Book SummaryBreathing Under Water, by Richard Rohr

1-Page Summary1-Page Book Summary of Breathing Under Water

The core teachings of the Gospel and the Twelve Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous share a profound similarity.

Rohr underscores the deep resonance between the foundational teachings of the Gospel and the core tenets of Alcoholics Anonymous, underscoring that both advocate for a transformative spiritual journey through the acceptance of one's own fragility and the surrender of the desire to dominate. He contends that both traditions ultimately provide a pathway to freedom, albeit expressed through distinct terminologies and set within various cultural frameworks.

The fundamental principles of the Twelve Steps align with the Gospel's focus on recognizing our lack of control, the importance of yielding, and experiencing profound change.

Embarking on a path to spiritual enlightenment, which is depicted by merging the insights from the Twelve Steps with the teachings of the Gospel, necessitates embracing a paradoxical path: recognizing one's own powerlessness to discover true strength, surrendering control to gain liberation, and confronting one's imperfections to reach completeness. They challenge the ego's desire for self-sufficiency and its attempts to engineer personal transformation through willpower alone.

Jesus' teachings resonated with the ethos of twelve-step recovery programs, advocating for the abandonment of self-centeredness, reliance on spiritual benevolence, and the conversion of individual flaws into profound realizations.

Rohr emphasizes the alignment between the Twelve-Step program's principles and the lessons imparted by Jesus in the Gospel narratives. For example, the teachings of Jesus, which emphasize the renunciation of individual desires and the carrying of one's own cross, are in harmony with the Twelve Steps' emphasis on surrendering control and recognizing one's own powerlessness over compulsive behaviors and transgressions. Rohr emphasizes the importance of embracing both surrender and responsibility on the spiritual journey, similar to the delicate balance required in pursuing a wild donkey, which entails a combination of persistence and recognizing the right moment to stop.

Furthermore, Rohr emphasizes that genuine transformation arises not from shunning errors or setbacks, but from a sincere and modest confrontation with one's personal flaws. This path facilitates the confrontation with one's concealed characteristics, nurturing compassion and giving birth to a deep wellspring of kindness and insight. Rohr emphasizes that both the Twelve Steps and Jesus' teachings recognize that God can use our shortcomings and failures to bring us to a greater awareness of ourselves and our need for divine grace.

Programs that incorporate a series of twelve progressive stages provide a systematic method for applying the Gospel's teachings on humility, absolution, and serving others.

Richard Rohr elucidates that the Twelve Steps practically embody principles that mirror the Gospel's foundational messages, which highlight the importance of humility, forgiveness, and helping others. The author emphasizes the significant transformation that takes place in the fifth step, during which individuals come to terms with their misdeeds in front of God, themselves, and another individual. The author argues that recognizing our own flaws is more in line with a biblical principle that prioritizes repairing relationships over pursuing revenge or punishment.

Rohr underscores the essential responsibility of Step 12, which is to offer support and assistance to those struggling with addiction after experiencing a spiritual awakening as a result of the Steps. Rohr maintains that this dedication to aiding others is in harmony with the Gospel's principles, which advocate for the dissemination of its hopeful message and support for the disadvantaged. He maintains that by integrating the Twelve Steps into daily practices, the essence of the Gospel can be embedded into routine life.

The core tenets of both the Twelve Steps and the Gospel emphasize the significance of surrendering individual power and committing to the guidance of a Higher Power.

The fundamental tenet common to both the Gospel and the Twelve Steps involves surrendering personal control to yield to a greater authority. Richard Rohr underscores the importance of relinquishing control to access the profound and...

Breathing Under Water Summary Recognizing personal vulnerability, delving into self-reflection, and accepting the path toward surrender are crucial elements in the growth of one's spirituality.

Rohr suggests that true spiritual growth hinges on recognizing our inherent limitations in controlling all aspects of life, along with a dedication to honest introspection and the surrender of our wishes to a higher power, tenets that are crucial to both the Twelve Steps and genuine spiritual progress. These practices, he claims, help dismantle the ego's illusions of control and open us up to encountering the transformative power of grace.

Recognizing one's lack of control over addictions and compulsions is a crucial first step in embracing the path outlined by the teachings of the Gospel and the guiding principles of the Twelve Steps.

Rohr underscores that the path to spiritual freedom initiates with acknowledging our powerlessness over addictive behaviors, a concept fundamental to the Twelve Step Program and also acknowledged in Christian traditions. The awakening disrupts the ego's illusion of control and terminates its futile attempts to steer life using only the power of will. At our lowest point, when our personal tactics fall short, we become receptive to the idea of seeking strength from a source beyond our individual capacity.

A person's insistence on...

Breathing Under Water Summary One needs to open their mind, heart, and soul to the direction of a higher power.

Rohr underscores the importance of opening one's mind, heart, and body to the transformative power of a higher power. He argues that true spiritual growth requires an integration of all aspects of our being, allowing the divine to permeate and heal not just our thoughts, but also our emotions, relationships, and physical experiences.

Engaging in meditative practices is crucial for accessing the deep wisdom within one's spirit.

Rohr underscores the vital significance of participating in profound contemplative prayer and meditation, as underscored by the eleventh step, to access the deep wisdom that resides within the soul. He argues that these practices foster a mindset that goes beyond dualistic thought, enabling a transition from the limiting dichotomy of analytical reasoning to a more expansive and inclusive perspective. By calming our thoughts and fostering a sense of receptivity in our spirits, we create space for a deep encounter with the Divine Presence inside us, which he describes as the ever-present Observer, equivalent to the all-encompassing Awareness.

Participating in activities that calm the mind and emotions can pave the way for a more profound bond...

Breathing Under Water Summary The teachings of the Gospel, in conjunction with the guiding tenets of the Twelve Steps, underscore the significance of providing mutual support, offering forgiveness, and upholding personal accountability.

Rohr underscores the importance of integrating the principles of the Twelve Steps with the teachings of the Gospel to foster individual transformation, mend broken bonds, and pave the way for true reconciliation, highlighting throughout the critical importance of responsibility, pardon, and the backing of a supportive community. He contends that through the acceptance of humility and an acknowledgment of our collective frailties, we can break free from the repetitive patterns of assigning blame, harboring bitterness, and engaging in actions that harm ourselves.

To mend broken bonds and restore a feeling of wholeness, one must seek to make amends for the harm done to others, as emphasized by the ninth stage of the process.

Rohr emphasizes the importance of making amends for harm done to others, which is a crucial aspect of the ninth stage referred to as the Twelve Step program. He contends that this phase extends past simple apologies, necessitating proactive measures to mend the harm inflicted upon others. He clarifies that it is crucial to acknowledge the repercussions of one's behavior, take responsibility for the harm caused, and sincerely express a commitment to repair...

Breathing Under Water Summary The Twelve Steps and the Gospel both aim to foster a spiritual awakening and profound change.

Rohr asserts that the fundamental purpose of the Gospel and the Twelve Steps is to profoundly stir spiritual awareness in individuals. This metamorphosis, he clarifies, extends beyond simply modifying one's conduct or enhancing ethical conduct. The journey necessitates a deep shift in consciousness, how one views oneself, and an understanding of one's place in the grand scheme of life.

The Twelve Steps are designed to catalyze a deep spiritual metamorphosis, an idea frequently alluded to in the concluding step.

Rohr underscores that the ultimate goal of the Twelve Steps, reaching its zenith in Step 12, is not merely to cease the use of a certain substance or to put an end to a specific behavior, but to achieve a deep spiritual awakening. The initial steps highlight the importance of acknowledging personal powerlessness, confronting past misdeeds, and participating in the act of rectifying them, which Rohr identifies as crucial measures that set the stage for a profound encounter that changes one's entire perspective on life.

This fresh insight leads to a profound change in how one perceives and understands oneself, going beyond the mere avoidance of certain...

Breathing Under Water Summary The call to aid others and spread the teachings.

Richard Rohr emphasizes the importance of assisting others, drawing inspiration from the teachings present in the Gospel and the Twelve Steps, and urges those who have experienced spiritual rejuvenation to share their wisdom and stories with others. He argues that this type of sharing ought to be regarded as a genuine expression of kindness and goodwill, intended not to impose a particular belief system but to provide assistance to those grappling with challenges.

People who have undergone a significant spiritual change frequently feel compelled to impart their newfound wisdom to others struggling with addiction.

Rohr highlights that those changed by the principles of the Twelve Steps instinctively reach out to provide guidance and inspiration to others who are still struggling with addiction. Richard Rohr elucidates that the drive to assist others originates from a deep-seated gratitude for one's journey toward recovery and a compelling desire to aid in the ongoing renewal of the world.

The program consisting of Twelve Steps underscores the significance of engaging in service and outreach as essential components for ongoing personal development.

Rohr emphasizes...