The Problem Is a Lack of Power – Sandy B.

About This Speaker Tape

Lake Mead Retreat - 2002

Sandy B. dismantles the illusion of self-sufficiency arguing that the core of alcoholism isn't just the drink but a fundamental lack of power. He maps out the transition from the 'intellectual glasses' of the ego—where one is the center of a screwed-up universe—to a spiritual center. Using his 38-year relationship with his sponsor Bill Sandy B. describes the brutal necessity of desperation and the 'two doors' of the agnostic: alcoholic death or a spiritual basis. He frames the steps not as a path to sainthood but as a way to clear the 'blockages' of instinctual drives—sex security and society—that otherwise torture the alcoholic. He concludes that the highest pay grade in recovery is that of a servant a state of being where one is finally in charge of nothing and consequently happy.

Topics

Timestamps

• 0:00 Sandy B. opens by addressing the newcomers and the pressure to stop on time.
• 3:45 Laughter: Sandy B. discusses the 'lack of power' as the real problem.
• 7:12 Sandy B. recounts his sponsor Bill's direct approach to his lack of spiritual practice.
• 12:30 Discussion of the 'Chapter to the Agnostic' and the definition of powerlessness.
• 18:15 The 'two doors' metaphor: alcoholic death vs. spiritual basis.
• 24:40 Sandy B. explains the 'highest pay grade' of being a servant.
• 31:10 Analysis of the 12 and 12 regarding instinctual drives and character defects.
• 38:20 The difference between 'regular asking' and 'humbly asking' (Step 7).
• 44:15 Discussion on the 'cheat sheet' of prayer and the quiet signal of meditation.