Step Six of Alcoholics Anonymous: Overview
Step Six states: “Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character.”
This important step connects the understanding of character flaws from Step Five with the active effort to eliminate them in Step Seven. It signifies a crucial moment in the recovery process where individuals show their willingness for deep personal change.
The key elements of Step Six are:
- Willingness to change deeply ingrained patterns
- Acceptance that change requires divine assistance
- Recognition that character flaws contribute to addictive behaviors
Step Six directly builds on the groundwork established by earlier steps, especially the moral inventory of Step Four and the acknowledgment of wrongdoings in Step Five. This progression naturally leads toward spiritual growth and recovery.
Many AA members see Step Six as a preparation phase – a time for quiet contemplation and honest self-evaluation. It’s not about achieving perfection right away but rather cultivating a sincere readiness to embark on the transformative journey of character development.
Understanding Character Defects in Recovery
Character defects are deep-seated behavior patterns and personality traits that can fuel addiction and hinder personal growth. These defects often show up as defense mechanisms developed over time to deal with life’s challenges.
Common Character Defects
Some of the most common character defects include:
- Fear: This can show up as anxiety, control issues, or avoidance behaviors.
- Pride: This can lead to self-centeredness and an unwillingness to accept help.
- Dishonesty: This includes deceiving yourself and manipulating others.
- Anger: This can result in holding grudges and damaging relationships.
- Perfectionism: This can create unrealistic expectations and harsh self-criticism.
The Impact of Character Defects on Recovery
These character defects act as obstacles on your path to recovery. They can trigger addictive behaviors, strain relationships, and prevent emotional growth. For example, someone who struggles with pride may find it difficult to ask for help, while someone who battles fear may turn to substances as a way to cope.
Identifying Character Defects Through Self-Reflection
In recovery, it’s important to take a close look at these patterns in your life. Your personal inventory—an honest assessment of your thoughts, feelings, and actions—can help you identify these character defects. By understanding how they contribute to your addiction, you can start working on them during the recovery process.
This kind of self-awareness is crucial for making lasting changes and finding healing. It allows you to confront the underlying issues that drive your addictive behaviors and develop healthier coping strategies.
The Role of a Higher Power and Humility in Step Six
Step Six introduces a profound spiritual dimension to recovery through the connection with a Higher Power. This spiritual relationship becomes the foundation for lasting transformation and healing.
The Spiritual Path to Recovery
- Surrendering control to a Higher Power
- Finding strength beyond personal limitations
- Building trust in divine timing
- Developing spiritual practices that support recovery
A Higher Power serves as a source of strength when facing character defects. You’re not alone in this journey – your Higher Power provides guidance, support, and wisdom as you navigate through the challenges of change. This spiritual connection helps create a sense of purpose and direction in recovery.
Humility plays a central role in Step Six. It’s the recognition that you need help beyond your own capabilities. This humble acknowledgment opens the door to genuine transformation and healing.
Cultivating Willingness Through Humility
- Accepting personal limitations
- Embracing vulnerability
- Letting go of ego-driven behaviors
- Practicing patience with the process
Your willingness to change becomes the bridge between identifying character defects and their removal. This readiness signals to your Higher Power that you’re prepared for transformation. The combination of humility and spiritual connection creates a powerful foundation for growth.
Building a Spiritual Practice
- Daily prayer or meditation
- Regular self-reflection
- Gratitude journaling
- Connecting with others in recovery
The relationship with your Higher Power evolves through this step. As you deepen your spiritual connection, you develop greater trust in the recovery process. This trust helps release the need for control and allows divine guidance to lead the way.
Activities and Exercises for Step Six of AA: Practical Tools for Growth
Step Six requires active participation and self-reflection. These practical exercises help you identify and address character defects:
1. Character Defect Inventory
- Create a detailed list of your character defects
- Write specific examples of how each defect manifests
- Note the impact on yourself and others
- Rate the severity of each defect on a scale of 1-10
2. Daily Journaling Prompts
- “How did my character defects show up today?”
- “What triggered these behaviors?”
- “Who was affected by my actions?”
- “What alternative responses could I have chosen?”
3. Group Work Activities
- Share your character defect inventory in AA meetings
- Listen to others’ experiences with similar struggles
- Request feedback from your sponsor
- Participate in step study groups
4. Self-Reflection Exercise
- Set aside 15 minutes each day for meditation
- Focus on one character defect at a time
- Visualize yourself responding differently to triggers
- Document your progress and setbacks
These tools work best when used consistently. Many AA members incorporate these exercises into their daily routines, creating a structured approach to personal growth. Regular participation in AA meetings, whether in-person or through zoom aa meetings, provides additional support and accountability during this process.
Incremental Steps Towards Personal Growth: Understanding the Journey in Recovery
Recovery isn’t a light switch you can flip – it’s a gradual journey of self-discovery and growth. The path to overcoming character defects requires patience, persistence, and realistic expectations.
To facilitate personal growth and self-improvement, here’s how you can approach change in manageable steps:
- Start Small: Pick one character defect to work on at a time. You might focus on reducing anger reactions before tackling perfectionism.
- Set Measurable Goals: Create specific, achievable targets. “I will practice deep breathing when I feel angry” is more actionable than “I will stop being angry”.
- Track Your Progress: Keep a daily log of situations where you successfully managed your character defects.
- Celebrate Small Wins: Each time you respond differently to a trigger is progress.
- Be Patient: Change happens gradually. Your character defects didn’t develop overnight, and they won’t disappear instantly.
Remember that transformation in recovery is like climbing a mountain – you reach the summit by taking one step at a time, not by attempting to leap to the top. Each small step is a stepping stone towards achieving your goals.
Addressing Misconceptions about Step Six: Myths vs. Reality
Several misconceptions can hinder your progress through Step Six. Let’s debunk these common myths:
- Myth: You must eliminate all character defects at once
- Reality: The process is gradual and focuses on becoming ready to change
- Myth: Character defects disappear automatically after completing Step Six
- Reality: The step requires active participation and ongoing commitment
- Myth: You need to achieve perfection
- Reality: The goal is progress and willingness to change, not perfection
- Myth: You can skip this step if you’ve identified your defects in Step Four
- Reality: Each step serves a unique purpose – Step Six specifically builds readiness for transformation
These myths can create unrealistic expectations and unnecessary pressure. Step Six is about developing willingness and understanding that change happens through consistent effort and dedication to your recovery journey.
Questions to Guide the Process of Step Six: Facilitating Honest Reflection
Self-reflection is a crucial part of Step Six. Here are some important questions to ask yourself during this transformative phase:
- Assessing Your Character: “Which character flaws cause the most harm to myself and others?”
- Checking for Resistance: “What traits am I reluctant to let go of, and why?”
- Looking for Growth Opportunities: “How would my life change without these flaws?”
- Evaluating Your Readiness: “Am I truly ready to let go of these patterns?”
- Identifying Your Support System: “Who can help me see blind spots in my character?”
- Understanding Daily Impact: “How do these flaws affect my daily choices and relationships?”
These questions will guide you through the challenging personal work required in Step Six. You can write your answers in a journal, discuss them with your sponsor, or reflect on them during quiet moments of meditation.
Spiritual Awakening and Letting Go: Embracing Transformation
A spiritual awakening in Step Six occurs when you are willing to let go of your character flaws. This deep change affects how you see yourself, how you interact with others, and how you connect with your Higher Power.
The Process of Transformation
The process involves:
- Accepting your imperfections with self-compassion
- Developing trust in your Higher Power’s guidance
- Recognizing the freedom that comes from surrendering control
Many AA members describe this awakening as a gentle unfolding rather than a sudden revelation. You might notice subtle changes in how you react to everyday challenges or find yourself responding to difficulties with newfound patience and understanding.
Signs of Spiritual Growth
Your spiritual growth becomes evident through:
- Decreased attachment to old behavioral patterns
- Enhanced awareness of your authentic self
- Greater peace in facing life’s uncertainties
This transformation creates space for new ways of being, allowing you to align more closely with your true nature and purpose in recovery.
Online AA Meetings and Resources: Connecting Virtually for Support
Virtual AA meetings have transformed recovery support, making it accessible 24/7 from anywhere. You can join AA groups online through platforms like Zoom, connecting with fellow members while maintaining privacy and comfort at home.
Benefits of Virtual AA Meetings:
- Immediate access to support during challenging moments
- Flexibility to attend meetings around work and family commitments
- Connection with a diverse global recovery community
- Privacy for those hesitant about in-person meetings
- Reduced travel time and transportation barriers
The digital format of zoom AA meetings creates unique opportunities for sharing and growth. You can participate through chat features if speaking feels overwhelming, or simply listen to others’ experiences while keeping your camera off.
Relief Recovery Center: Your Partner in the Journey Through the 12 Steps
Relief Recovery Center understands the importance of accessible support in your recovery journey. Our virtual programs complement traditional AA meetings, providing:
- Professional guidance through Step Six challenges
- Structured online support groups
- Individual counseling sessions via secure platforms
- Resources for working through character defects
We offer a range of alcohol rehab programs designed to help you overcome alcohol addiction and achieve sobriety. If you’re struggling with drug addiction, our drug addiction treatment program in Cape Cod provides you with all the necessary tools to overcome addiction.
Ready to strengthen your recovery journey? Contact Relief Recovery Center today to learn about our virtual support options. Our experienced team helps you navigate Step Six while building connections in a supportive online community.
