The Spiritual Malady as Anything That Separates Me From You — Cyndi M., Olis S., and Theresa F.

About This Speaker Tape

Three long-term sober members share their personal experiences with Step 11, focusing on the discipline of prayer and meditation. Cindy M. discusses the transition from an atheist perspective to finding a spectacular relationship with a Higher Power, noting how the pandemic provided her the space to deepen her practice through native flute and silence. She emphasizes that the 'spiritual malady' is any separation between oneself, others, and a Higher Power.

Alice shares her journey of moving from a childhood of trauma and early drinking to a state of 'seeking' conscious contact. She explores the difference between self-will and spiritual guidance, illustrating how letting go of the 'outcome business' allows for a more fluid and peaceful life. She reflects on her current transition of moving and how service is the primary vehicle for maintaining her sobriety.

Teresa discusses the importance of 'cleaning house' through steps 1-10 to remove the blocks that hinder a connection with a Higher Power. She describes her history of seeking sanctuary in the world of spirit to escape a painful physical reality and how AA helped her integrate that peace into her daily life. She concludes by discussing the necessity of 'self-dying'—letting the ego perish to allow a spiritual awakening to emerge.

Topics

Timestamps

• 0:00 Cindy M. introduces her sobriety date and her initial resistance to a Higher Power
• 5:25 Cindy describes using the native flute to achieve stillness and hear a Higher Power
• 12:10 Cindy reflects on her past anxiety in restaurants and her current sense of belonging
• 22:15 Alice begins her share, discussing the difference between the 'Higher Power of reason' and spiritual willingness
• 26:40 Alice recounts her first childhood drink and her search for belonging
• 34:10 Alice discusses 'conscious contact' and the practice of moving out of self-will
• 44:20 Alice shares a story about a friend's gallbladder surgery and practicing gratitude over judgment
• 53:15 Teresa introduces the necessity of cleaning house before seeking a Higher Power
• 1:02:10 Teresa describes her early sanctuary in the world of spirit compared to her physical trauma
• 1:12:45 Teresa discusses the 'higher power of money' and the process of self-forgetting