Becky B. at the 12 Steps and Buddhism Retreat – 2012

About This Speaker Tape

12 Steps and Buddhism Retreat - 2012

Becky B. dismantles the concept of 'action' in Step 3 arguing that the real work isn't physical exertion but a mental shift from controlling life to receiving it. She contrasts the 'do-do-do' culture of America—citing the Burger King 'Have It Your Way' mentality—with the spiritual discipline of sitting with pain without trying to numb it or wiggle out of it. Through the lens of her relationship with her 17-year-old stepdaughter and the chaos of five loads of laundry that end up being washed twice because of a lack of organization Becky B. explores the tension between right effort and lazy avoidance making the case for patience and gentleness over the need to fix everything.

Topics

Timestamps

• 0:15 Becky B. questions why 'action' is paired with the Third Step.
• 1:10 Discussion on the shift from walking into life to letting life be the teacher.
• 2:30 The 'Burger King' metaphor for the pervasive American desire for control.
• 3:45 The difficulty of receiving pain and the addict's instinct to 'wiggle out' of it.
• 4:50 Reflection on a journal quote: 'Everything that comes to you is the truth.'
• 5:30 Contrast between her own laziness and her sister's 'Type A' effort.
• 6:15 The emotional toll of reacting to her 17-year-old stepdaughter.
• 7:20 The 'laundry karma' story about washing clean laundry over again.
• 8:10 Final call for patience, gentleness, and the courage to sit in silence.