Step 10 and the Spiritual Axiom of Being Disturbed – Sandy B.

About This Speaker Tape

East Coast Convention - 1997

Sandy B. maps out a philosophy of sobriety centered on the concept of being 'undisturbed.' He argues that alcohol was a chemical shortcut to a state of contentment that the 12 Steps now provide spiritually. He dismantles the ego's demand to have things its own way describing the internal noise of character defects as blockages in a channel that prevent a person from hearing the 'still small voice' of a Higher Power. Through a mix of Marine Corps analogies and a gritty look at self-centeredness Sandy B. explains how humility—the total absence of pride—allows a person to move through life like a 'hole in the donut,' shifting from a resume of entitlement to a resume of usefulness.

Topics

Timestamps

• 2:15 Sandy B. discusses the evolution of the steps from a formula to avoid a drink to a tool for solving life crises.
• 8:40 Laughter: The 'Chicken Little' analogy regarding early sobriety and calling sponsors over minor inconveniences.
• 13:10 Analysis of the Step 10 spiritual axiom regarding being 'disturbed'.
• 18:20 The 'orchestra' metaphor: the difference between playing a master score and playing the 'me' note.
• 23:45 A story about a family reunion in Connecticut and the realization that he was the cause of his uncle's curtness.
• 28:10 The fighter pilot analogy for Step 1 and Step 2: the 'truck' as proof of the need for a Higher Power.
• 34:50 Discussion on Step 6 and the 'wiggle room' we have with character defects compared to the drinking obsession.
• 41:15 Defining humility as the total absence of pride and the 'hole in the donut' approach to life.
• 48:30 The 'spiritual resume' concept: shifting from entitlement to usefulness.
• 54:10 Practical application of Step 11: using prayer and meditation to 'clear the stage' of the mind.