The following is an explanation of how an adapted form of the ‘Ignatian 11-Rules of Spiritual Discernment’ compliments and can be a helpful addition to our recovery toolbox. The founder of Alcoholics Anonymous Bill Wilson calls the 12-Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous a ‘spiritual program’ and in his spiritual walk, Wilson was greatly influenced by a Priest, Fr. Edward Dowling. In a letter to Dowling’s sister on June 1, 1961, Bill says of Dowling; “In my book he (Fr. Dowling) is a saint, and a most colorful one too. His benefactions to me are among my brightest memories”. In a letter five years later, he wrote, “He (Dowling) was made of the stuff of Saints … In a very real sense, he was my spiritual advisor, just as he was for many hundreds in A.A.”.

So, what was the spiritual program that Dowling practiced, which Wilson found attractive? In a letter to Dowling from May 29, 1952, Wilson asked for a copy of the Ignatius ‘Spiritual Exercises’. After reading about them, Bill wrote Dowling on July 17, 1952; “Please have my immense thanks for the volume on the Ignatian Exercises. I am already into it, and what an adventure it is! … I had never seen anything of the ‘Exercises’ at all. Consequently, I am astonished and not a little awed by what comes into sight.” It was this Spiritual Program written in the 16th century by Ignatius of Loyola, that Bill was praising. In the ‘The Spiritual Exercises’ Ignatius lists the attributes and elements of the spiritual life, the battle between the positive, which calls us to humility and service of others, and the negative which fosters pride and a me first attitude.

Many today ask; What is a ‘Spiritual Life?” Thoughts are diverse and use of the Adapted Ignatian Rules of Spiritual Discernment has no argument concerning the definition of spiritual life, nor is it presented, as the only spiritual program of merit. That said, this adaptation of the Rules of Spiritual Discernment can be an aid in treading the 12-Step path. We’ve done this because, what is true, is true, is true. If a practice has been proven valuable for centuries and has been recognized as applicable by people from different cultures and times, (like Ignatius and Bill W.) then it should be helpful for us as well.

For our purposes in the following adaption of the Rules of Spiritual Discernment we are using the word Observation rather than rule, and the terms ‘Positive Spirit’, and ‘Negative Spirit,’ to personify spiritual movements. Movements which influence our hearts and affects our emotions in response to life’s challenges. Truth is a cornerstone of the 12-Steps. Bill Wilson wrote in the A.A. Grapevine magazine “truth makes us free…it cuts the shackles which once bound us…it banishes fear and isolation.” Truth is also the foundation of the teaching of Jesus, who said “Know the truth and the truth will set you free.”

The following are:

Spiritual Observations Which Support the 12-Step Spiritual Walk

Observation 1.) In addiction, the Evil One focuses on the pleasures of our
destructive behaviors, and God, pricks our consciences and focuses on the
addiction’s pain.
Observation 2.) When in addiction’s pain we cry for help and Evil declares, “You
know you can’t live without me!!!” God though, hears our cry , and gives,
courage, consolation. and hope.
Observation 3.) The Soul is consoled that God is doing for it what it could not do
for itself. Overwhelmed by God’s love, it begins to walk a spiritual path it had not
known before.
Observation 4.) After a period of consolation, desolation comes. Hope and
consolation disappear, and the Evil One whispers, “Turn back to the pleasures
of your addictions.”
Observation 5.) By God’s grace, oppose the Evil One’s suggestions, and He
weakens and flees. If we turn to our self-resolve, we will fail, and the Evil Spirit
will grow fiercer.
Observation 6.) The Evil One wants its’ suggestions and our failings kept secret,
knowing he cannot succeed if they are brought to the light with others.
Observation 7.) When in desolation, never change your spiritual walk. Pray and
meditate more. Meet desolation with God’s grace. Talk to your sponsor and
other supports.
Observation 8.) In Desolation, be patient and know that consolation will soon
return, continue to resist.
Observation 9.) Three causes for desolation: 1.) Sloth in spiritual practices. 2.)
God testing, bringing us to dependence on Him. 3.) So, we know consolation as
is His gift, not our effort.
Observation 10.) In times of consolation, plan how you will face the desolation
which will surely follow. Then, in that desolation, know that, “This desolation too
shall pass.”
Observation 11.) Receive consolations humbly, remembering that perseverance
against the Evil One in former desolations was not accomplished by our resolve,
but by God’s grace.