Why the Word Entirely Is Key to Step 6 – Don H.

About This Speaker Tape

A garden hoe and a scalpel serve as the primary metaphors for the internal wreckage of Brian B. as he navigates the transition from Step 5 to Step 6. After purging the heavy wreckage of rage and sex relations with his sponsor Rob R.

Brian B. finds that the 'big weeds' are gone but the smaller clinging vines of character defects remain. Rob R. challenges Brian B.'s notion of willingness arguing that the 'secret sauce' of Step 6 is being entirely ready to let go of the traits that provide a perverse joy at the expense of others

. The conversation shifts from the relief of confession to the gritty reality of a lifelong commitment to spiritual maintenance where the goal is to replace the weeds of sarcasm and ego with the 'marigolds' of service to others.

Topics

Timestamps

• 0:00 Brian B. reflects on the identity shift after completing Step 5 with Willie W.
• 2:15 Brian B. finds Rob R. in the garden; banter about the tomato patch.
• 4:30 Rob R. introduces Step 6 and the requirement of being 'entirely ready'.
• 6:00 The Garden Analogy: The hoe represents the removal of big weeds (Steps 4 and 5).
• 8:45 Discussion on how minor character defects are often extreme versions of positive traits.
• 11:20 Rob R. explains the difference between white-knuckling and trusting a Higher Power to lift the obsession.
• 14:10 The 'secret sauce' of Step 6: Willingness and the 'men from the boys' distinction.
• 17:30 The 'wounded badger' metaphor for lashing out when HALT (hungry, angry, lonely, tired).
• 19:00 Brian B. summarizes the lifelong process of weeding the psyche.
• 20:15 The Marigolds: A preview of Step 12 and being of value to others.