Our “Shield against Calamity” – Step 8

Calamity Shield Protects City Under Dome

“He who carries out one good deed acquires one advocate on his own behalf, and he who commits one transgression acquires one accuser against himself. Repentance and good works are like a shield against calamity.”

– The Talmud (200 ~ 500 CE) a compendium of oral Jewish law

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What does repentance or being “truly sorry” mean to you? 

OR

What small change today could help you feel more honest and strong?

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 (I’m) Sorry – Buckcherry (3:40) 

Why the Talmud is so Important (2:18) 

Two-Day Truce Extension in Gaza – 2023 (1:48)

Sadhana Kriya Gifts of Repentance & Forgiveness LP Meditation (30:30)


ENGLISH ANALYSIS

Step 8 invites steady change through honest action. The Zonr post highlights this call with sharp clarity. The Big Book warns that harmful conduct fuels destruction, and this urgency supports John Bradshaw’s view that emotional healing requires brave honesty. Bradshaw states, “We cannot heal what we do not acknowledge” (Bradshaw, 1992). His insight aligns with Step 8’s insistence on sincere sorrow and repair.

Moreover, the reading from It Works, How & Why stresses humility as the doorway to new freedom. This idea parallels Don Coyhis of Wellbriety, who teaches that healing grows when we release old fear and open to guidance. Coyhis notes, “Humility lets the spirit move through us” (Coyhis, 2000). This movement becomes essential when we confront patterns shaped by false pride. When we surrender false pride, we rely more on our Higher Power and less on old defenses.

Additionally, the Talmud teaches that each deed shapes our inner world. This teaching echoes Stephen Covey’s belief that integrity guards us from inner turmoil. Covey writes, “We are free to choose our responses” (Covey, 1989). That choice strengthens our shield against calamity. As we practice amends work, we form character built on accountability, not ego.

Finally, this process offers peace. It protects our minds and helps us rest without shame. The shield grows through consistent actions, not grand gestures. Each choice invites deeper clarity and steadier courage.


SPANISH TRANSLATION

ESTROFAS DEL ZONR POST

“THESE ARE FACTS” –

“Si no sentimos pesar
y nuestra conducta
sigue haciendo daño a otros,
estamos muy seguros de beber.
No estamos teorizando. Estos
son hechos de nuestra
experiencia.” (The Big
Book
, p. 70)

WILLINGNESS TO CHANGE –

“Aceptar simplemente
el daño que causamos
aumenta nuestra humildad.
Estar ‘realmente arrepentidos’ indica
que nuestro egoísmo ha disminuido.
Dispuestos a ir a cualquier extremo
para cambiar, quedamos
recién inspirados.” (It Works,
How & Why
,
p. 58)

The Talmud –

“El que realiza
una buena acción
adquiere un defensor
para sí mismo, y el que comete
una trasgresión adquiere
un acusador. El
arrepentimiento y las buenas
obras son como un
escudo contra
la calamidad.”


ANÁLISIS EN ESPAÑOL

El Paso 8 invita a un cambio constante mediante acciones honestas. La publicación de Zonr destaca este llamado con claridad firme. The Big Book advierte que la conducta dañina alimenta la destrucción, y esta urgencia coincide con la idea de John Bradshaw de que la sanación emocional requiere valentía y honestidad. Bradshaw afirma: “No podemos sanar lo que no reconocemos” (Bradshaw, 1992). Su visión coincide con la exigencia del Paso 8 de arrepentimiento sincero.

Además, It Works, How & Why enfatiza que la humildad abre la puerta a una nueva libertad. Esta idea refleja la enseñanza de Don Coyhis de Wellbriety, quien dice que la sanación crece cuando soltamos el miedo y aceptamos guía. Coyhis señala: “La humildad permite que el espíritu fluya por nosotros” (Coyhis, 2000). Este flujo es esencial cuando enfrentamos patrones formados por el falso orgullo. Cuando entregamos el falso orgullo, confiamos más en nuestro Poder Superior y menos en viejas defensas.

Asimismo, el Talmud enseña que cada acción forma nuestro mundo interior. Este principio se alinea con Stephen Covey, quien afirma que la integridad nos protege del conflicto interno. Covey escribe: “Somos libres de elegir nuestras respuestas” (Covey, 1989). Esa elección fortalece nuestro escudo contra la calamidad. Al practicar las enmiendas, formamos un carácter basado en responsabilidad, no en ego.

Finalmente, este proceso trae paz. Protege la mente y permite descansar sin vergüenza. El escudo crece con decisiones constantes, no gestos grandiosos. Cada elección invita a una claridad más profunda y un valor más estable.

¿Qué pequeño cambio hoy podría ayudarte a sentirte más honesto y fuerte?

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Comments

3 responses to “Our “Shield against Calamity” – Step 8”

  1. Ari L Avatar
    Ari L

    Being truly sorry is complex and is based in roots of compassion and empathy. Starting with understanding how the other person(s) were affected and feel, while also being completely open to being wrong. When we apologize, we must listen. Forgiveness isn’t always possible, but when it is, it starts with understanding borne from empathy and an open heart and mind.

  2. E-Dawg Avatar
    E-Dawg

    In the program of AA saying I’m sorry doesn’t cut it.
    It can be perceived as a mere promise that can be broken instead of a commitment to change.
    Making amends is an action, going Beyond a word like sorry to repair the damage… That’s where The Next Step begins…

  3. Sabrina J Avatar
    Sabrina J

    Saying sorry is about as worthless as flirting with someone who is not there. Showing that I am sorry through changed actions is as valuable as gold in helping to rebuild trust. Actions speak louder than words and through my actions I can prove that the growing flaws in my addition are one by one healing.

    Thank you for sharing recovery with me. Grateful.

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