The Ten Step Inventory for an A-Life – Don B.

About This Speaker Tape

January 15, 1985. A gun pressed against a temple. Don B. describes the absolute nadir of a life lived as a "shivering denizen" of King Alcohol’s mad realm, where the only thing left to do was detox in hot showers to scrub away the permanent smell of vodka. He speaks in the gritty language of the wreckage, detailing a "ten step inventory" that functions like a speedometer from zero to one hundred. He strips away the ego, measuring the percentage of a man's life spent in anger, false pride, and "trashy thinking."

Don B. rejects the idea of willpower, arguing that "self can't overcome self." Instead, he points toward a Higher Power and the paradox of the St. Francis prayer: that one must die to the old self to awaken. He recounts the "rum hound" beginnings of the fellowship in Akron, reminding the listener that the most satisfactory years of existence lie ahead, provided one is willing to be burned to ashes and rise as a brand new being.

Topics

Timestamps

• 0:00 Don B. introduces the 0-100 speedometer inventory for character defects.
• 5:15 Discussion on false pride and the lie about playing basketball and guitar.
• 12:40 Laughter: Don B. explains the 'sloth' animal as a metaphor for spiritual laziness.
• 18:20 Don B. demonstrates how to balance the inventory numbers to find the 'Good Side'.
• 25:10 Analysis of the St. Francis prayer as a blueprint for powerlessness and service.
• 32:45 Don B. describes the 'burning to ashes' transformation of the old self through the Steps.
• 41:10 Narrative: The story of Bill W.'s trip to Akron and the 'rum hound' phone call.
• 52:30 Discussion of Dr. Bob S.'s 9th Step work and his role as the 'Prince of the Twelve Steppers'.
• 58:15 The story of Bill D. and the 'three-day' surrender in the hospital.
• 65:40 The tragedy of Ernie G.'s family and the 'Seven Month Slip'.
• 74:20 The history of the 'Akron Mecca' and the $75 sponsorship payment for hospital stays.