“Easy Does It”

One of A.A.’s Most Workable and Useful Sayings

A.A. Grapevine, July, 1948

One of the most useful of the sayings that have been adopted in A.A. is that which advises, “Easy Does It.” So universally workable is this good advice that it qualifies as the expression of one of the fundamental steps in personal rehabilitation.

If this particular saying is applied sincerely and intelligently, it will greatly ease the path of the newcomer in A.A., avert “slips” and further the development of a mature life both inside and outside A.A.

Axioms are only words in themselves, of course, and the phraseology has become trite in many cases. Pseudo-intellectuals are especially scornful of old sayings, and even less snobbish observers may overlook the worth to be found in the meaning behind the words.

It Means Relax!

For example, “Easy Does It,” means - relax! Don’t fret and worry and stew and struggle! Take it easy! Relax!
Everyone who has an intimate knowledge of the alcoholic will agree that one of the first things he needs to do is to relax, not only in the early stages of A.A. but forever after and a day. “Easy Does It” applies no matter how long one has been in A.A. and, in fact, it is essential to continue progress in A.A. and to a return to more normal living outside.

Physical realization has long been identified as a characteristic of great athletes. The DiMaggios and the Williams have an easy swing that belies yet accounts for much of the power of their bats. The fastest of swimmers relax with each stroke. In football, the relaxed player is less prone to fumbles and injuries. The great runners have a relaxed stride even when they are driving the hardest.

Relaxation frees the intellectual, the emotional and even the spiritual functioning of the personality no less than it loosens the muscles of the body.

“Easy Does It” for the newcomer during those first early days of confusion, fear and doubt. If, instead of worrying and “tensing up” because he does not grasp the whole A.A. program in the first sitting - if he will relax, he will find that the emotional understanding as well as the intellectual understanding of the A.A. philosophy will come along much more readily.

Fortunately, this is a saying which can be tested easily. It does not have to be accepted on faith alone. Anyone can find out for himself whether it works simply by trying it himself.

Suppose a problem has arisen. Suppose it is the old urge to reach for the bottle. Or suppose the problem is one of those by-products of alcoholism which continue to come up long after the urge to drink has gone. The reaction of the alcoholic, and of more than a few non-alcoholics, is to fight the problem, to worry about it, to get into a stew. The tension begins to mount. Emotion runs wild. Self control is slipping rapidly.

That’s the usual sequence. It can be broken if in the midst of it, the victim sits way back, physically and mentally, and relaxes. First he must relax his muscles, because that’s the easiest to do. Then he must relax his mind, by directing his thoughts to pleasant subjects, to a reminder that others have succeeded and so can he, to mental pictures of peace and success. If he will but direct his mind away from the problem, he will find a new source of strength rising up within him.

At least that is the way it has worked and still works for others. The individual who has learned how to relax has already advanced a long way towards happiness and success.

Relax and enjoy A.A. Relax and enjoy life.
“Easy Does It.” If you don’t believe it, try it.

J.M.D.