Step 7 of NA
Humility, Agreement, Ability to Surrender
We ask our higher power/higher selves to remove our shortcomings
We ask our higher power/higher selves to remove our shortcomings
Welcome to Step 7 of NA in the 12-step program. This step focuses on humbly asking our higher power to remove our shortcomings. Building upon the self-awareness of Step 4 and the readiness of Step 6, Step 7 involves actively seeking help to address our character defects. Themes of humility, spiritual growth, and trust are central to this step. Step 7 is about embracing the idea that recovery requires both internal effort and external support. By asking a higher power to remove our shortcomings, we acknowledge that change is a collaborative process between ourselves and something greater. This step fosters acceptance and a willingness to grow beyond our limitations.
Applying Step 7 involves humility, reflection, and action. Here are practical ways to approach this step:
Reflect on the role of humility in your recovery. Accept that you cannot overcome your shortcomings alone and that asking for help is a sign of strength.
Use prayer, meditation, or affirmations to ask for support in addressing your defects of character. Focus on sincerity and openness.
Begin to actively work on replacing negative traits with positive behaviors. For example, practice honesty if dishonesty was a shortcoming.
Discuss your experiences with a sponsor or recovery group to gain insights and encouragement.
After years of struggling with pride, Jake realized that it prevented him from asking for help. Through Step 7, he humbly asked for guidance and found that leaning on others strengthened his recovery.
Maria identified her tendency toward anger as a major shortcoming. By humbly asking for help, she began practicing mindfulness techniques to replace anger with patience.
Sarah struggled with fear of failure, which held her back in many areas of life. In Step 7, she asked for courage and took small steps toward confronting her fears.
Reflect on how humility can help you grow and overcome challenges.
Identify specific traits or behaviors and how removing them could improve your life.
Explore your relationship with your higher power and how it supports your recovery.
Consider practical ways to align your behaviors with the changes you are seeking.
It involves humbly asking a higher power to remove your shortcomings and guide you toward personal growth.
Humility allows you to recognize your limitations and seek help, which is essential for meaningful change.
Use prayer, meditation, or any method that feels genuine to you. Focus on sincerity and openness.
Consider the "higher power" as a source of guidance, whether it’s the NA group, the universe, or your inner strength.
Recovery is about progress, not perfection. The goal is to minimize the impact of your shortcomings and cultivate healthier habits.
Step 7 is a powerful moment in the recovery journey, as it requires surrender, trust, and action. By humbly asking for help, individuals open themselves to transformation and growth. This step emphasizes the importance of collaboration between personal effort and external support. Whether through reflection, prayer, or mindfulness, embracing Step 7 allows members to deepen their recovery and move closer to their best selves.
Learn about sobriety, recovery, and a healthy lifestyle with North Palm Beach Recovery Center.
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