The "essence of spirituality" is the search to know our true selves, to discover the real nature of consciousness. This quest has been the foundation of all the great spiritual teachings, and the goal of all the great mystics.

Throughout the history of humanity it has been said that the self we know -- the individual ego -- is a very limited form of identity. Ignorant of our true selves we derive a false sense of identity from what we have, or what we do -- from our possessions, our role in the world, how others see us, etc. Because the world on which it is based is continually changing, this derived sense of identity is always under threat, and our attempts to maintain it are responsible for much of our "self-centered" behaviour.

Behind this identity is a deeper identity, what is often called the "true self". This can be thought of as the essence of consciousness. Although our thoughts, feelings and personality may vary considerably, the essence of mind remains the same. We are each very diffferent people than we were twenty years ago, but still we feel the same sense of "I". This sense of "I-ness" is the same for everyone, and in that respect is something universal that we all share.

When we discover this deeper sense of self we are freed from many of the fears that plague us unnecessarily. We discover a greater inner peace, an inner security that does not depend upon events or circumstances in the world around. As a result we become less self-centered, less needy of the other's approval or recognition, less needy of collecting possessions and social status, and become happier, healthier and more loving people. In many spiritual teachings this is called "self-liberation".

Most spiritual teachings also maintain that when one comes to know the true nature of consciousness, one also comes to know God. If God is the essence of the whole of creation, then God is the essence of every creature, and every person. This is why the search to discover the nature of one's own innermost essence is ... the search for God.

Lets take a look at Step 3, and The GOD Thing ???
It is probably the most misunderstood Step,
and a road block for many of us on our
'Spiritual Journey' to recovery...

Step 3: "Made a Decision to turn our Will (thinking) and our Lives (actions) over to the care of God (a spirit) ... as we understood Him."

    1st. Only a 'Decision' to try to find a Vehicle to Communicate with a Higher Power, as you understood Him/Her Or It;

    2nd. Our 'Will,' nothing more than Learning to change our Thinking for Today;

    3rd. Our 'Lives,' nothing more than Learning to change our Actions for Today;

    4th. Over to the care of God (a spirit) ... 'As We Understood Him'.... (and continue on with the steps)

.... Consider in early recovery the Spirit of Your Conscience,
as a vehicle to communicate with a Higher Power ... as you
understand Him/Her or It ... Or Don't understand Him,
Her or It... It dwells in each of us, with few excep-
tions. We just have to 'Learn to Listen'.

All Action ...'Is Born'... In Thought !

Keep It Simple!

Our FREE WILL and The GOD Thing. . .
perhaps... Let Your Conscience Be Your Guide!
                                           [ Jiminy Cricket ]

.....while 'Promptly continuing on to your Step 4 Inventory.

''Though our Decision was a vital and crucial step, it could
have Little Permanent Effect unless 'At Once' followed
by a strenuous effort to face, and to be rid of, the
things in ourselves which had been blocking
us. Our Liquor Was But A Symptom.

So we had to get down to causes and conditions. There
fore, we started upon a personal inventory. This
was Step Four.'' (Big Book, Pg. 64)

With the knowledge of the above, Reciting and Trusting,
our Third Step Prayer, (Big Book Pg. 63) this May
Be all You need to complete Step 3.

[ get a printable version ]

Below is 'Seventeen' examples of the location of the words ...
Conscious,... Conscience,... and Consciousness,... as it
is contained in the Basic Text of our Big Book,
through page 164...

[ get a printable version ]

Chapter 1: Bill's Story [Step 1]

Page 13:
  ...I was to test my thinking by the new God-conscious-ness within. 'Common Sense' would thus become 'Uncommon Sense.' I was to sit quietly when in doubt, asking only for direction and strength to meet my problems as He would have me. Never was I to pray for myself, except as my requests bore on my usefulness to others. Then only might I expect to receive.

Chapter 2: There Is A Solution
Page 24:
  ...The fact is that most alcoholics, for reasons yet obscure, have lost the power of choice in drink. Our so-called will power becomes practically nonexistent. We are unable, at certain times, to bring into our consciousness with sufficient force the memory of the suffering and humiliation of even a week or a month ago. We are without defense against the first drink.

Page 25:
  ...We were in a position where life was becoming impossible, and if we had passed into the region from which there is no return through human aid, we had but two alternatives: One was to go on to the bitter end, blotting out the consciousness of our intolerable situation as best we could; and the other, to accept spiritual help.

Chapter 4: We Agnostics [Step 2]
Page 47:
  ...Do not let any prejudice you may have against spiritual terms deter you from honestly asking yourself what they mean to you. At the start, this was all we needed to commence spiritual growth, to effect our first conscious relation with God as we understood Him. Afterward, we found ourselves accepting many things which then seemed entirely out of reach. That was growth, but if we wished to grow we had to begin somewhere. So we used our own conception, however limited it was.

Page 51:
  ...Leaving aside the drink question, they tell why living was so unsatisfactory. They show how the change came over them. When many hundreds of people are able to say that the consciousness of the Presence of God is today the most important fact of their lives, they present a powerful reason why one should have faith.

Page 55:
  ...If our testimony helps sweep away prejudice, enables you to think honestly, encourages you to search diligently within yourself, then, if you wish, you can join us on the Broad Highway. With this attitude you cannot fail. The consciousness of your belief is sure to come to you. In this book you will read the experience of a man who thought he was an atheist. His story is so interesting that some of it should be told now. His change of heart was dramatic, convincing, and moving.

Page 56:
  ...The barriers he had built through the years were swept away. He stood in the Presence of Infinite Power and Love. He had stepped from bridge to shore. For the first time, he lived in conscious companionship with his Creator. Thus was our friend's cornerstone fixed in place. No later vicissitude has shaken it. His alcoholic problem was taken away. That very night, years ago, it disappeared.

Chapter 5: How It Works [Step 3]
Page 59:
  ...Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God as we understood Him, praying only for knowledge of His will for us and the power to carry that out.

Page 63:
  ...More and more we became interested in seeing what we could contribute to life. As we felt new power flow in, as we enjoyed peace of mind, as we discovered we could face life successfully, as we became conscious of His presence, we began to lose our fear of today, tomorrow or the hereafter. We were reborn. We were now at Step Three. Many of us said to our Maker, as we understood Him: "God, I offer myself to Thee---to build with me and to do with me as Thou wilt...

Chapter 6: Into Action [Step 10]
Page 85:
  ...Much has already been said about receiving strength, inspiration, and direction from Him who has all knowledge and power. If we have carefully followed directions, we have begun to sense the flow of His Spirit into us. To some extent we have become God-conscious. We have begun to develop this vital 'Sixth Sense.' But we must go further and that means more action.

Chapter 6 Into Action [Step 11]
Page 87:
  ...What used to be the hunch or the occasional inspiration gradually becomes a working part of the mind. Being still inexperienced and having just made conscious contact with God, it is not probable that we are going to be inspired at all times. We might pay for this presumption in all sorts of absurd actions and ideas. Nevertheless, we find that our thinking will, as time passes, be more and more on the plane of inspiration. We come to rely upon it...

Chapter 7: Working With Others [Step 12]
Page 95:
  ...If he thinks he can do the job in some other way, or prefers some other spiritual approach, encourage him to follow his own conscience. We have no monopoly on God; we merely have an approach that worked with us. But point out that we alcoholics have much in common and that you would like, in any case, to be friendly. Let it go at that.

Page 98:
  ...Burn the idea into the consciousness of every man that he can get well regardless of anyone. The only condition is that he trust in God and clean house. Now, the domestic problem: There may be divorce, separation, or just strained relations. When your prospect has made such reparation as he can to his family, and has thoroughly explained to them the new principles by which he is living, he should proceed to put those principles into action at home...

Chapter 8: To Wives
Page 115:
  ...Barriers which have sprung up between you and your friends will disappear with the growth of sympathetic understanding. You will no longer be self-conscious or feel that you must apologize as though your husband were a weak character. He may be anything but that. Your new courage, good nature and lack of self-consciousness will do wonders for you socially. The same principle applies in dealing with the children.

Chapter 9: The Family Afterward
Page 130:
  ...Those of us who have spent much time in the world of spiritual make-believe have eventually seen the childishness of it. This dream world has been replaced by a great sense of purpose, accompanied by a growing consciousness of the power of God in our lives. We have come to believe He would like us to keep our heads in the clouds with Him, but that our feet ought to be firmly planted on earth.

Page 132:
  ...We intend the foregoing as a helpful suggestion only. So far as we are concerned, there is nothing obligatory about it. As non-denominational people, we cannot make up others' minds for them. Each individual should consult his own conscience. We have been speaking to you of serious, sometimes tragic things. We have been dealing with alcohol in its worst aspect. But we aren't a glum lot. If newcomers could see no joy or fun in our existence, they wouldn't want it...

Keep It Simple . . .              
Let Your God-'Conscious-Ness' Be Your Guide.
Learn To Listen . . . Listen To Learn !

*Images: 1940 Disney Movie Based On The 1883 Book "Pinocchio, Tale Of A Puppet."

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