Steps 6 and 7 – Part 7 – Mark H. – FOTSNY – 2001

About This Speaker Tape

Mark H. breaks down the mechanics of the inventory process, emphasizing the danger of 'first-stepping' raw secrets to a group before they are cleaned up one-on-one. He describes a 'short form' method to prevent newcomers from drowning in 400 resentments and dying in the process.

The conversation shifts to 'Steel on Steel,' a high-accountability partnership where men use timers and strict checklists to track prayer, meditation, and financial amends. The tape concludes with a fiery intervention by Chris R., who rails against the 'therapy session' atmosphere of modern AA meetings. Chris argues that the fellowship has traded the Big Book's spiritual solution for 'war stories' and 'bitching,' warning that relying on circumstances rather than a Higher Power is a recipe for relapse.

Topics

Timestamps

• 0:00 Mark H. discusses the set-aside prayer and the vertical method of writing inventory.
• 4:15 Warning against 'first-stepping' secrets to a group before finishing the inventory.
• 7:30 Discussion of the 'short form' inventory and how childhood abandonment affects the 'pocketbook'.
• 12:45 The 'fear tool' and the Big Book's comparison of fear to stealing.
• 17:10 Explanation of 'Steel on Steel' and the use of timers for accountability.
• 23:40 Laughter: Discussion on the 'magic of the number four' in accountability groups.
• 27:15 Chris Raymer begins his talk; discusses the 'passion' often mistaken for anger.
• 32:10 Critique of the decline in AA literature sales and the rise of 'war stories' in meetings.
• 36:45 Mention of the physical allergy and the mental obsession.
• 41:20 Discussion of Tradition 5 and the primary purpose of helping the alcoholic get sober.