The higher power has to have the nurturing qualities that we all crave for and need whether we are in denial of this or not.  From the beginning of life we were dependent on this and in a different way this does not change in adulthood.  Many people struggling with addiction, depression, anger experience an overdeveloped sense of self criticism and self devaluation and very little self compassion due to a range of factors that have shaped their lives.  The higher power challenges this internal bully that individuals has tended to form and keep them locked in a cycle of unpleasant emotions and shame.  The brain experiences harsh criticism and devaluation as a threat and responds with anxiety. Therefore step 2 is a powerful soothing system which can provide an escape from very negative old ways.  Feeling cared for and accepted, having a sense of connection and belonging is fundamental to our survival and well being.  I see step 2 as having the power to re-engage individuals with their physiological maturation and having the ingredients associated with increased levels of hormone endorphins and oxytocin.  The increased levels of these hormones have also been associated with lower depression levels.  Therefore developing the spiritual connection to step 2 is further strengthening helpful patterns of relating to our selves and others in a way of regulating our emotions and moods by stimulating feelings of compassion, self reassurance, inner warmth and self soothing.  Furthermore it enables engaging  “with life” ” with pain”  and “experiences” rather then avoiding.  THIS IS SO IMPORTANT AS STRUGGLE IS PART OF LIFE’S FABRIC.  We have to learn to take the good with the bad.