Question ::: How is the process of discovering your own H.P. or “unsuspected inner resource” changing your lives?
Featured Comment by Adam ::: “Things just seem to flow. Less stress. Things like meeting up with long lost friends, approved for home loan, and even work is going well.”
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How can trusting something bigger than ourselves help us feel stronger when we’re going through tough times?
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William James Brief Bio (3:17 )
Transcendental Mandala Meditation (10:31)
Today’s SFZ explores the transformative decision of Step 3 in 12-step recovery: turning one’s will over to a Higher Power. It marks a significant personal commitment to growth and healing. The Basic Text describes this as a “giant step,” emphasizing that belief in a traditional religion is not necessary—only willingness is. This echoes Carl Rogers’ idea that personal change starts with openness to experience and trust in an internal process. Rogers argued that people need conditions of acceptance to grow. In Step 3, willingness provides that condition.
The Big Book expands on this by describing how members often discover an “unsuspected inner resource.” This transformation resembles what psychologist Carl Jung called an “inner spiritual awakening.” Jung believed such awakenings were key to overcoming deep inner conflict. Here, individuals begin to see life differently. Their reactions shift. Their suffering becomes manageable through trust in something greater.
William James, an early influence on 12-step ideas, wrote that changing inner attitudes can change external reality. This matches the experience in Step 3: when people surrender control, they paradoxically gain strength. James emphasized that belief and action together spark change. In this step, the action is surrender, and the result is personal empowerment.
This decision is not passive; it requires courage and trust. By planting this flag—deciding to live differently—individuals start a profound journey. The unknown becomes less frightening when guided by trust, community, and inner strength.
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