When we look at the analogy of the film Scrooge and the ghost of Marley visiting with the huge chains of his life’s misconduct around him to carry to eternity its very overwhelming.  However, people do carry exceptional baggage because of the fabric of their lives and experiences.

With addiction the experiences of some of this is extreme and traumatic.  This is why the debris needs shifting and processing.  For anything else to grow we have to create the space for this cultivation.  For the opportunity for growth we need the best foundation for healthy change.  Without the action of shifting this debris the individual will have the tendency to stay stuck in a lot of pain and trauma.

The debris collected may include money which can relate to security, greed, conning others and being self indulgent.  The debris may include any criminal offences whether to the authorities and breaking the law.  Or the general principles of living a spiritual life which have been compromised.  This will need action and re-guiding as well as reparations.  The debris may include relationships where one has acted unkindly, selfishly or dishonestly.  The debris may include sexual acting out which can be hurtful to others and be a form of self harm to self rather then about joy, fun and connection. The list of potential debris collected can be endless and diverse.

This is why the processing of debris is such an important part of development.  To take the action of Step 9.  It can provide such a freedom from all the debris and open up the path to a new happiness.  There can be a embracing of evolving in life as an individual rather then staying stuck and in pain.  There can be acknowledgement and joy in responsibility rather then an avoiding of looking at life, the self and  others.  To be in denial is staying stuck, in pain and just existing.  This is why the Step 9 is so powerful, productive, healing and freeing.

With this one has the potential to no longer regret the past or wish to shut the door on it.  The attitude to life can change dramatically and individuals can learn to live life “on life’s terms”.  With this and acceptance of life we can intuitively know how to handle situations which used to create fear within.  With this we can learn that perhaps there is no need to fear as we did.  That perhaps we can take charge, be responsible and care about others and the self.  This in turn feeds our soul in a healthy and loving way which provides its own level of security and warmth.