“We came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.”
Overview of Step 2 AA
You then acknowledged that addiction had caused life to spiral utterly out of control. That is quite significant. Now, though, we are delving into Step 2: when you begin to see change as realistically achievable.
Two steps are mostly about hope. It’s about letting go of the belief that you can solve everything yourself—news flash: you cannot. Rather, you allow yourself to be open to the prospect that someone or something else outside of you could enable some sense of normalcy in your life. Whether you call it God, the universe, NA meetings, or just the recovery process, Step 2 urges you to believe there is something out there that might lead you through this mess.
Insanity: Yup, It’s Real
When they discuss “insanity” in Step 2, it does not mean “out-of-your-mind crazy”—well, not precisely.
It’s about going over and over the same errors, expecting this time it would be different. Not too far off. Like how we constantly returning to use, this time thinking will be just one or that we can somehow manage. That is craziness.
We begin to see as we travel farther into recovery that this craziness did not manifest itself in only our addiction. Oh no; it was all around.
In our relationships
In our mind.
In the way we treated ourselves.
Step 2 enables us to get real about the depth of that lunacy.
It’s Spiritual, Not Religious
I am aware of this as well. Many people become terrified when they learn of a “Power greater than ourselves”. It applied to me as well. The truth is, though, that Step 2 is not advocating you become religious.
It’s about discovering something—anything—that will enable you to believe there is another way to live.
Some of us could find that that Power represents the NA fellowship itself, or perhaps the 12 Steps. It might be a link to the cosmos, nature, or simply hope itself.
You are free to select for you what suits. This whole process is spiritual rather than ideological. The secret here is simply being receptive to the possibility that you could find means of survival.
Hope: The Game-Changer
Let us now turn to hope.
Like me, you have most likely tried everything—medicine, counseling, self-help books, whatever—to turn around your life. Still, nothing truly worked right now.
This is where Step 2 finds application. Because here you begin to find hope among other recovering folks.
It strikes you when you see other addicts at meetings who have survived—if only they could do it, why not I? There is where optimism begins to blossom.
It’s gradual burn, not instantaneous; nevertheless, knowing that others have recovered gives you hope that perhaps it might work for you as well.
Coming to Believe
The truth is that belief does not just knock you flat one day. There is a process involved here.
I had to develop into a Higher Power; I did not wake up thinking in that direction. I first was somewhat uncertain and afraid. But after hearing other people’s tales and experiences, I began to hope that perhaps, just maybe, this whole recovery process would fit me.
Coming to believe is mostly about being receptive. You have to be ready to attempt; you do not have to have it all worked out. That’s quite reasonable; it’s a slow change.
A Power Greater Than Ourselves
Everybody interprets what a Higher Power is differently. Some rely on the community, some on spirituality, and still others just trust the recovery process itself.
What’s crucial is that this Power has to be something loving, compassionate, and able of guiding us to keep clean.
For my Higher Power, I myself did not need to know everything. I only needed to believe it was there and that it sought better for me than I did for myself.
Whether that Power is cosmic or merely the community around me, what counts is that it provided me strength when I felt too weak to keep going on my own.
Restoration to Sanity: More Than Just Not Using
What then, in recovery, does sanity really mean?
It could initially mean simply not picking up that medication again. But when you continue the steps, it transcends more than just that.
Sanity first shows up in your:
Bonds
Your approach to stress
Your beginning to see things differently.
One must constantly be restoring to sanity. You will keep developing spiritually, emotionally, and mentally as long as you follow the road of recovery.
Though they do not all occur at once, over time you begin to make better decisions, have better ideas, and lead a more balanced life.
Reflection Questions for Recovery
Spend some time considering these issues.
Hope: Today what do you hope for?
Insanity: Could you name any crazy former decisions you took? Here are few instances:
Belief: Do you have any worries regarding embracing a Higher Power? They are what?
Greater Than Ourselves: Based on what data do you find of a Higher Power present in your life right now?
Restoring to Sanity: Which mental and behavioural adjustments will help you to reach sanity?
Step 2 AA Worksheet Download form Here
The second step is realizing that your sanity can be restored by trusting the Power stronger than yourself can.
Please find attached a Step 2 AA worksheet. Consider hope, craziness, and what your Higher Power means to you.
Take your time with it; this is more about discovering out what works for you than about rushing.
This process depends on your sponsor quite a bit. Talk about your ideas from the Step 2 AA worksheet, get comments, and acquire fresh ideas. Having gone this road, they can provide insightful direction.
Recall that Step 2 is not one-time offer. This daily habit is believing that Power will enable you to stay clean and make wise decisions.
Step 2 AA Prayer
Check out this powerful prayer for Step 2:
This prayer is absolutely important since it reminds us that we must recover our sanity by means of a Higher Power.
Step 1 brought the truth about how our irrational decisions rendered life unmanageable. Connecting with this Higher Power releases hope and healing.
Restoring sanity requires balance and better decision-making. Allow this prayer to lead you from anarchy toward clarity on your road of recovery!
In essence, believing in the possibility of transformation
Second step is a life saver. It’s about discovering hope that you won’t have to remain mired in the craziness of alcoholism. You are not alone; there is a Power larger than you that will assist.
Whether it’s spiritual, group, or grounded in the ideas of recovery, this Power can provide you the will to keep on.
Therefore, avoid stressing if you are not convinced about it yet. Keep coming up, be honest, and believe that over time you will come to believe in something that will lead you to the freedom you have been yearning for and help you to recover to sanity.
Sources
Restore Me To Sanity – Marilea C. Rabasa. https://www.recoveryofthespirit.com/acceptance/restore-me-to-sanity/
Spiritual Growth – Castle Craig. https://www.castlecraig.co.uk/addiction-resources/spiritual-growth/
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
SAMHSA’s National Helpline
National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
NIDA – Drug Abuse Information
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)
AA Official Website
Nar-Anon Family Groups
Nar-Anon – Support for Families
SMART Recovery
SMART Recovery – Self-Management and Recovery Training
