The Danger of the La Carte Program — Cliff E.
About This Speaker Tape
The recording features two speakers, Cliff G. and John E., who discuss the journey toward spiritual belief and the process of surrender within the framework of Steps Two and Three. Cliff G. describes his identity as a 'real alcoholic' who experienced the 'peculiar mental twist' described in the Big Book, often disappearing on binges for days. He emphasizes that his path to sobriety began when he was 'beaten into a state of reasonableness' and reached a point of total desperation, noting that this grace often comes with an expiration date that requires immediate action.
John E. shares a more complex journey, detailing how he maintained 18 years of sobriety while operating on 'half measures' and a 'la carte' program. He recounts a profound crisis that left him suicidal on his kitchen floor, leading to a complete surrender and a total overhaul of his spiritual conception. He explains the importance of removing old prejudices and misconceptions about a Higher Power to build a genuine relationship rather than just a belief system.
Both speakers emphasize the necessity of being 'all in' and the danger of attempting to negotiate the terms of recovery. They discuss the transition from a state of spiritual arrogance or agnostic doubt to a place of hope, using the metaphor of a demonstration of the solution to inspire newcomers. The discussion concludes with the idea that peace, rather than temporary happiness, is the ultimate goal of the surrender process.
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