KEY 12: LOVING SERVICE
Step Twelve: “Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these Steps, we tried to carry this message to alcoholics, and to practice these principles in all our affairs.”
Key Twelve: “Through my awakened consciousness, I am now prepared to carry the message of truth out into the world. I am now a clear channel to support the awakening of others to their true identity of wholeness.”
The Work
Set your intention by saying quietly to yourself or out loud:
“I am available to serve. I am a channel of divine love, clarity and order. I am the sermon others will see.”
Contemplate
My pain can transform into my testimony and be a healing light for others.
Through transformation, I am living proof to others that God is real and is always conspiring for my highest good.
In order to be an inspiration to others, I must first clean my own house—and keep it clean to the best of my ability.
Journal
If you have been practicing discipline and consistency with the Keys, there have been some major shifts in your life. What are they?
Can you see how your experience, pain, growth and transformation can benefit others?
How?
In what ways are you willing to serve others?
Are there ways of serving that excite you?
Are the ways you serve making you feel overwhelmed, used, afraid or joyful, fulfilled and peaceful?
Affirmations
“Through my awakened consciousness, I am now prepared to carry the message of truth. I am available to support the awakening of others to their true identities as expressions of Spirit.”
“I am divinely guided and directed as to where, who and how to serve. I don’t choose who I will help—The Universe leads, and I follow.”
Action Steps
Take out a piece of paper, and write down all the important challenges you have faced during the process you have engaged in over the past 12 weeks. Be sure to include those challenges you have not yet resolved, but that are still in process.
Each entry on your list represents a potential way to contribute in service to other people. Each entry shows how you were able to transcend a real and sometimes profound problem. Most of these represent significant work and effort on your part. You have walked this path, and either found a solution, or are actively working on one.
These are incredibly powerful tools in the right hands.
As you look at the list, consider which entries call to you as a means to serve others. Consider which ones have organizations or affiliations that you could contact for the purpose of serving.
What and where is the greatest need?
Then, contact people and organizations you can serve. Start by volunteering.
The power of this intention will bring people and situations into your life, so stand ready to be of service when called upon.
Be sure to remember that service is not about being taken advantage of. We serve others so that eventually, they can help themselves. Be mindful of that.
Stretch beyond your comfort zone by serving in a capacity you’re not accustomed to. The transformational nature of service is fulfilled when we are operating at our peak potential, which we do not achieve by “playing it safe.”