By: Fr. Chris Harris
We live in a world that can often leave us gasping for breath, overwhelmed by anxiety, division, and the relentless pace of modern life. As a result, many of us are left longing for a hope and a sense of inner peace, deeper connection and wholeness. For centuries, Christians have turned to spiritual practices to create space for grace in our lives even the most turbulent times. Through reflection, prayer, confession, and community, believers have found their faith deepened, their burdens lightened, and the peace that passes all understanding beginning to take root.
The Twelve Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous are one such set of spiritual practices that have proven life-changing and lifesaving for countless millions. You may have noticed that I often reference recovery spirituality in my preaching (as I did this past Sunday). I do this because the Twelve Steps offer a reliable set of coordinates for anyone seeking to follow the path of Jesus. Together, they invite us into a journey of surrender, healing, and grace as we move from self-reliance to God-dependence, from isolation to beloved community, and from brokenness to spiritual wholeness.
Breathing Underwater – The Spirituality of the Twelve Steps is an eight-week journey based on the book of the same name by Franciscan priest and contemplative teacher Richard Rohr. This course is not just for those recovering from addiction; it’s for anyone seeking spiritual renewal, emotional honesty, and a deeper experience of God’s grace.
Rohr writes, “We are all addicted in some way.” Whether to control, perfectionism, approval, busyness, or fear – we all cling to patterns that keep us from living freely and fully. The Twelve Steps, originally developed by Alcoholics Anonymous, offer a path of transformation that mirrors the Gospel itself: surrender, healing, reconciliation, and service.
This class invites all of us to explore the Twelve Steps not as a recovery program, but as a map leading toward spiritual maturity. They help us move beyond dualistic thinking, beyond shame and blame, and into the spacious grace of God. Rohr reminds us that “We do not think ourselves into new ways of being; we live ourselves into new ways of thinking.” This class is about living into that transformation.
You do not need to be part of a Twelve Step program to benefit or identify as an addict. You simply need to be human and willing to explore the places where you feel stuck, hungry, or disconnected. This is a journey for anyone who longs to love more freely, live more fully, and breathe more deeply.
“Breathing Underwater” is open to anyone and everyone and begins Thursday, October 2th at 7pm. For more information and to register, click here. Questions? Contact Rev. Chris at charris@christchurchcranbrook.org