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GOING DEEPER: TYPE 1 & STEP FIVE
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For returning participants: This deeper pass of Step Five invites Type 1s to share not only what they did “wrong,” but the inner pressure and fear of imperfection that was driving their behavior. This is not about self-blame — it is about gentle honesty that softens the inner critic and restores connection with God, yourself, and others.
Safety & care: Agree with your sponsor on pauses, prayer, and time-outs. You may stop at any time. This is honesty with compassion.
1) From Confession to Communion
Aim: Move beyond listing mistakes to revealing the inner standard you were trying to live up to — and how that inner pressure has shaped your relationship with God, yourself, and others.
- Deepening prompts:
- What was I afraid would happen if I wasn’t perfect?
- What inner rule or expectation was driving this behavior?
- What truth about my humanity feels safe to admit now?
- Two-sentence share (template):
“When I [behavior], I was trying to live up to [inner standard]. It cost [impact]. I am willing to practice [new way] with God’s help.”
2) Somatic Honesty — Where Do You Hold Tension?
Aim: Let your body reveal where self-judgment still lives.
- 1-minute check-in: Notice jaw, shoulders, stomach.
Inhale: “I am accepted.” Exhale: “I release perfection.” - Share with your sponsor:
“As I say this, I feel it in my ____.” This builds gentleness and presence.
3) Exact Nature = Pattern + Inner Rule
Aim: Name the pattern and the internal rule behind it.
- Add this mini-grid:
- Trigger (mistake, disorder, criticism)
- Inner Rule (“I must do it right or I am wrong”)
- Behavior (over-control, criticism, rigidity)
- What God Offers Now (grace, flexibility, rest)
- Reflection:
Which inner rule am I most ready to soften with God’s help?
4) Sponsor Dialogue That Softens the Inner Critic
Aim: Practice receiving truth without self-attack.
- You say: “Please reflect one pattern you see and one kinder alternative.”
- Sponsor says: “Would you consider…?”
- Your response: “Thank you. I will practice [new response] this week.”
5) Releasing the Inner Judge
Aim: Let go of moral self-punishment and receive grace.
- Begin with: “God, I place my imperfections in Your care.”
- End with: “I choose progress over perfection.”
6) Gentle Bridge to Steps 6–9
- Willingness seed (6–7):
Which perfection pattern am I most willing to soften? - Amends readiness (8–9):
Where has my criticism or rigidity impacted others?
Summary of Going Deeper:
This deeper pass of Step Five invites Type 1s to move from self-judgment to self-compassion. By naming the inner rules and standards that drive their behavior, they open the door to grace, humility, and healing. With God’s help, honesty becomes gentler, and growth becomes rooted in acceptance rather than perfection.
If this feels too deep right now, that’s okay.