I agree with the words attributed to Fred Holmquist of Hazelden that the first nine steps “will get us well but not keep us well,” that step 10 is the step that not only maintains our sobriety but begins our awakening.  Early in its treatment of this step, the Big Book contains the remarkable sentence:  “We have entered the world of the Spirit (page 84).” 

But how do we stay in the world of the Spirit?  The Big Book again is quite clear:          

“What we really have is a daily reprieve contingent

on the maintenance of our spiritual condition.  Every

day is a day when we must carry the vision of God’s

will into all of our activities. (page 85).”

And how do we maintain “spiritual condition?”  I find that if I am faithful to five practices in the course of a week, I have a 95% possibility of recovery and of being awake.  Those practices are a 10^th step throughout the day and especially at night; an 11^th step spiritual practice, especially every morning; an honest conversation with my sponsor, at least once a week; participation in my home group, again weekly; and availability for service, daily.  That has been my experience of myself and others.  And your experience?

The Import of a Word: Some years ago I called the research library of AA International and asked one of the librarians if he knew why Bill W. wrote “turn our will and lives over to the care of God” rather than simply “turn our will and lives over to God” in the third step. He said he would research the question and get back to me soon.