From “Better Times”, the newsletter of Intergroup of Greater Toronto Area, June 2002
The Pyramid Method Of Sobriety
Copyright © The A.A. Grapevine, Inc. – Date Unknown
The Egyptians built pyramids layer by layer. A rectangular array of blocks, then a second layer, smaller in area, then a third smaller still, until, their job complete, they placed the last, single stone atop the lot.
My sobriety seems to be based on an inverted pyramid.
when I walked in the doors of AA, they told me “Don’t pick up a drink today.” It is still my theme: I have started a new life based on a single building block: “I haven’t had a drink today.”
Once that block is in place, I can add a second layer: I am able to function (wash, eat, sleep, do laundry) and on that second layer, a third: I read a book while doing laundry — I don’t pass time in the bar; I take pride in what I eat or cook.
More layers are added. Now that I am looking after my immediate needs and making myself presentable to the outside world, I can make a living in the workplace, an honest living.
More layers: I can learn.
Still more layers: I can learn to apologize when I have done wrong.
Another layer: Faith, Trust, and compassion. These would be heady subjects if I hadn’t discovered decency in myself, which is based on my not drinking.
Unlike the Egyptians, I won’t ever come to the end of my work. Heaven is the limit of my aspirations as a co-builder of a better self.
And unlike the Egyptians, I’m not building a testament to death. I’m building a testament to a way of life.
Chris G.