Peter M and Chris S – May 2022 Workshop – Part 4 of 7 – 2022 – Chris S.

About This Speaker Tape

Peter M and Chris S - May 2022 Workshop - 2022

A deep dive into the maintenance and outreach phases of recovery Chris S. argues that Steps 10 and 11 are the actual 'growth steps' where the spiritual life becomes a daily discipline rather than a theory. He dismantles the idea of perfection suggesting instead that the process renders a person useful. The narrative shifts into a gritty practical manual on the 'first visit' to a suffering alcoholic emphasizing the necessity of establishing a shared sense of hopelessness before offering a solution. He warns against becoming a 'drama coach' or a 'banker' for sponsees insisting that compassion often looks like dropping someone who refuses the solution. The talk closes with a sobering look at the post-COVID landscape noting the spike in overdoses and suicides and a call for recovered alcoholics to be of maximum benefit to a new wave of the sick and suffering.

Topics

Timestamps

• 0:00 Opening thanks to service commitments and the energy of the event.
• 4:15 Step 10: Discussing the 'manifestations of self' that defeat the alcoholic.
• 7:30 Laughter: The 'Harry' anecdote about hating perfect people.
• 10:15 The 90s fellowship and the 'lunatics' who helped newcomers move furniture.
• 15:40 The 'Set-Aside Prayer' and the story of Rich B. and the garbage can of Big Books.
• 21:10 Step 11: The difference between Eastern meditation and the Big Book's contemplative exercise.
• 26:30 Step 12: The 'first visit' and the importance of identification over criticism.
• 32:10 The danger of being a 'drama coach' or 'banker' for a sponsee.
• 38:45 The '12 Inconveniences' of service and the mention of martial arts for sponsees.
• 42:10 Reflections on the COVID-19 pandemic's impact on fellowship and the rise in overdoses.