Spirituality Retreat 2008 – Practicing “The Presence of the Now” – Sandy B.

About This Speaker Tape

The speaker navigates the abstract concept of the 'present moment,' arguing that all human attempts to structure reality—through science, religion, or even time itself—fail to capture 'now.' He draws parallels between this spiritual necessity and the work of the Steps, suggesting that eliminating the 'I' (the ego) is the only way to enter this state. The talk culminates in the idea that the initial awakening of AA, a singular moment of profound change, is still happening right now, binding everyone present to that continuous spiritual energy.

Topics

Timestamps

• 0:00 Introduction, mentioning a DVD of Chuck Chamberlain's talk on spirituality.
• 1:30 Discussion of James Newton, an AA history figure who helped bring the Oxford Group to Akron, laying groundwork for Bill Wilson.
• 4:00 The core topic: 'Practicing the Presence of the Now,' arguing that focusing on the present is superior to worrying about the past or future.
• 8:00 Comparing the search for Higher Power to the present moment, noting that science and religion often focus too much on what happened or what will happen.
• 11:00 The speaker uses the 'hole in the donut' analogy, linking the surrender of the 'I' to the spiritual state required for entry.
• 14:00 Discussion of the 12th Step, noting the line: 'We may be granted a glimpse of the ultimate reality, Higher Power's kingdom.'
• 16:00 The speaker details the process of surrender, comparing it to the 'Wilsonian Order of the Present Moment' pledge, requiring the abandonment of all plans and beliefs.
• 22:00 Concluding with the idea that the initial awakening of AA was a 'singular moment' that is still happening, binding everyone present to the continuous spiritual energy.