The Prayer of Saint Francis as a Tool for Change – Sandy B.

About This Speaker Tape

Gopher State Roundup - 2001

Sandy B. maps out the internal war between the ego and the spiritual path describing the struggle to become a 'channel' for a Higher Power. He recounts the deep healing of a relationship with his mother whose smile in hospice served as a silent absolution for the wreckage of his drinking years. Sandy dismantles the idea of self-reliance arguing that the only way to stay 'undisturbed' is to stop trying to take care of himself and instead focus on doing the work of others. He uses a vivid encounter with a massive embarrassed passenger on a plane to illustrate how shifting focus from personal resentment to another's comfort provides an immediate physical release from pain and anger.

Topics

Timestamps

• 0:00 Sandy B. opens by welcoming newcomers and discussing the unfolding nature of recovery.
• 2:15 Discussion on the struggle between the ego and the Higher Power.
• 4:10 Sandy reflects on his 36-year relationship with his sponsor, Bill T.
• 6:20 The story of his mother's final smile in hospice and the healing of their relationship.
• 10:15 Sandy discusses the use of prayers, like the Prayer of Saint Francis, to reprogram his natural thoughts.
• 13:40 The 'airplane incident': Sandy describes the resentment and subsequent spiritual shift while sitting next to a large passenger.
• 18:20 Analysis of the 'Chapter to the Agnostic' in the Big Book and the definition of alcoholism as a spiritual illness.
• 22:10 Laughter: Sandy describes the agony of the 4:30 PM to 5:00 PM wait for a drink.
• 26:30 Discussion on the philosophy of Chuck C. regarding Higher Power's job vs. our job.
• 29:10 Sandy's take on forgiveness and the example of Jesus on the cross.
• 32:40 Closing thoughts on the 10th Step and the art of remaining 'undisturbed'.