Calvin M. – Traditions – NA Traditions 10 11 And 12 Workshop – 2006

About This Speaker Tape

Calvin and Chris dismantle the Traditions, moving past the dry text to the grit of the street. Calvin maps out how recovery isn't just about stopping drugs, but about scrubbing away a lifetime of pimping and stealing to become a man who rakes his own grass and speaks to his neighbors. He argues that the 10th Tradition isn't a shield to avoid 'outside issues,' but a mandate to live a life of attraction.

Chris takes a harder line, tearing into the 'negotiable' nature of modern traditions. He rails against the theft of 7th Tradition funds and the absurdity of members who hide their recovery in public while their whole neighborhood already knows they were a junkie. Together, they frame the Traditions not as rules, but as the only thing keeping the fellowship from collapsing into the same chaos they left behind.

Topics

Timestamps

• 0:00 Opening reading on the nature of addiction and the danger of substituting one drug for another.
• 2:15 Calvin introduces himself and urges newcomers to stay long enough to find clarity.
• 6:40 Calvin describes the 'attraction' of recovery: washing his car and raking grass as evidence the program works.
• 11:20 Calvin reveals his history of pimping and selling dope for 22 years, citing guilt as his primary driver for change.
• 15:30 Calvin discusses the 10th Tradition and the importance of not wearing an NA shirt while fighting in the streets.
• 21:10 Calvin reflects on the 'growing piece' of pain and the process of letting go of anger and violence.
• 26:45 Calvin's take on the 11th and 12th Traditions: equality in the rooms regardless of professional status.
• 31:10 Chris takes the podium and mocks the idea that Traditions are now 'negotiable'.
• 36:20 Laughter: Chris discusses the 'outside issue' of stealing 7th Tradition money and the need for handcuffs.
• 42:15 Chris explains the 11th Tradition: attraction over promotion, and his attraction to 'color-coordinated' members.
• 47:50 Chris's comedic breakdown of the 'hotel towel' theft habit.
• 53:10 Chris dismantles the misuse of anonymity, arguing that people are often just ashamed of being addicts.