Step Eleven Archives - The ESSAY Magazine

My Journey with Step 11
Gallery
My Journey with Step 11

My Journey with Step 11

I have been following a journey all my adult life toward what now, as a sober SA member, I think of as Step 1—and I am now almost 60. I am moved to write this article by The Real Connection reading for today, which at the time of writing is April 7. It describes a method of meditation which the writer felt could be useful to other members, that is, in silence paying attention to my breathing, and focusing on my breath as it goes in and out of my nose and mouth, letting go of my thoughts as they arise.

By Kathie S., Devon, UK|2026-05-16T21:56:00-05:00June 18, 2024|Comments Off

Praying Outside of the House
Gallery
Praying Outside of the House

Praying Outside of the House

One of the practical tools I have found most helpful in recovery, particularly as a method of working step 11, has been setting aside time to pray outside of my house during the day. I have worked remotely since the start of COVID lockdowns in 2020, so I am often able to get away, doing so to houses of worship nearby my home. I have also done so in parks, airport chapels, or in lobbies or waiting rooms when out and about.

By James H., South Carolina, USA|2026-05-20T06:55:13-05:00June 4, 2023|Comments Off

In the Beginner’s Class
Gallery
In the Beginner’s Class

In the Beginner’s Class

I was sitting in the sun, trying to recuperate from an upper respiratory infection. The sun was shining so brightly as I was comfortably sitting in a lounge chair by the pool at the retirement center where we live. All of a sudden it turned dark. I looked up at the sky.

By Harvey A., Florida, USA|2026-05-16T23:51:19-05:00March 28, 2023|Comments Off

Outside Help As Part of Step Eleven
Gallery
Outside Help As Part of Step Eleven

Outside Help As Part of Step Eleven

A few years before I came to SA, I saw several therapists. I didn't realize it then, but I was looking for a “higher power” that would save me from myself, that would carry me. Being saved and carried was exactly what I tried to find in lust.

By Odeya R., Jerusalem, Israel|2026-05-16T23:55:46-05:00February 4, 2023|Comments Off

The Emphasis of My Recovery Is on My Spiritual Condition

I am a member of SA Iran and have been sober for 17 years and 11 months. I want to share with you my experience of Step Eleven. Conscious contact with my Higher Power has helped me so much to stabilize and deepen my recovery.

By Masoud, Shiraz, Iran|2026-05-20T02:35:36-05:00October 13, 2021|Comments Off

Prayer AND Meditation, Not Prayer OR Meditation

Recently, I awoke early to start my day before it became hot and humid. I prayed my usual prayers, but thought to myself that I would save morning meditation to a more convenient time. Perhaps this was the beginning of obsession trying to creep into my mind as I ignored the line, “On awakening let us think about the twenty-four hours ahead. We consider our plans for the day …” (AA 86).

By Hal C., Virginia, USA|2026-05-17T00:27:27-05:00December 30, 2020|Comments Off

Some Step 11 Ideas On Meditation

Many groups, religious and non-religious, have long experience practicing meditation. Here are some of the practices that they have found helpful.

By Jerry L., California, USA|2026-05-17T00:57:36-05:00December 16, 2018|Comments Off

Sought Through Meditation

Twice a month SA members in the Sacramento area gather for a meditation meeting. The Eleventh Step in the 12&12 describes the direct linkage among self-examination, prayer and meditation. Our practice is simple: we read SA or AA literature and then spend about 20 minutes together in silence using our breath as a focal point.

By Steve D., Sacramento, CA|2026-05-17T14:17:17-05:00March 23, 2017|Comments Off

Step Eleven: Conscious Contact

I like to look up definitions of key words found in the Twelve Steps, using a 1934 Webster’s Dictionary, which was current when the Big Book was published, and then create drawings for them. Step Eleven has lots and lots of words! I could see a lot of important words in there, but for me the two most important words were “conscious contact.”

By John I.|2026-05-17T14:33:01-05:00March 18, 2011|Comments Off

A Suggested Eleventh Step Prayer

An important person in my religious tradition who lived at the turn of the 20th century was known to pray a “Litany of Humility” each day. I learned of this prayer long before I entered the program. Like many formal prayers I’ve known and prayed through the years, this one has gained deeper meaning for me since I received a new primary purpose.

By Chris Z., PA|2026-05-17T14:42:20-05:00March 19, 2010|Comments Off

Step Eleven

My Journey with Step 11

Praying Outside of the House

In the Beginner’s Class

Outside Help As Part of Step Eleven

Get in touch

Legal

Contributions