This week’s reading assignment:
Yellow workbook, pages 82-83 under the heading “Shame Inventory” OR BRB pages 168 – 169
Red Book pages 10-11, the “Trait 1” section under the heading “Reviewing the Laundry List;”
Red Book page 152, the paragraph titled “Step Four Is The Shame Buster”
Red Book page 162, #3: “Shame or Ashamed”
Red Book page 200, 1st paragraph
Red Book page 344, “What Is Shame? What Is Guilt?”
Red Book pages 440-442, starting at the paragraph “In addition to Step work, . . .”
Recommended weekly reading:
“The Laundry List” or “The Problem,” “The Solution,” and “The Promises” on pages 587-591 of the Red Book or in the first several pages of the yellow workbook;
“The Twelve Steps” on pages 91-92 of the Red Book (also on pages 1-2 of the workbook); and
“The Twelve Traditions” on page 592 of the Red Book
Tradition Two (the tradition for the month of February) in depth starting on page 497 of the Red Book
Suggested supplemental text for 4th Step work:
The AlAnon workbook titled “Blueprint for Progress: Al-Anon’s Fourth Step Inventory,
Revised” (copyright date 2004, with the black text and deeper blue-and-white-checked cover; available from AlAnon or on Amazon.com.) See ACAWSO’s Literature Policy: “It has always been accepted that ACA should remain eclectic in choosing literature. That is, ACA meetings may draw from various sources without censorship.”
The sections on Shame (pgs. 46-47) and Guilt (pgs. 44-45) are especially useful for this week’s 4th Step work.
This week’s step study questions:
Exercise 3, Shame Inventory on pages 82-83 of the yellow workbook. The following journaling outline is taken from this exercise:
List incidents in which you felt shamed by your parents or care giver. In addition to sexual abuse or harsh cursings, shame can come from calm statements by parents about appearance, speech, dress, and mannerisms. Some shame can be uttered in tones of sarcasm, overly critical judgments, and hurtful comments veiled as teasing or jokes.
The difference between appropriate parenting that corrects with love and affirmation, and shame which destroys the spirit, is how you feel about the act or comment. Shame tends to make you feel isolated, inferior, and unwanted. Discipline from loving parents can cause discomfort, but you still believe that you have worth and that you are loved despite your mistakes.
List examples of shaming incidents you experienced in your family of origin. Try to include as many details of the incidents as possible, including your age, where you were, what was said, and how your body reacted to the shame.
“Copyrighted by Adult Children of Alcoholics World Service Organization.”
Deep Dive questions:
A. What shame do I carry from my past that affects my actions today?
B. What shameful feelings made it difficult for me to seek help?
C. When am I prompted to inflect or accept shame?
D. Do I allow my feelings of shame to interfere with my recovery?
© Al-Anon’s Blueprint for Progress Workbook
ACA Workbook Study 