working these Steps is not for wimps – it takes courage and a willingness to change our ways. We’ve gone through Steps 1 thru 5, an amazing feat for any alcoholic; and there’s more to do, especially when some of our old habits show up.
It’s like when we realize it would be good if we could get some kind of a spiritual boost right now, something to lessen the effects of a battle going on inside our head. These periodic battles show me yet another example that I can’t be trying to run the show.
Tradition 3 states that the only requirement for AA membership is a desire to stop drinking. You have entered the Fellowship of AA. Have you gone through Steps 1-5? “Yes I have.” If I want to continue your recovery momentum, then continue on with Steps 6 and 7. The next right thing.
Back in the day of using and drinking, our goal was to seek anything that would change the way we feel. Today, having completed Steps 1-5, we’ve taken in all the spiritual nourishment we need for any moment – but at times, our energy sags, and we need a pick-me-up to get us back on track. The effects of Steps 6 and 7 are that pick-me-up, reminding me that my H.P. will take away my difficulties.
Hope your summer it going well.
Bill K.
Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.” Socrates
