6. We are entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character We can only be healed, purified, self-realized, fully evolved, if we open ourselves to divine energy. This opening can be done through prayer and meditation. It's helpful to have a daily discipline, preferably with a physical component, so that the changes can permeate mind, body and spirit. Yoga, running, sitting, tai chi- there are dozens of spiritual practices that can open us to change.
7. We are humbly asking God to remove our shortcomings
Humility is a key factor in changing. Change is difficult, and admitting faults is more difficult still. The swamis say "one must drive a harpoon into the very center of the ego".
8. We are making a list of all beings we had harmed, and became willing to make amends to them all Our negative or thoughtless actions harm all living beings. All life is at risk from the heedless consumerism of our day. The only way to make amends is to devote ourselves to reversing the destruction, in whatever way is right for each of us as an individual. Our DNA tells us what our talents are, and how best to use them in service for the future of life.
9. We are making direct amends to such beings wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others Protect habitat, biological diversity, oppose GMO's. Shift to renewable energy. Especially, work toward getting rid of nuclear weapons and power plants, with safe waste disposal. Radioactivity, which directly attacks DNA, poses the single greatest threat to life on planet earth.
10. We continue to take personal inventory and when we are wrong, promptly admit it This is self-explanatory.
11. We seek through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God as we understand God, praying only for knowledge of God's will for us and the power to carry that out This refers back to step 6. The daily discipline is crucial to evolving spiritually. Our meditation tells us what we are doing that furthers the work, how we are defeating ourselves, how we are changing along with the changes on the planet, what the next steps are. As we achieve higher consciousness, we find ourselves in harmony with many others who are also working for the same goals, and our efforts multiply.
(Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher).
1
