I am a grateful member of Emotions Anonymous. I DO NOT speak for Emotions Anonymous as a whole. I am here sharing a 'tidbit' of what strikes ME as important in EA literature about each step. I am not an authority. I hope my shares encourage those seeking answers to go to the source (for themselves) of ANY group here and find the healing and strength of that Program through literature, attendance at meetings, and fellowship. May you find your own peace and serenity in the process.
STEP 8 - Made a list of all persons we had harmed and became willing to make amends to them all. STEP 9 - Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others.
From Step 8 literature (STEP BY STEP - A guide to working the steps of Emotions Anonymous):" Making amends helps us let go of the past. If we are willing to make amends - and make them - we will be free to meet people and situations without fear. Our Higher Power will provide the opportunity for doing so".
"Using the 4th step inventory, make a list of names or people or institutions you feel need an amend. Write them down, either put them away or carry them for 30 days. In the meantime list what you believe the benefits will be to making these amends. What do you think making amends to yourself means? Benefits? After another 30 days write beside each person a brief note on why the amend needs to be made and how you plan to do it. Again put them away or carry them for 30 days. Now, when looking at the list are thre poeple who might be harmed by your amends? If so or if in doubt discuss this amend with someone. Decide what amends now need to be made.If due to unusual circumstances an amend cannot be made this step says we need on be willing. Write an amend letter and put it away until an appropriate time. Perhaps a specific amend can never be made - but we were willing to make it if it had been possible.
Step 9 is the action step - making the appointment to see the person who you want to make amends to...saying "I feel I have harmed you, and I have come to make amends". Briefly explain why the amend is necessary. Make arrangements for repayment of money, return of property etc...if to an institution it may be done anonymously. DO NOT REVIEW THE PAST SITUATION IN TOO MUCH DETAIL, this may cause more hurt feelings or arouse the old emotions."
We can turn to our sponsor, or a trusted friend, a therapist or someone willing to help us achieve these steps in the spirit of our healing and growing honesty. We can remember our slogans and talk ALOT to our personal Higher Power about these actions....because 'actions' they are.....
STEP 8 - Made a list of all persons we had harmed and became willing to make amends to them all.
STEP 9 - Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others.
From Step 8 literature (STEP BY STEP - A guide to working the steps of Emotions Anonymous):" Making amends helps us let go of the past. If we are willing to make amends - and make them - we will be free to meet people and situations without fear. Our Higher Power will provide the opportunity for doing so".
"Using the 4th step inventory, make a list of names or people or institutions you feel need an amend. Write them down, either put them away or carry them for 30 days. In the meantime list what you believe the benefits will be to making these amends. What do you think making amends to yourself means? Benefits?
After another 30 days write beside each person a brief note on why the amend needs to be made and how you plan to do it. Again put them away or carry them for 30 days. Now, when looking at the list are thre poeple who might be harmed by your amends? If so or if in doubt discuss this amend with someone. Decide what amends now need to be made.If due to unusual circumstances an amend cannot be made this step says we need on be willing. Write an amend letter and put it away until an appropriate time. Perhaps a specific amend can never be made - but we were willing to make it if it had been possible.
Step 9 is the action step - making the appointment to see the person who you want to make amends to...saying "I feel I have harmed you, and I have come to make amends". Briefly explain why the amend is necessary. Make arrangements for repayment of money, return of property etc...if to an institution it may be done anonymously. DO NOT REVIEW THE PAST SITUATION IN TOO MUCH DETAIL, this may cause more hurt feelings or arouse the old emotions."
We can turn to our sponsor, or a trusted friend, a therapist or someone willing to help us achieve these steps in the spirit of our healing and growing honesty. We can remember our slogans and talk ALOT to our personal Higher Power about these actions....because 'actions' they are.....