When Spiritual Alignment can be “The Most Momentous Thing” – Step 3

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“The most momentous thing in human life is the art of winning the soul to good over evil. – Pythagoras (c. 582 BC – c. 496 BC) Ionian Greek philosopher on spiritual alignment

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What are some examples where Pythagoras’ theorem on spiritual alignment worked for you, lately?

Why do you think trusting something bigger than yourself can help you feel stronger inside?

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Three Minute Philosophy: Pythagoras (3:36)

Majestic Mountain Meditation on Natural Alignment (5:11)

Rocky Mountain High – John Denver (5:00)

Good Life – Kanye West ft. T-Pain (3:50)

In today’s SFZ Step Three is examined as a powerful turning point in the recovery process. Bill Wilson, in Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions, emphasizes that this step requires a “determined and persistent trial.” Without a full commitment to Step Three. Turning our will and our lives over to the care of a Higher Power and making progress in later steps . Becomes highly challenging.

Psychologist Carl Jung believed lasting change begins with a spiritual shift. This echoes Step Three’s intent: we surrender control to something greater than ourselves. Jung held that the human psyche requires connection to the transcendent to heal. This choice, to trust in a Higher Power, is what the text calls “the most momentous decision.”

Spiritual writer Richard Rohr speaks of this surrender as a move from ego-centered living to God-centered living. He argues that this shift transforms perspective, not through force, but through trust and humility. Rohr says, “Transformation happens when we stop trying to control everything and allow grace to take the lead.” That’s the essence of Step Three.

Brené Brown, a modern scholar of vulnerability and courage, would call this act of trust a brave and necessary risk. When we “show up” in faith, we begin healing from within.

The quote from Pythagoras reminds us that life’s deepest purpose is choosing good over evil. That struggle, in recovery, starts with surrender.

By choosing spiritual alignment, we stop fighting ourselves. We begin to walk in peace, not fear. This decision may be quiet, but its effects ripple through every part of life.

Comments

9 responses to “When Spiritual Alignment can be “The Most Momentous Thing” – Step 3”

June 25, 2025

Zen

Trusting something bigger than myself takes away the stress of attempting to control my life and act in self-will. Leaving it up to my higher power allows me to feel at peace. If I attempt to control all the little details in life, my self-will runs riot and I act in defiance of my higher power. I allow my God to lead the way.

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June 25, 2025

Elexi W.S.A.

I believe wanting to do good in life is going to give me good karma in the end, and make my life more triumphant over all the things I’m battleing ight now, that can make me feel unsafe at times.

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June 25, 2025

E-Dawg

If I can change my attitude towards life, then my life can change. For me I’ve made the decision now to let go of self-centeredness and let God be my guide…

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June 25, 2025

Sabrina J

Trust grounds the anchor of recovery. And in the beginning it is rooting in something other than myself. When I started treatment, how could I trust myself? My life was in shambles, a disaster, unmanageable. I trusted that the people at the treatment center knew better than I did at that time, and could see me in ways that I could not. With this trust, my strength builds and I grow stronger.

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June 25, 2018

Simon Yebio

Every time I decide to take a shortcut or get some instant gratification by doing something that makes me feel uncomfortable I’m choosing either to do good or what you would cause evil it’s a decision I have to make on a constant basis

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June 25, 2018

Bohdi Baba

Lately, I’ve been thinking about this horrible situation with 100’s of children being separated from their families as a state-sponsored policy. I get angry. But then I get grateful. Grateful most of all for choosing a path in life that I find enriching. And then I remind myself to have faith that my HP is aware of this situation, as well.

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September 25, 2012

Adam

I’ve been pretty ego driven lately shopping, house hunting, working overtime, etc. But going to a meeting and taking a few hours off from work to clear my head will help.

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June 25, 2012

JB jr.

I recently fellowshipped after a meeting and forgot how rewarding that really is.

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June 25, 2012

Margot E.

After Step Two I am ready to reconnect to my Higher Power. I have noticed it is harder to be grateful when I forget that Higher Power is always there, always available. I have been watching documentaries that question the existence of God. I cannot explain my Higher Power even to myself. I guess all I can do is Believe.

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