Spirituality and Dealing With Anger And Fear

Summary

The article discusses the role of spirituality in managing anger and fear by surrendering these emotions to a loving and non-judgmental Higher Power.

Abstract

The author of the article, presumably a member of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), shares personal insights on how spirituality has been instrumental in overcoming character defects such as anger and fear. The article emphasizes that by embracing a spiritual way of life and viewing one's Higher Power as an inner, benevolent force rather than a punitive external entity, individuals can find relief and live a happier life. The author suggests that through reading, studying, and understanding the 3rd step of AA, which involves turning one's will and life over to the care of God as understood by the individual, one can achieve a state of happiness, joy, and freedom. The article encourages readers to engage with the content by sharing it on social media and offers options to subscribe to the author's publications and join Medium for full access to stories.

Opinions

The author believes that anger is a significant character defect that can be addressed through spirituality.
Fear is closely linked with other character defects and is also manageable through spiritual practices.
The concept of God in the AA program is personal and non-judgmental, residing within the individual rather than being an external, punitive force.
The author advocates for the "fake it till you make it" approach as a practical method to start the process of surrendering to a Higher Power.
Understanding and applying the 3rd step of AA is seen as a key to finding relief from negative emotions and living a fulfilling life.
The author expresses gratitude to their Higher Power for the positive changes in their life, indicating a strong personal belief in the effectiveness of spiritual recovery.
Readers are encouraged to deepen their engagement with spirituality by reading more from the author and other recommended writers.

is not a problem when turning it over to God

My first response to being startled, surprised, or in any way taken out of my immediate comfort zone has historically been the same. Anger!

Sometimes, it may be just the simple act of being asked something and not immediately able to have the answer. In any list that AA puts forth as Character Defects, anger is right there, big, bad, and bold. Right along with fear.

Digging deeper into it, the Big Book puts Fear in parentheses immediately after all of the individual character defects when discussing making an inventory.

When I was new to the AA program, I was introduced to the Spiritual Way of Life. I was told and shown immediately and repeatedly that I was to get rid of any thought that my Higher Power was a judgemental power with human tendencies sitting “on high,” telling me that I was going to Hell.

I was to call this Higher Power anything I wished to call on It frequently. This Higher Power was inside my heart, not up in the sky somewhere.

Since I was so low when I entered, the only choice of where to go was out or up. Since I had failed in several suicide attempts, out was not an option anymore.

So, how do I go up? Fake it till I make it and Let Go and Let God. It worked for me! Not always easy, but always simple. How do I do this? Read, study, and finally understand the 3rd step.

Step 3 says, “Made a decision to turn our will and lives over to God's care as we understood Him.”

If you are apprehensive about it, Fake it ‘til you make it. Pretty soon, if I were working on really doing this in all my affairs, understanding and then relief came in big and bold.

Only then could I truly turn my will and my life over to my Higher Power and live a Happy, Joyous, and Free life! Whenever I am feeling out of sorts, a renewal of the 3rd step gives the bad feeling a poof pill.

Thank you, God!

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If you wish to read more about how spirituality helps everyday life, read from Dr. Preeti Singh.

Spirituality and Dealing With Anger And Fear

is not a problem when turning it over to God

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