In the Midst of Chaos and Fear; Sublime Beauty and Peace May Reign – Step 3

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From easy does it — “The first thing that comes to mind is to love one another and take care of each other. That always brings a sense of satisfaction and self-worth.”

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How would you describe your own relationship to your higher power or the “infinite universe” around us, as Tolstoy would say?

Why is it important to choose your own way to believe in something bigger than yourself?

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The 50 Spiritual Laws of the Infinite Universe Satsang LP (56:46)

Today’s SFZ invites the reader to surrender their will to a higher power. Noting that Step 3 doesn’t demand a specific religion or belief system. Instead, it encourages a personal and evolving relationship with a power greater than oneself. The Big Book emphasizes that faith can grow in many ways and that anyone willing and honest enough can connect with a living Creator.

Authors such as William James, in The Varieties of Religious Experience, affirm that spiritual awakening often takes many forms. He argues that belief must be personal to be transformative. Step 3 supports this by allowing people to define their relationship with a higher power freely.

The It Works, How & Why text also respects individual beliefs. It stresses that no one path works for everyone. Instead, it promotes action through personal effort and ongoing spiritual growth. Viktor Frankl, a Holocaust survivor and psychiatrist, similarly stated in Man’s Search for Meaning that people must find meaning in their own way to survive hardship.

Leo Tolstoy echoes this in his reflection on religion: he sees the heart of spirituality in life’s biggest questions—why we exist and how we relate to the universe. This ties directly to Step 3. People in recovery begin exploring these questions by choosing to trust a higher power of their own understanding.

This freedom allows beauty and peace to emerge, even amid fear and chaos. Step 3 becomes a bridge between inner turmoil and a more centered, peaceful self.

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Comments

10 responses to “In the Midst of Chaos and Fear; Sublime Beauty and Peace May Reign – Step 3”

June 14, 2025

Zen

It is important to believe in something bigger than yourself to feel a sense of belonging in the world. When you feel a sense of belonging, you have ease in life.

Reply
June 14, 2025

E-Dawg

Definitely evolving …and growing into a well balanced trusting relationship…especially when im 100% in…im blessed to have no skepticism in who He is and how He is working in my life today

Reply
June 14, 2025

Sabrina J

Tolstoy, wrote a favorite short story of mine, How much land does a human need (Tolstoy, L. (2012). How much land does a man need? Neeland Media LLC. ) On Earth, we need our diminstions when put to rest in the end.

On a spiritual level, the opposite is true. My HP is the entire Universe, present everywhere, and so too is my spirit upon returning home to my HP. It is only in our physical form, this miracle that binds matter and energy together, that limits our souls expanse.

My higher power fills every thing with love, grace and a massive Yes to whatever it is that we want. I am grateful to my HP for everything.

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June 14, 2025

Eli🌱

The only way I can believe it is to build my own understanding. I accept some things on authority- like, I’m not a chemist, but I trust that chemists have knowledge that I don’t. However, their claims are supported by disproveable axioms and testable claims.

Spirituality doesn’t work the same way. Who can disprove god? It’s not the same kind of question. It’s not a reasonable one. Everyone has a personal answer, and it’s all truth.

Reply
June 14, 2018

Simon Yebio

A personal assistant/friend/lover/teacher/coach/me
This is all encompassing

Reply
June 13, 2018

Bohdi Baba

Who am I? That’s a hard one. I think I am most fully realized when circumstances put me to the test. Where spiritual principles come into play and I unconsciously allow my HP to guide. Why I’m here is a little easier. Like others have said; to love and be loved.

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September 15, 2012

Adam

I have no clue where I fit. I’m not supposed to take others’ inventory but I don’t think anyone else can honestly say they do either. I just know that if I work on myself and be of service, and just do what I’m supposed to do, then I am where I need to be. This reminds me of something Karl Lagerfeld once said, “I’m happy as long as I don’t ask myself if I’m happy.” This works for me, but also, not asking myself where I fit in the universe. If I ask myself where I fit, then I end up feeling like I don’t. And trying not to ask myself what others think of me. I’ve learned just not to ask certain things. I just know I’m happier if I’m busy, I talk to people, do the work, be of service, etc. It isn’t that I’m dumbing myself down or trying be “obedient” to God or anything silly like that. Asking these questions no longer seem to help me be where I want to be with my life.

Reply
June 16, 2012

easy does it

The first thing that comes to mind is to love one another
and take care of each other. That always brings a sense
Of satisfaction and self worth

Reply
June 14, 2012

Margot E.

“…why I am here…and what is my relationship to the infinite universe…” I look in hindsight at spaces I have occupied in my life and can see the importance of the lessons I have learned. I see myself at meetings and I know why I am there – to love and to be loved. I see myself on this website and know why I am here – to deal with some of my daily pain (stress?) and take the small risk of sharing my experience, strength and hope with others. I do not know if, how or why my words might affect others. I leave that to my Higher Power.

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1. June 16, 2012
  
  JB jr.
  
  That’s a really good point. How I fit depends on where I am, to some extent. Still there is a part of me that no matter where I am, it feels best when I feel at peace and help others to feel that way as well.
  
  Reply