With all this on how humans protect themselves from pain and thus create defences which are often out of awareness.  I see that step 3 really must hold safety for individuals to even consider the idea of surrender.  Therefore, God in whatever way one believes in the concept, spirit, him, our father ,or, whatever is paramount.  It has to be about a higher power nurturer in some way shape or form to be able to contain the power of scripts and internal contaminations people have inside them. THIS IS IMPORTANT for safety.  Otherwise people would not let go. Why would they let go of strategies that once protected them even if they did not do the job as well now.  Letting go is such a big human fear thus, its natural to hold onto defences even if they are counter-productive.  Individuals need the nurture, compassion and safety to let go.  WHY WOULD THEY OTHERWISE?  The hope, the nurture and then the action of step 3.  This step is such a big leap that it makes sense that it is often broken down into  smaller, separate hurdles.  Its not about suddenly changing everything but fundamental changes of letting go of stuff in our lives that can happen gradually as we work recovery and the programme.  I believe this is important so people can see that they don’t have to be afraid of this step.  That this step will do something that one is not ready for.  This step is about surrendering to care. It is not about control , or hurt or making us mindless.  Its a simple decision to change direction, stop rebelling or over -adapting, stop wearing ourselves out trying to stop things happening or creating drama.  We have to see this step as tender and loving to invite the safety that’s required to let go.