The Spiritual Principles of the OA Program
The Overeaters Anonymous Twelve Steps, Twelve Traditions, and Twelve Concepts of OA Service have Principles related to them. They are listed here:
The Principles in the Twelve Steps
(as listed in Step Twelve of The Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions of Overeaters Anonymous, Second Edition)
- Step One: Honesty
- Step Two: Hope
- Step Three: Faith
- Step Four: Courage
- Step Five: Integrity
- Step Six: Willingness
- Step Seven: Humility
- Step Eight: Self-discipline
- Step Nine: Love
- Step Ten: Perseverance
- Step Eleven: Spiritual Awareness
- Step Twelve: Service
The Principles in the Twelve Traditions
(as listed in the The Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions of Overeaters Anonymous, Second Edition)
- Tradition One: Unity
- Tradition Two: Trust
- Tradition Three: Identity
- Tradition Four: Autonomy
- Tradition Five: Purpose
- Tradition Six: Solidarity
- Tradition Seven: Responsibility
- Tradition Eight: Fellowship
- Tradition Nine: Structure
- Tradition Ten: Neutrality
- Tradition Eleven: Anonymity
- Tradition Twelve: Spirituality
The Principles in the Twelve Concepts of OA Service
(as listed inĀ The Twelve Concepts of OA Service)
- Concept One: Unity
- Concept Two: Conscience
- Concept Three: Trust
- Concept Four: Equality
- Concept Five: Consideration
- Concept Six: Responsibility
- Concept Seven: Balance
- Concept Eight: Delegation
- Concept Nine: Ability
- Concept Ten: Clarity
- Concept Eleven: Humility
- Concept Twelve: Guidelines
- (a) Selflessness
- (b) Realism
- (c) Representation
- (d) Dialogue
- (e) Compassion
- (f) Respect
Blessed Beyond Anything
“Having worked the Twelve Steps, what did I learn about the Principles?
Honesty. I learned to look truthfully at ugly things that I am powerless over yet make my life unmanageable. Ā It takes honest vision to fully understand there is a problem and that I have no way to solve it myself.
Hope. I came to believe I can have a relationship with a Higher Power who can do things for me that I canāt and that I can be restored to sanity. Ā There is hope that the painful parts of my life can change and that HP has a better plan for me.
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Faith. It was a leap of faith that something would sustain me when I stopped my way of doing things. Ā But what I couldnāt imagine doing forever, I could do for one day. Ā Those days added up to a miracle. Ā Aligning my will with Godās and going through scary places in recovery is faith working in my life.
Courage and Integrity. Note the word āfearlessā in āfearless moral inventoryā; fear and faith donāt coexist. Ā It takes courage and integrity to look back at unflattering moments and share them with another person. Ā To overcome my fear, become vulnerable, and present my true self is the basis for real relationships and connection.
Willingness.Ā Itās the whatever-it-takes clause in the contract with God and being ready, in Godās time, to let go not only of hurtful things we want to change but also defects we enjoy. Ā Thatās a scary concept. Ā Itās also one filled with honesty, hope, faith, courage, and integrity ā amazing how these Principles work together.
Humility. Ā When I earnestly ask for help, God goes to work, but not necessarily in ways I expect. Humility is acceptance of who we really are and the need to live in harmony with Godās will to find serenity.
Self-discipline and love for others. Life is easier when I avoid doing things that make me owe amends and when I admit my part as soon as possible. Ā The āmy partā piece is a revelation ā no matter what, I can act with a loving approach.
Perseverance. Even when Godās plan feels difficult, by saying āI can do it todayā and doing the next right thing, the todays add up. Ā If I turn back, Iāll never get to the destination.
Spiritual awareness.Ā I came to understand that God is with us always. Ā Spiritual awakening is having a living God in my life; I am taken care of and will get what I need. Ā We are enough and are loved for who we are. Ā I experience God in my connecting with God in others. Ā Connection with God requires work and practice. Ā To hear and understand Godās will, I need to clear my mind.
Service. I donāt only carry the message ā I am the message. Ā I donāt need to sell program. Ā I just need to live these Principles. Ā And to keep this recovery, I need to share my experience, strength, and hope with others.
I came to OA thinking I had a problem with food yet learned I had a problem with life. Ā Iāve been blessed beyond anything I ever thought to wish for.”
Lifeline,Ā April 2015
Podcasts you might enjoy
Principles of the Twelve Steps (Primary Purpose Series)
In All Our Affairs (Sound Bites Series)