How to Work Step Eleven in AA

Step Eleven is the second of AA's maintenance steps. It is not something you do once, but should be completed daily. With patience and persistence, you will slowly incorporate Step Eleven into your daily life.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

1. Before attempting Step Eleven, be sure you have a sponsor who has worked the step before you and agrees that you are ready to take this step. Read Chapter 6 in the book "Alcoholics Anonymous," paying special attention to the pages pertaining to Step Eleven.
2. Step Eleven is all about communication with your Higher Power. Many refer to prayer as talking to God, and meditation as listening. Both are required for a strong relationship. Read all you can from outside sources about prayer and meditation. Experiment with it and find what works best with you.
3. Try to establish a daily routine for prayer and meditation. The best times are when you wake up and right before going to sleep. The book "Alcoholics Anonymous" gives instructions for what do to when you wake up and before going to sleep.
4. Keep track of your progress by writing in a journal. There is lots of wiggle room to allow you to discover what works best for you.

Tips & Warnings

• If your religion includes daily devotions and prayers, you may incorporate them in this Step.
• Meditation takes time to learn. Start slowly, maybe five minutes a day and work up to a considerable amount of time.
• If you tend to lose focus during meditation, you may purchase a guided meditation CD to help keep you on track.