Episode 15 - Step 11 - Emergency Protocol

Today, Denise and Jackie explore Step 11, an active choice of being present in response to previous steps: “We welcome mindfulness, grace, and gratitude into our thoughts and prayers.” Moving forward is only possible if agency is recognized in order to accept things and people as they are, but also put up boundaries where needed in our individual lives. That’s where Step 11 comes in — as an all-encompassing reminder. It is the work of accepting where you’re at, while allowing your head and feet to feel grounded. They begin by deconstructing the idea that this step is a form of spiritual bypassing, but rather, welcoming mindfulness, gratitude, and grace into thoughts and behaviors. Denise relates grace to walking a mossy path that is soft and free, going into any situation with your head held high and dignity intact. This requires awareness, not only of our situations and environments, but when choosing to react or not. From there, Denise shares why she specifically can remember the Serenity Prayer, and language she has explored in community around the new experience of being curious to different ways of thinking. Then, Jackie shares how Step 11 shows up as  maintenance across the 12-step program, in support of her mental health, but also, in favor of actions that reflect autonomy. Practicing Step 11 is a reminder to lean on these tools and come back to the small moments, especially when things feel out of reach. Topics Covered:How agency can leave the body when you’re faced with something triggeringHow mindfulness, gratitude, and grace show up and represent The practice of gratitude and how to find things to be grateful forNot acting on integrity and how that can influence the way you respond Examples of mindfulness and suggestions for when you can’t access mindfulnessResources Mentioned:Drop the Rock: Removing Character Defects by Bill P., Todd W., and Sara S.The Science of Getting Rich by Wallace D. WattlesWe Can Do Hard Things Podcast 169: Why We Love the Way We Love: Attachment Styles with Dr. Becky Kennedy Good Inside: A Guide to Becoming the Parent You Want to Be by Dr. Becky KennedyHerb K. on YouTubeFind a Twelve Step group near youFollow Us:Follow Jackie: jackiefreed.la Follow Denise: @denise.freed Follow us on Instagram: @12stepsforeveryone Follow us on TikTok: @12stepsforeveryone