Saturday speaker/history post - Archie T, author of Big Book story The Man Who Mastered Fear: Archie T - The Man Who Mastered Fear
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Tuesday AA literature post - from our online Study guide at AABookClub.org , Big Book topics for study, meditation or use with a sponsee (For the origin on these topics, click here: Big Book Topics - AA Book Club ): Assistance We learned that we had to fully concede to our innermost selves that we were alcoholics. This is the first step in recovery. The delusion that we are like other people, or presently may be, has to be smashed. (Page 30) When the spiritual malady is overcome, we straighten out mentally and physically. (Page 64) Remember it was agreed at the beginning we would go to any lengths for victory over alcohol. (Page 76) Love and tolerence of others is our code. (Page 84) God gave us brains to use (Page 86) It is not the matter of giving that is in question, but when and how to give. That often makes the difference between failure and success. The minute we put our work on a service plane, the alcoholic commences to rely upon our assistance rather than upon
Throwback Thursday AA history link - Jay S on 12 Step Origins and the Big Book: *********** On June 10, the editors of this blog founded the AA Book Club Facebook group dedicated solely to AA and AA-related literature. ** For the time being, this is a PUBLIC GROUP ** However, it is possible to post anonymously, especially from a laptop or desktop. To join this Club and post your favourite passages and read/comment on others' posts, please join us by clicking Here
From William Schaberg's Writing The Big Book, Page 376-377: God Plus Moral Psychology In opposition to Bill's strong emphasis on God, Hank had lobbied for a purely psychological explanation of their solution, one that was firmly based on the moral psychology of ego reduction and a life of increased usefulness to others: We are actually irreligious - but we are trying to be helpful - we have learned to be quiet - to be more truthful - to be more honest - to try to be more unselfish - to make other fellows troubles our - our troubles - and by folowing four steps we most of us have a religious experience. The fellowship - the unselfishness - appeals to us. Bill actually agreed with most of this, recognizing Dr. Silkworth's ideas on moral psychology as a critical element in any meaningful and sustained recovery, but he didn't feel it was sufficient by itself for keeping someone sober. Wilson's model for gaining and maintaining sobriety was a much more ba
Pause This appears to be the most repeated specific suggestion for us to follow throughout our day and in different stages of recovery. It is the basis of our ability to conduct a spot check inventory and show restraint. The idea of pausing at certain times may be based on Ebby's words to Bill W cited below. Big Book: “As we go through the day we pause, when agitated or doubtful, and ask for the right thought or action. We constantly remind ourselves we are no longer running the show, humbly saying to ourselves many times each day, ‘Thy will be done.’ ” Page 88, Into Action (Step Eleven) “When resentful thoughts come, try to pause and count your blessings.” Page 119, To Wives 12 & 12: “In all times of emotional disturbance or indecision, we can pause, ask for quiet, and in the stillness simply say: 'God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the dif
Throwback Thursday AA history link - The Forerunner Rowland Hazard: The Forerunner Rowland Hazard *********** On June 10, the editors of this blog founded the AA Book Club Facebook group dedicated solely to AA and AA-related literature. ** For the time being, this is a PUBLIC GROUP ** However, it is possible to post anonymously, especially from a laptop or desktop. To join this Club and post your favourite passages and read/comment on others' posts, please join us by clicking Here
Saturday AA speaker/history post - Mike F. of RecoverySpeakers.com on AA history, 12th Annual Founders Day: *********** On June 10, the editors of this blog founded the AA Book Club Facebook group dedicated solely to AA and AA-related literature. ** For the time being, this is a PUBLIC GROUP ** However, it is possible to post anonymously, especially from a laptop or desktop. To join this Club and post your favourite passages and read/comment on others' posts, please join us by clicking Here