What is Commonly Known as the HOW and the WHY of Spiritual Recovery – Step 2

Written by

Featured Comment from Adam – “Honesty, open-mindedness, and willingness and it takes work to make sure I am these as much as possible. I think the sfz means we are willing to grow along spiritual lines. Ultimately I won’t stay sober if I don’t grow in this area.”

~~~ Sign up to get Zonr for Today’s Full SFZ

~~~

What are the three basic spiritual principles that help people begin recovery, and why is it important to focus on progress instead of perfection?

~~~

Imagine – John Lennon (3:14)

Today’s SFZ offers a profound insight into the foundations of spiritual recovery, particularly through Step Two of the 12-Step program, by distinguishing between the how and why of the process. Rooted in the principles of honesty, open-mindedness, and willingness, the “HOW” represents the essential attitudes needed to initiate and sustain recovery. As emphasized in The Basic Text (p. 96), these three principles are not lofty ideals but practical commitments. Honesty begins with the admission of a desire to change—specifically, to stop using substances. It evolves into a deeper recognition of one’s powerlessness and the unmanageability of life, marking a crucial step toward spiritual awakening.

Psychologist Carl Rogers’ theory of personal growth reinforces this idea, asserting that real change begins when individuals are honest with themselves and open to experience. Rogers argued that conditions of psychological safety—anchored in honesty and acceptance—enable authentic self-discovery and transformation.

The “WHY” of spiritual recovery, as outlined in Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions (p. 52), clarifies the purpose of the process: growth along spiritual lines. It recognizes that perfection is not the goal—progress is. This distinction is vital, as it alleviates the pressure of flawlessness and instead encourages a lifelong journey of self-improvement. Philosopher Søren Kierkegaard described faith as a “leap,” not into perfection, but into commitment despite uncertainty—an idea that resonates here.

Michael J. Fox’s quote elegantly echoes this message. His caution not to confuse excellence with perfection reminds us that human recovery is not about achieving divinity, but striving toward betterment with humility. Together, these texts champion a recovery rooted in effort, spiritual progress, and self-compassion, grounded in the attainable rather than the ideal.

Mobile Recovery Spiritual Solutions You can Count ON!

Comments

8 responses to “What is Commonly Known as the HOW and the WHY of Spiritual Recovery – Step 2”

May 30, 2025

Eli🌱

Spiritual progress to me, in AA, has little (or nothing) to do with ‘The God Question’. I think spiritual principles are practical, like the quote in the article states. I’m comfortable with uncertainty, and trying to act on my best guess of what’s helpful. I’m not certain if this comfortable uncertainty is what the BB demands

Reply
May 26, 2025

Elexi W.S.A.

I guess it’s unanimous that honesty, open-mindedness – in suggestions towards recovery I think, and willingness – to change I’m taking that as are the three main spiritual principles that are talked about in getting where we want to be away from those things/substances that may harm us. Using my own mind is very important to me, because control is already an issue some of us have a problem with when using. My spirituality has given me lots to believe in though, and that it can be a source to rid my life of what is not of good, or at least wanting to get to something good.

Reply
May 19, 2025

Sabrina J

It is a program of rigorous self-honesty
It is a program of open-mindedness
It is a program of willingness

The biggest lie I tell myself because of my disease is that I can handle it. That is not an honest statement and will be the first slip of a slide into addiction. So being honest with myself is far more than a virtue to a sign of integrity. It is fundamental to being my l best self.

Keeping an open mind is the only way to learn. If I think that I know it all then it will be impossible for me to learn. I only grow when my mind is open and accepting to learn.

Willingness is service and being of service gives me purpose to a world bigger than my self. Willingness allows me to easily and with grace say yes. Yes to service, yes to life, yes to showing up.

Reply
May 19, 2025

E-dawg

The three basic principles are honesty, open-mindedness, and willingness. And it’s better to focus on progress because that is a more realistic Journey. For me when I strive for perfection it’s an unattainable approach and always leads to setbacks and depression…

Reply
May 20, 2013

Br. Buddha

Good morning everyone + Happy Monday. Here is today’s thought. God is right here with us. Like a stream of living water, He sustains us + gives us new life. And always, a fresh start. Blessings. BB

Reply
August 19, 2012

Adam

Honesty, open-mindedness, and willingness and it takes work to make sure I am these as much as possible. I think the sfz means we are willing to grow along spiritual lines. Ultimately I won’t stay sober if I don’t grow in this area.

Reply
May 22, 2012

JB jr.

Im starti.g to learn that I gotta be open minded in order to be willing.

Reply
May 20, 2012

Margot E.

I love HOW: honesty, open-mindedness, and willingness. Each works with the other and if I ignore one, I feel the impact in all three areas. I am learning to be honest with myself – acknowledging that when I try to figure out other people, I am trying very hard not to deal with my own life. I am working to let my Higher Power guide me in working on HOW.

Reply