Neutral Gap (NGA)
- pancakemarathon
- Jul 3
- 5 min read
Neutral Gap (NGA) come from better understanding Stuck (SA)
12 steps
We admitted that even after leaving our old ways, we were powerless over the uncertainty of what comes next—that this gap often feels overwhelming, confusing, or directionless.
Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could guide us gently through this neutral space.
Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of that Power, trusting that forward movement will unfold in its time.
Made a searching and fearless inventory of the fears, expectations, and unfinished attachments that lingered after letting go of the old.
Admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the nature of our discomfort with not knowing.
Became entirely ready to allow our Higher Power to release our demand for immediate answers.
Humbly asked our Higher Power to help us rest in the unknown and trust the unfolding process.
Made a list of people or areas affected by our old ways and our current gap, becoming willing to make amends as healing allows.
Made direct amends wherever possible, except when to do so would cause harm or force closure prematurely.
Continued to practice gentle awareness, acknowledging when we grasp for certainty, and returned to surrender.
Sought through prayer, meditation, and quiet openness to improve conscious contact with our Higher Power, asking for only the next right step.
Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps, we tried to carry this message to others in the neutral gap and to practice these principles in all areas of becoming.
13th Step Safeguard
We gather here to honor the sacred space between who we were and who we are becoming. Emotional vulnerability, confusion, and searching are natural here. This group offers support, not solutions. We avoid unhealthy attachments, rescuing behaviors, or spiritual bypassing. Always seek the guidance of a sponsor, Higher Power, or trusted fellowship when uncertain.
12 Traditions
Our common welfare comes first; the gap is safest when we walk it together.
For our group purpose, there is but one ultimate authority—a loving Higher Power who unfolds our path.
The only requirement for membership is a desire to honor the neutral gap.
Each group should be autonomous except in matters affecting NGA as a whole.
Each group has but one primary purpose—to share experience, strength, and hope with those in the gap.
NGA ought never endorse, finance, or lend its name to outside enterprises.
Every group ought to be fully self-supporting, declining outside contributions.
NGA remains non-professional but may engage in service work to support members.
NGA ought never be highly organized; trusted servants may be chosen to serve.
NGA has no opinion on outside issues; its name should never be drawn into controversy.
Our public relations policy is based on attraction rather than promotion.
Anonymity is the spiritual foundation of all our Traditions, reminding us that principles come before personalities.
12 Promises
We will learn to rest in uncertainty without fear.
Trust will replace urgency.
We will discover new identity not rooted in old patterns or false certainty.
Peace will emerge as we allow becoming to unfold.
Our anxiety about "having it all figured out" will soften.
New opportunities will arise gently and naturally.
We will find contentment in progress, not arrival.
Our connection with our Higher Power will deepen in quiet spaces.
We will release the pressure to force outcomes.
We will witness the slow but steady formation of a new life.
We will grow comfortable with not knowing — for knowing is not the only safety.
We will help others walk the neutral gap with grace and patience.
Slogans
"You left. You’re not lost."
"Pause is part of progress."
"Becoming takes time."
"Trust the gap."
"Uncertainty is sacred ground."
"One small step, even in fog."
"Rest. Listen. Receive."
Acronyms
G.A.P. — God Aligns Progress
R.E.S.T. — Release Every Striving Thought
W.A.I.T. — Why Am I Tensing?
L.I.G.H.T. — Let It Grow — Honor Time
📖 NGA Workbook: Becoming Comfortable With The Gap
Introduction
This workbook is designed to gently walk you through the neutral gap — the sacred space after leaving the old ways, before fully knowing the new. This is not a race, but a relationship with your Higher Power, with time, and with your unfolding self.
🌱 Section 1: The First 3 Steps — Laying The Foundation
Step 1: Admitting Where You Are
We admitted that even after leaving our old ways, we were powerless over the uncertainty of what comes next—that this gap often feels overwhelming, confusing, or directionless.
Reflections:
What old ways have I left behind?
Where am I feeling frozen, stuck, or uncertain now?
How does this gap feel emotionally, physically, spiritually?
Action:
Write a list called: “What I’ve Walked Away From.”
Write a list called: “What I Don’t Yet See.”
Step 2: Trusting The Process
Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could guide us gently through this neutral space.
Reflections:
Where have I seen Higher Power show up even when I didn’t know what to do?
What does trusting look like for me?
What fears block me from trusting the unknown?
Action:
Write a prayer or statement of willingness: “I am willing to trust even when I can’t see.”
Step 3: Surrendering Control
Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of that Power, trusting that forward movement will unfold in its time.
Reflections:
Where am I still trying to force solutions?
How do I act when I feel I need to control outcomes?
What would surrendering one small area today look like?
Action:
Write a Let Go List: specific things you're releasing from your grip today.
🌿 Section 2: Inventory and Healing
Step 4: Inventory of Lingering Attachments
Reflections:
What fears still tie me to my past?
What unfinished emotions linger from old ways?
Where do I still seek certainty to feel safe?
Action:
Make a 3-column list: 1️⃣ Fear / Attachment 2️⃣ How it affects me now 3️⃣ What I hope Higher Power will help release
Step 5: Sharing and Admitting
Action:
Share your Step 4 inventory with your sponsor, trusted friend, or Higher Power aloud.
Practice honesty without judgment.
Step 6 & 7: Readiness and Release
Reflections:
Am I ready to release needing to know "what’s next"?
What would trusting today's step feel like?
Action:
Write a simple prayer: “Higher Power, help me release my need to know, and give me peace in the becoming.”
🌼 Section 3: Cleaning The Residue
Step 8 & 9: Gentle Amends
Reflections:
Has my gap-avoidance hurt anyone?
Are there people I need to make peace with for my peace of mind?
Action:
Create a "Healing List" of those affected by your old ways or indecision.
Make amends where appropriate, or spiritually release where direct amends aren’t possible.
🌸 Section 4: Daily Practice in The Gap
Step 10: Daily Surrender Inventory
Each night, ask:
Where did I try to force or predict today?
Where did I trust and rest?
What small progress unfolded naturally?
Action:
Keep a nightly “Gap Journal” with these questions.
Step 11: Quiet Contact With Higher Power
Action:
Begin a simple daily prayer practice: "Show me today’s next right step."
Use breath prayers: (Inhale) — “I trust...” (Exhale) — “...even here.”
Step 12: Becoming A Beacon For Others
Reflections:
Who else may be in the gap that I can gently support?
How can I share my experience with humility?
Action:
Share your journey when invited, remembering: "We share, not fix."
🌻 Section 5: Bonus Gap Tools
🔲 The Neutral Gap Box
Create a small box or jar.
Each time you're tempted to force outcomes, write it on a slip of paper and place it in the box.
This is your physical act of surrender.
🔲 The "I Don't Know" Practice
Say aloud daily: “It’s okay that I don’t know yet. The answer is coming.”
🔲 Slogan Wall
Write these and place them where you’ll see daily:
“Pause is part of progress.”
“Trust the gap.”
“Becoming takes time.”
End of Workbook Build
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