Sandy B. on Steps 10 and 11 — The Separation Problem and the Higher Power

About This Speaker Tape

Steps 10, 11 - 2006

Sandy B. dismantles the illusion of the ego framing it as an imposter pretending to be the self. He maps out the spiritual journey as a process of unlearning rather than learning using the metaphor of an actor who forgets he is playing a role—a janitor sweeping floors—and creates a secondary tragic play in his head. Sandy traces the path through Steps 10 and 11 arguing that the only real power exists in the present moment while the ego keeps us trapped in the manufactured neighborhoods of the past and the future. He describes the 'world of the Spirit' not as a theory but as a personal experience of intuitive guidance and the removal of fear. Through the lens of the 12 and 12 he explains how to stay 'undisturbed' by using self-restraint and honest analysis to maintain a connection with a Higher Power ultimately aiming for a state where the ego's noise is simply ignored.

Topics

Timestamps

• 0:45 Sandy B. discusses the nature of truth and the 12 Steps as a way to reveal one's own truth.
• 3:15 Discussion on the necessity of service as a natural byproduct of a spiritual awakening.
• 6:20 The 'Janitor' metaphor: how the ego creates a secondary play to avoid the simple role assigned by a Higher Power.
• 10:15 Laughter: Sandy B. describes the 'trick' of the ego creating a resentment out of thin air.
• 14:30 Analysis of Step 10 and entering the 'world of the Spirit'.
• 18:45 The 'Ego Prayer' demonstration: how the ego takes credit for sobriety.
• 22:10 Discussion on the 12 and 12 and the goal of remaining 'undisturbed'.
• 26:40 The 'Radio Range' metaphor: using disturbances as a beam to correct one's spiritual course.
• 31:15 The 'Hologram' analogy: the process of losing oneself to find the observer.
• 35:20 Closing thoughts on the Prayer of St. Francis and the essence of being love and harmony.