Made a list of all persons we had harmed, and became willing to make amends to them all. This step is about the importance of healing the past with others. Since we are relational animals we will have others in our lives that this process is fundamental to. The starting place is for making a list of people I have harmed. I see this as a cathartic process which goes from head to paper which allows a sense of pro-active freedom. It makes it real in our lives that others have been impacted and that is important. To make a list is taking action which is pro-active in itself which can shift the stuck energy where we have the potential to sit and do nothing.
The pro-active action of writing a list allows the importance of reflectivity. To look over this inventory and possibly reflect on life again. There is so much to take in and so much to learn from. In this list one can write thoughts down beside each name about what appropriate amends might be. In going through this we have the potential to be more open-hearted which then relates to further willingness in taking future action on amends.
I see this as opening up the heart as that is what we do in relation to others. In our experiences with others even if negative and having consequences there is something about “our life becoming live”. This action is about making it real, others in my life are people with hearts and minds. What has happened is real and this has consequences for other people. ” In writing this list I care on a deeper level as I can see what’s happened”. “Not only that I am willing to see what has happened and my part which has had impact”.
The amphitheatre of ones life has the potential to be created as others are invited into the process of the emotional relational world . We are in relationship since the beginning of our lives which has had huge importance on the paths taken. With this there have been changes and transitions. This is another opportunity for change which can put the reins back in your hands as the director of your own recovery..