How Being of Service Fulfills Our Mission on Earth – Step 8

Kind young man gently touching the arm of young man with hands folded over his chest

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“Teach this triple truth to all: A generous heart, kind speech, and a life of service and compassion are the things which renew humanity.”- Buddha (563 B.C. – 483 B.C.) ancient Indian spiritual teacher

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How have you been of maximum service, lately?

What is one small way you can show service to someone today?

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Buddha’s 14 Principles of Human Life (2:00)

Why – Enigma (4:46)

Step 8 – Writing a List Meditation (5:31)

Analysis (English)

Our Real Purpose invites a clear direction. The passage states that our purpose is service. This aim echoes The Big Book and aligns with Viktor Frankl’s belief that meaning comes through responsibility. Frankl wrote that purpose emerges when we answer life’s demands with courage (Frankl, 1959). Step Eight calls us to prepare for amends. This action places us in service to others and to our Higher Power.

Furthermore, Don Coyhis of Wellbriety reminds us that healing flows from service. He teaches that “what we do for others becomes what we do for ourselves” (Coyhis, 2010). This teaching strengthens today’s Zonr message. Service lifts shame and reduces the grip of false pride. It opens the door to humility. Moreover, humility creates room for compassion, which Buddha described as essential for renewing humanity. His call for “a generous heart, kind speech, and a life of service” highlights this truth.

Additionally, It Works: How & Why stresses active commitment. It states that meaningful service requires energy and intention. This principle reminds us that recovery thrives when we move with purpose. Step Eight offers that movement. As we prepare to repair harms, we grow in empathy. Consequently, empathy expands our connection with community and Higher Power.

In the end, service shapes identity. It helps us align mission with action. It keeps us grounded in gratitude and hope.

Spanish Translation

“Nuestro verdadero propósito es prepararnos para ser de máximo servicio al Poder Superior y a las personas que nos rodean.” (The Big Book, p. 77)

Citas y referencias (Spanish)

“El principio del servicio… no es un principio pasivo. Para ser de máximo servicio al adicto que aún sufre, debemos buscar enérgicamente llevar nuestro mensaje por nuestras ciudades, pueblos y aldeas.” (It Works, How & Why, p. 152)

“Enseña esta triple verdad a todos: Un corazón generoso, un habla amable y una vida de servicio y compasión son las cosas que renuevan a la humanidad.” —Buda

Análisis (Spanish)

Our Real Purpose ofrece una dirección clara. El pasaje afirma que nuestro propósito es el servicio. Esta meta refleja The Big Book y coincide con la creencia de Viktor Frankl de que el sentido surge de la responsabilidad (Frankl, 1959). El Paso Ocho nos llama a prepararnos para las enmiendas. Esta acción nos pone al servicio de otros y de nuestro Poder Superior.

Además, Don Coyhis de Wellbriety recuerda que la sanación fluye del servicio. Enseña que “lo que hacemos por otros se convierte en lo que hacemos por nosotros mismos” (Coyhis, 2010). Esta enseñanza fortalece el mensaje del Zonr de hoy. El servicio eleva la vergüenza y reduce el dominio del falso orgullo. Abre la puerta a la humildad. Asimismo, la humildad crea espacio para la compasión, que Buda describió como esencial para renovar a la humanidad.

Adicionalmente, It Works: How & Why enfatiza el compromiso activo. Afirma que el servicio significativo requiere energía e intención. Este principio recuerda que la recuperación prospera cuando avanzamos con propósito. El Paso Ocho ofrece ese movimiento. Al prepararnos para reparar daños, crecemos en empatía. En consecuencia, la empatía expande nuestra conexión con la comunidad y el Poder Superior.

Al final, el servicio modela nuestra identidad. Nos ayuda a alinear misión y acción. Nos mantiene con los pies en la tierra gracias a la gratitud y la esperanza.

¿Cuál es una forma pequeña en que puedes mostrar servicio a alguien hoy?

Comments

5 responses to “How Being of Service Fulfills Our Mission on Earth – Step 8”

November 30, 2025

cb7595

today i can be of service to a newcomer i have in mind. i can reach out to them and invite them to a meeting with me. i need a meeting big time and being of service to someone else while getting a meeting in would further my recovery.

Reply
November 29, 2025

Lotus (Elexi W.S.A.)

To show some service I can at least keep volunteering at a meetings’ space. To get some more cash flow at least I can see about mentorship or facilitating some groups. I like to be active, and of service, although I know there’s some who don’t care to be active, or at least active in the right ways. Can’t definitely be a servant though, and in my right mind wouldn’t expect someone else to be either. That’s why it’s so important for me(moi) to use my right mind especially when necessary.

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November 28, 2025

Sabrina J

Being of service is a key component to being a part something more then ourselves. This helps me be aware of my ego, expectations and resentments. Today I will be of service by doing things that do not need recognition or appreciation. Yet that hopefully make life better for someone that will never know that I was of service.

Thank you for sharing recovery with me. Grateful.

Reply
November 28, 2025

E-Dawg

The three principles of Alcoholics Anonymous are Recovery, Unity, and service represented as the triangle within the circle.
I have a coffee commitment at a meeting and that accountability helps stabilize my sobriety as well as being of service to others by giving them rides to and from meetings work or other places they need to go… being of service to people helps me more than the person I am serving….

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November 25, 2012

Margot E.

Being of service can become a teaching lesson when I am tempted to become resentful. Once I accepted the secretary position for a meeting; the commitment turned into a three-year gig. Eventually I was recovered enough to resign and allow someone else the privilege of being of service. I learned not to allow myself to accept unreasonable duties in the interest of someone else’s recovery; I learned service is a gift to myself and others.

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