12 Steps to Being Launched – Toronto June 2016 – Part 2 of 2 – 2016 – Peter M.

About This Speaker Tape

Peter M. 12 Steps To Being Launched - Toronto June 2016 - 2016

A dusty book on Eastern Philosophy becomes the catalyst for Peter M. to articulate a life of service framing the recovery process as becoming a bridge or a lamp for those still lost. He dissects the 'world of the Spirit' found in Step 10 arguing that spiritual fitness isn't about running away from booze but reaching a state of neutrality where the drink simply ceases to exist as a problem. Peter M. warns against the 'illusion of struggle,' claiming that frustration is merely a mask for the desire to push one's own will over a Higher Power's. He describes a disciplined almost monastic approach to sobriety—nightly four-column inventories a strict Wednesday 7:00 PM call with his sponsor Mickey M. and a commitment to 'chop wood and carry water' without seeking applause. He concludes with a blunt challenge to the room about the hypocrisy of praising a Higher Power while refusing to spend even one hour a week in a place of worship.

Topics

Timestamps

• 0:45 Peter M. shares a quote from an Eastern Philosophy book about becoming a protector and a bridge for others.
• 3:15 Laughter: Discussion on the mind's tendency to invent drama even when everything in life is going well.
• 5:40 Analysis of Step 10 and the removal of the obsession with alcohol.
• 7:20 The 'World of the Spirit' and the danger of self-reliance.
• 9:10 A concrete example of using Step 10 'immediately' to handle a volcano of anger regarding a business associate.
• 11:30 The metaphor of 'chopping wood and carrying water' as quiet, uncelebrated service.
• 14:10 The discipline of the 'narrow walk' and the importance of being a light for the newcomer.
• 16:40 Detailed description of the Wednesday 7:00 PM accountability call with sponsor Mickey M.
• 18:20 The practice of meditation, using a gong, sage, and the 'sacred silence'.
• 21:10 Discussion on the 'rich lineage' of sponsors, mentioning Tony N., Mark H., and Gary B.
• 23:40 The 'Ali' metaphor: a lesson on hypocrisy and the importance of spending time in a place of worship.