The 12 Steps
The twelve steps of alcoholics anonymous are a simple yet powerful evidence based tool in treating chemical dependency.
Substance misuse can deplete people physically, emotionally and spiritually. The journey of recovery can be challenging, connection with self, others and God (personal understanding of god sometimes described as goodness) has been damaged. This damage occurs for many people sometimes through life’s hurts or the burden of life, the twelve steps can be invaluable for these persons also.
Life is a journey - “The Twelve Steps” is a map with suggested routes in how to negotiate the roads, mountains and rivers of life. Those who have travelled this journey before us have passed on their experience to us, one need never feel alone or lost, the first word of the steps is WE, a word that brings reassurances when we feel lost or alone.
“Loneliness is when we are missing another aloneness is when we are trying to find ourselves.”
Aislinn developed a Serenity Garden that includes reflection pieces on each of the steps.
The Twelve Steps
Step One is a maze made of willow. There are many entrances and exits which represent the notion that each individual has their own story and reason for using alcohol/drugs or gambling and that each will find their own way out.
Step Two is an igloo-shaped chamber. The intention of this piece enables clients to ponder on the power of nature and the importance of connection with our spirit or our unconscious self.
Step Three encourages us to make a decision to open the door of self discovery and allows us to become aware we are a human being not a human doing, it also suggests change of attitude changes circumstances.
Step Four is a step of self discovery.
Step Five is the sharing with a trusted person that story of self discovery.
Step Six is a large bowl of sand reminding us we can change our life and habits at any stage of life. Sometimes it is easy to do so, other times it is not so easy.
Step Seven is when we ask for help.
Step Eight asks us to remember we are human and may have hurt people unintentionally.
Step Nine encourages us to bring healing to our relationships.
Step Ten is two long mirrors reminding us we can never hide from ourselves.
Step Eleven reminds us that to talk and share halves our problems while creating a sense of belonging. The second part of Step Eleven promotes meditation which soothes the mind and nurtures our soul.
Step Twelve asks us to reach out to others creating a sense of well being and usefulness in ourselves.
Practicing the twelve steps brings a deep inner peace. The only criteria for using the twelve steps are an open mind, a willingness to try them and honesty.
Aislinn's Serenity Garden is used therapeutically with the young persons and family members. Aislinn also runs twelve step retreats and education programmes on the twelve steps.