How to Find a Higher Power That Works for You in AA

Why the Standard Judeo-Christian God Doesn’t Work for Everyone

For many who seek recovery through Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), the concept of a Higher Power can be a stumbling block. The Big Book speaks of “God as we understood Him,” yet in many meetings, the assumed framework is the Judeo-Christian God. This can be alienating for those who don’t resonate with Christian theology, struggle with the concept of sin and redemption, or come from spiritual traditions that see divinity differently.

If you’ve ever sat in a meeting and felt disconnected because you don’t believe in an interventionist deity, or you question the idea of a personal God who rewards and punishes, you’re not alone. Many in recovery find themselves searching for a Higher Power that makes sense to them—something they can trust, surrender to, and draw strength from without feeling like they are betraying their personal beliefs.

The good news? AA doesn’t require belief in any specific version of God. Your Higher Power can be deeply personal and uniquely suited to your spiritual needs. The journey is about finding a conception of a Higher Power that works for you, not one that conforms to external expectations.

One common misconception is that the Higher Power in AA can be anything at all. The common reference given is, it could be the doorknob, or maybe a chair or a lightbulb. Let me explain why this is definitely not true. Most folks in recovery have self-esteem issues, but if you think a doorknob or a chair is* higher*, in terms of power, than you... well let's just say you must have a pretty powerful doorknob. It's called Higher Power for a reason! And it is quite specific in the Big Book.

Key Proofs from the Big Book:

The 'A, B, C’s' in Chapter 5 ('How It Works') clearly outline the necessity of a Higher Power.

Right after the Twelve Steps are listed, the Big Book lays out three fundamental ideas for recovery:

“Our description of the alcoholic, the chapter to the agnostic, and our personal adventures before and after make clear three pertinent ideas:

(a) That we were alcoholic and could not manage our own lives.

(b) That probably no human power could have relieved our alcoholism.

(c) That God could and would if He were sought.” (Big Book, p. 60)\

Why this disproves the doorknob theory: A doorknob or chair is not “God” in any meaningful sense—it’s an inanimate object. It’s certainly not higher than a human power. If no human power could relieve alcoholism, then something even lower than a human (a doorknob, a chair) surely cannot. The Higher Power must be something truly greater than human effort—something with the ability to help.

Step 2: "Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity."

A doorknob or chair is not greater than an alcoholic’s own mind. It has no power, no wisdom, no agency. The wording of Step 2 directly contradicts the idea that an inanimate object could serve as a genuine Higher Power.

"We Agnostics" (Chapter 4)

This entire chapter is designed to help those struggling with belief move toward a real Higher Power. It states:

“We had to find a power by which we could live, and it had to be a Power greater than ourselves.” (Big Book, p. 45)

Again, the Big Book is clear: it had to be something greater. Not equal to, not lesser than, but greater.

"Lack of Power, That Was Our Dilemma" (Big Book, p. 45)

If our problem is a lack of power, how could a powerless object—something that doesn’t think, move, or have will—help us? The Big Book insists that we must connect with a real source of power.

Step 3: "Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him."

The phrase "care of" implies conscious guidance and support. A doorknob or chair cannot offer care, wisdom, or direction. The Higher Power must be capable of relationship—it must be sought, understood, and relied upon.

Conclusion

The Big Book is clear: a Higher Power must be something that actually has power, something that offers real guidance and strength in recovery. While early AA members encouraged newcomers to start where they were and be open-minded, they did not intend for the idea of a doorknob or chair to be taken literally. The program requires a real Power greater than ourselves, one that can guide, restore, and support us—something that an inanimate object simply cannot do.
As I shall go on to explain, this blog and my other writings are essentially dealing with a dual concept approach to God; impersonal and personal. I will explain this later. But now that I have made my caveat, what of all the true atheist, agnostics, secular humanist that are indeed found in AA, working the program successfully? 
The answer to that is simple, and that is God as G.O.D. - Group of Drunks, or AA itself. Indeed there is no question that the collective power of the fellowship and the program of the 12 steps are indeed a power greater than ourselves. For those that take this root, wonderful. It works if you work it - no argument.

The Bhagavad Gita’s Personal vs. Impersonal Approach

One of the most profound explorations of divinity and surrender can be found in the Bhagavad Gita, an ancient Hindu scripture that directly addresses the struggle between self-will and surrender. The Gita presents two key approaches to the Divine:

  1. The Personal Higher Power (Saguna Brahman) – A loving, conscious, and personal deity to whom one can pray, surrender, and form a relationship. In the Gita, Krishna represents this aspect, urging Arjuna to take refuge in Him, offering protection and guidance.
  2. The Impersonal Higher Power (Nirguna Brahman) – A formless, universal presence, beyond names and attributes. This is the infinite, ineffable reality that transcends all religious boundaries. Some might call it the Tao, the Universe, Buddha Nature or simply, from the Advaitin perspective, "That."

Krishna acknowledges that different people connect with the Divine in different ways, emphasizing that both personal and impersonal approaches are equally valid paths to spiritual realization. Some need a personal relationship with a deity, while others feel more attuned to an abstract, all-pervading presence. Both are valid, and both can be powerful sources of surrender in recovery.

If the idea of “God” doesn’t sit well with you, you might consider an impersonal Higher Power—something greater than yourself that supports your sobriety. This could be the collective wisdom of AA, the natural order of the universe, nature itself, or even the deep, still presence found in meditation.

Practical Ways to Explore Different Higher Power Concepts

Finding a Higher Power isn’t about forcing yourself to believe in something that doesn’t resonate. Instead, it’s about exploring what already speaks to you and leaning into that. Here are some practical ways to expand your understanding:

1. Reflect on What Moves You

Think about the moments in life when you’ve felt a sense of awe, connection, or peace. Was it standing by the ocean? Watching the sunrise? Listening to music? The feeling that arises in those moments can be your Higher Power. It doesn’t have to have a name or a form—only a presence that reminds you there’s something greater than your individual will.

2. Study Different Spiritual Traditions

You don’t need to convert to any religion, but exploring different spiritual perspectives can help clarify what resonates. Hinduism, Buddhism, Sufism, Taoism, and many indigenous traditions offer conceptions of divinity that are not centered on a judgmental, interventionist God. The Bhagavad Gita, the Tao Te Ching, and Rumi’s poetry are great places to start.

3. Use Symbols and Metaphors

Sometimes, a direct belief in a deity feels inaccessible, but a powerful image or symbol can serve as a focal point. Ganesha, the remover of obstacles, is one example from Hinduism. The ocean, the wind, the stars—any of these can be reminders of a force greater than yourself. The group conscience in AA meetings, where wisdom emerges from the collective, can serve as a Higher Power.

4. Practice Surrender in Small Ways

A Higher Power is ultimately about trust. Try surrendering small things first—deciding to let go of control over a minor situation, turning over a worry, or simply pausing before making a decision and asking, “What’s the next right thing?” These acts of surrender help build a relationship with a Higher Power, even before you fully define it.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Identifying Your Personal Spiritual Connection

If you’re still uncertain about what your Higher Power is, here’s a structured approach to finding what works for you:

Step 1: Define What You Don’t Believe

It can be helpful to clarify what doesn’t work for you. If you reject a judgmental deity, rigid dogma, or the idea of an all-controlling God, that’s fine. Identifying what doesn’t fit allows you to focus on what might.

Step 2: Identify Core Spiritual Values

Ask yourself: What qualities would I want in a Higher Power? Love? Wisdom? Strength? Compassion? Mystery? Your Higher Power should align with the principles that matter most to you.

Step 3: Explore Different Conceptions

Try out different ideas of divinity. Imagine a personal deity like Krishna, the Morrigan, or Wakan Tanka the Great Spirit. Contemplate an impersonal force, like the Tao or the vast intelligence of the cosmos. See which perspective feels right—not as a rigid belief, but as a guiding presence.

Step 4: Engage in Practices That Foster Connection

Once you have an idea of what resonates, deepen your connection through practice. Try:

  • Meditation (sitting with the presence of your Higher Power)
  • Chanting or mantra (even simple phrases like “I let go” can be powerful)
  • Prayer (formal or informal, addressing your Higher Power in your own words)
  • Nature immersion (seeing the Divine in the world around you)
  • Journaling (writing letters to your Higher Power or reflecting on moments of surrender)

Step 5: Stay Open to Evolution

Your understanding of a Higher Power doesn’t have to be fixed; it can evolve over time as you gain new experiences and insights in your recovery journey. It can shift, deepen, or expand over time. My own concept of a Higher Power has grown and developed over a long time, and I believe it is all the richer for that today. Many people in recovery start with a vague idea of a Higher Power and later find a more concrete connection. Trust that the process itself is part of the journey.

Final Thoughts

Finding a Higher Power that works for you in AA isn’t about conforming to a particular belief system—it’s about discovering what supports your sobriety and gives you strength. Whether you connect with a personal deity like Hekate, an impersonal presence, or simply the power of the group, what matters is that it works.

Recovery is ultimately about surrender—letting go of self-will and trusting something greater. Your Higher Power doesn’t need to fit anyone else’s definition. It only needs to be real to you.

What does your Higher Power look like? Let me know in the comments—I’d love to hear your thoughts.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Awakening to THAT: Discovering a Higher Power Beyond the Judeo-Christian Lens

Image
Awakening to THAT: Discovering a Higher Power Beyond the Judeo-Christian Lens For many seekers, the idea of a Higher Power is both compelling and frustrating. We sense something greater, something beyond ourselves, yet the frameworks we've inherited—often rooted in Judeo-Christian traditions —can feel too rigid, too personal, or too small for what we intuitively know to be vast and boundless. What if we feel a pull toward something sacred but cannot name it? What if we are drawn to the mystery rather than the doctrine ? The good news is that awakening to a Higher Power does not require us to believe in a particular deity, subscribe to a particular religion, or accept a specific set of rules. Instead, we can move toward something more open, something that has been described across spiritual traditions in many ways, but which ultimately remains ineffable, beyond form, beyond words—THAT. Beyond "God"—The Limitations of the Named Divine For those who grew up with a p...
Read more

From Buddhism to Bhakti: A Personal Journey in 12-Step Recovery

Image
From Buddhism to Bhakti: A Personal Journey in 12-Step Recovery Spirituality, like recovery, is deeply personal. What works for one person may not resonate with another. For many, Buddhism's non-theistic, impersonal approach provides profound peace. Its focus on mindfulness, detachment, and impermanence offers clarity and guidance. But for me, something was missing. I wasn’t just seeking inner peace or mental clarity ; I was looking for a personal connection—a relationship with the Divine . That’s when I discovered Bhakti : the path of love, devotion, and surrender. As I explored various teachings, it became clear that my heart longed for a personal relationship with a higher power. This is where the path of devotion became essential for my spiritual growth and recovery. I found that devotion wasn’t just about following a set of rituals—it was about building a loving, personal connection with the Divine . The Struggle with Buddhism’s Impersonal Approach Buddhism’s teachings on ...
Read more

How Bhakti Can Enrich Neo-Pagan 12-Step Recovery

Image
How Bhakti Can Enrich Neo-Pagan 12-Step Recovery The journey of recovery in a 12-Step program is one of surrender, transformation, and connection to a Higher Power. But for those who walk a Neo-Pagan path, the concept of surrender can seem foreign—many Pagan traditions emphasize working with deities rather than worshiping them in the way Bhakti Yoga does. However, the heart of Bhakti is love, devotion, and an intimate relationship with the divine, and these elements can be beautifully adapted to a Neo-Pagan understanding of spiritual connection. How, then, can Neo-Pagans embrace Bhakti principles in a way that aligns with their traditions, and how can this help in the process of 12-Step recovery? Bhakti and the 12 Steps: Where They Align Bhakti Yoga is the path of love and devotion—offering oneself fully to a chosen deity in trust and surrender. In the Bhagavad Gita, Krishna tells Arjuna: "To those who are constantly devoted and worship Me with love, I give the understandin...
Read more