How Life Became Unmanageable
Reflections on how life became unmanageable both the first time I came into AA and this most recent time.
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surrender
Things I’m Powerless Over
I’m powerless over all persons, places and things other than myself.
One Year In
To focus on being of service to others. To shift our focus away from what we want. This has been transformational in my recovery.
Let Go of What You Fear Losing
If you want to truly be free, you have to let go of everything you fear losing.
The Nature of my God
I was browsing Instagram today and I saw the following poem by Rupi Kaur posted by Sophia Bush and it really spoke to me. This is what God is to me too.
Coming to Terms with God: An Atheist’s Journey
God has been a sensitive subject for me since I was a child. I’ve come full circle in my beliefs
God Exists in the Spaces Between Us
As the Trump regime continues to challenge the rule of law, the future of American Democracy itself hangs in the balance. But we must never lose hope. Americ...
god
Reflections on Co-Dependence
The Thursday meeting that I attend has a unique structure: each week’s leader chooses a topic and 6 readings out of the book As Bill Sees It. This week I led...
One Year In
To focus on being of service to others. To shift our focus away from what we want. This has been transformational in my recovery.
Have You Given Your Life to God
As an Atheist, all of this god talk is a bit awkward. But I thought this was an interesting topic when it was brought up at my homegroup AA meeting last Mond...
When You Know Better, Do Better
As we grow, we learn new things. We begin to see issues differently than we did before. It’s okay to change our minds and do better. But forgive yourself for...
The Nature of my God
I was browsing Instagram today and I saw the following poem by Rupi Kaur posted by Sophia Bush and it really spoke to me. This is what God is to me too.
Coming to Terms with God: An Atheist’s Journey
God has been a sensitive subject for me since I was a child. I’ve come full circle in my beliefs
God Exists in the Spaces Between Us
As the Trump regime continues to challenge the rule of law, the future of American Democracy itself hangs in the balance. But we must never lose hope. Americ...
thich nhat hanh
A Gatha on Tea
We can be mindful with everything we do. Here is a Gatha that I found from Thich Nhat Hanh in regards to taking a sip of tea.
Call Me by My True Names
This past Tuesday, I went to my usual Sangha meeting of the Open Heart Sangha. And the facilitator decided to talk to us about non-judgment. Specifically avo...
The Fourteen Precepts of Engaged Buddhism
The more I study Buddhism, the more I realize I know nothing. I’ve been practicing mindfulness with Open Heart Sangha in San Diego twice per week. They pract...
The 5th Mindfulness Training
While this doesn’t directly relate to AA or Recovery, it definitely is in the same ballpark. And it really resonated with me. Particularly regarding some of ...
buddhism
The 5 Remembrances: A Buddhist Discourse on Powerlessness and Acceptance
Last week, I had an attack of absolute rage. It was a resentment brought on by my failure to realize my powerlessness over people, places and things.
Call Me by My True Names
This past Tuesday, I went to my usual Sangha meeting of the Open Heart Sangha. And the facilitator decided to talk to us about non-judgment. Specifically avo...
The Fourteen Precepts of Engaged Buddhism
The more I study Buddhism, the more I realize I know nothing. I’ve been practicing mindfulness with Open Heart Sangha in San Diego twice per week. They pract...
poem
When You Know Better, Do Better
As we grow, we learn new things. We begin to see issues differently than we did before. It’s okay to change our minds and do better. But forgive yourself for...
The Nature of my God
I was browsing Instagram today and I saw the following poem by Rupi Kaur posted by Sophia Bush and it really spoke to me. This is what God is to me too.
Call Me by My True Names
This past Tuesday, I went to my usual Sangha meeting of the Open Heart Sangha. And the facilitator decided to talk to us about non-judgment. Specifically avo...
poetry
When You Know Better, Do Better
As we grow, we learn new things. We begin to see issues differently than we did before. It’s okay to change our minds and do better. But forgive yourself for...
The Nature of my God
I was browsing Instagram today and I saw the following poem by Rupi Kaur posted by Sophia Bush and it really spoke to me. This is what God is to me too.
Call Me by My True Names
This past Tuesday, I went to my usual Sangha meeting of the Open Heart Sangha. And the facilitator decided to talk to us about non-judgment. Specifically avo...
fellowship
25 Minute Little Apple Talk
I had the pleasure of speaking for 25 minutes at a speaker meeting that my friend facilitates. I’ve attached my audio recording. I’d love to know what you th...
10 Minute New Year Talk
I had the pleasure of speaking for 10 minutes at a speaker meeting that my friend facilitates. I’ve attached my audio recording. I’d love to know what you th...
We: The Fellowship of AA
Despite the traditions and steps, not everyone will be your friend, not everyone will like you, not everyone will treat you with respect. But there are many ...
powerlessness
How Life Became Unmanageable
Reflections on how life became unmanageable both the first time I came into AA and this most recent time.
Things I’m Powerless Over
I’m powerless over all persons, places and things other than myself.
The 5 Remembrances: A Buddhist Discourse on Powerlessness and Acceptance
Last week, I had an attack of absolute rage. It was a resentment brought on by my failure to realize my powerlessness over people, places and things.
meditation
The 5th Mindfulness Training
While this doesn’t directly relate to AA or Recovery, it definitely is in the same ballpark. And it really resonated with me. Particularly regarding some of ...
Paradigm Shift
This weekend was the first time that I’ve felt happier sober than inebriated. This was my fourth time to Joshua Tree, but by far the most magical. Being with...
mindfulness
The Fourteen Precepts of Engaged Buddhism
The more I study Buddhism, the more I realize I know nothing. I’ve been practicing mindfulness with Open Heart Sangha in San Diego twice per week. They pract...
The 5th Mindfulness Training
While this doesn’t directly relate to AA or Recovery, it definitely is in the same ballpark. And it really resonated with me. Particularly regarding some of ...
turning it over
Let Go of What You Fear Losing
If you want to truly be free, you have to let go of everything you fear losing.
Have You Given Your Life to God
As an Atheist, all of this god talk is a bit awkward. But I thought this was an interesting topic when it was brought up at my homegroup AA meeting last Mond...
self-will
Let Go of What You Fear Losing
If you want to truly be free, you have to let go of everything you fear losing.
Have You Given Your Life to God
As an Atheist, all of this god talk is a bit awkward. But I thought this was an interesting topic when it was brought up at my homegroup AA meeting last Mond...
co-dependence
Reflections on Co-Dependence
The Thursday meeting that I attend has a unique structure: each week’s leader chooses a topic and 6 readings out of the book As Bill Sees It. This week I led...
Let Go of What You Fear Losing
If you want to truly be free, you have to let go of everything you fear losing.
healing
One Year In
To focus on being of service to others. To shift our focus away from what we want. This has been transformational in my recovery.
Self Righteousness
What others do isn’t my business. I need to focus on myself, my own recovery and being of service to others.
service
25 Minute Little Apple Talk
I had the pleasure of speaking for 25 minutes at a speaker meeting that my friend facilitates. I’ve attached my audio recording. I’d love to know what you th...
10 Minute New Year Talk
I had the pleasure of speaking for 10 minutes at a speaker meeting that my friend facilitates. I’ve attached my audio recording. I’d love to know what you th...
speaking
25 Minute Little Apple Talk
I had the pleasure of speaking for 25 minutes at a speaker meeting that my friend facilitates. I’ve attached my audio recording. I’d love to know what you th...
10 Minute New Year Talk
I had the pleasure of speaking for 10 minutes at a speaker meeting that my friend facilitates. I’ve attached my audio recording. I’d love to know what you th...
audio
25 Minute Little Apple Talk
I had the pleasure of speaking for 25 minutes at a speaker meeting that my friend facilitates. I’ve attached my audio recording. I’d love to know what you th...
10 Minute New Year Talk
I had the pleasure of speaking for 10 minutes at a speaker meeting that my friend facilitates. I’ve attached my audio recording. I’d love to know what you th...
acceptance
The 5 Remembrances: A Buddhist Discourse on Powerlessness and Acceptance
Last week, I had an attack of absolute rage. It was a resentment brought on by my failure to realize my powerlessness over people, places and things.
Reflections on Acceptance
It might sound cliche, but in AA you’ll hear the phrase god will do for you what you can’t do for yourself quite often. And that has definitely been my exper...
humility
Returning to AA
In November 2019, after some deliberation, I decided to leave AA and try my hand at moderate drinking. At first, it went great. Until it didn’t.
12 Steps to Humility
Today, I had my monthly meeting with my sponsor to have a philosophical discussion on Step 7. We also talked about a recent resentment of mine. And spiritual...
character defects
Returning to AA
In November 2019, after some deliberation, I decided to leave AA and try my hand at moderate drinking. At first, it went great. Until it didn’t.
12 Steps to Humility
Today, I had my monthly meeting with my sponsor to have a philosophical discussion on Step 7. We also talked about a recent resentment of mine. And spiritual...
freedom
Returning to AA
In November 2019, after some deliberation, I decided to leave AA and try my hand at moderate drinking. At first, it went great. Until it didn’t.
12 Steps to Humility
Today, I had my monthly meeting with my sponsor to have a philosophical discussion on Step 7. We also talked about a recent resentment of mine. And spiritual...
california
Paradigm Shift
This weekend was the first time that I’ve felt happier sober than inebriated. This was my fourth time to Joshua Tree, but by far the most magical. Being with...
joshua tree
Paradigm Shift
This weekend was the first time that I’ve felt happier sober than inebriated. This was my fourth time to Joshua Tree, but by far the most magical. Being with...
national park
Paradigm Shift
This weekend was the first time that I’ve felt happier sober than inebriated. This was my fourth time to Joshua Tree, but by far the most magical. Being with...
nature
Paradigm Shift
This weekend was the first time that I’ve felt happier sober than inebriated. This was my fourth time to Joshua Tree, but by far the most magical. Being with...
AJR
Help Me Sober Up
I heard this song for the first time yesterday when I was driving home from Joshua Tree. It really struck me as something I can relate to.
Music
Help Me Sober Up
I heard this song for the first time yesterday when I was driving home from Joshua Tree. It really struck me as something I can relate to.
Rivers Cuomo
Help Me Sober Up
I heard this song for the first time yesterday when I was driving home from Joshua Tree. It really struck me as something I can relate to.
Buddhism
The 10 Grave Precepts
My friend and I went to Temple last night. It was a pretty cool place to be on a Friday night. Who would have ever thought I’d be at church on a Friday rathe...
Meditation
The 10 Grave Precepts
My friend and I went to Temple last night. It was a pretty cool place to be on a Friday night. Who would have ever thought I’d be at church on a Friday rathe...
Friday night
The 10 Grave Precepts
My friend and I went to Temple last night. It was a pretty cool place to be on a Friday night. Who would have ever thought I’d be at church on a Friday rathe...
Sober Friday
The 10 Grave Precepts
My friend and I went to Temple last night. It was a pretty cool place to be on a Friday night. Who would have ever thought I’d be at church on a Friday rathe...
consumption
The 5th Mindfulness Training
While this doesn’t directly relate to AA or Recovery, it definitely is in the same ballpark. And it really resonated with me. Particularly regarding some of ...
interbeing
The Fourteen Precepts of Engaged Buddhism
The more I study Buddhism, the more I realize I know nothing. I’ve been practicing mindfulness with Open Heart Sangha in San Diego twice per week. They pract...
compassion
Call Me by My True Names
This past Tuesday, I went to my usual Sangha meeting of the Open Heart Sangha. And the facilitator decided to talk to us about non-judgment. Specifically avo...
equanimity
Call Me by My True Names
This past Tuesday, I went to my usual Sangha meeting of the Open Heart Sangha. And the facilitator decided to talk to us about non-judgment. Specifically avo...
gatha
A Gatha on Tea
We can be mindful with everything we do. Here is a Gatha that I found from Thich Nhat Hanh in regards to taking a sip of tea.
tea
A Gatha on Tea
We can be mindful with everything we do. Here is a Gatha that I found from Thich Nhat Hanh in regards to taking a sip of tea.
trusting god
God Exists in the Spaces Between Us
As the Trump regime continues to challenge the rule of law, the future of American Democracy itself hangs in the balance. But we must never lose hope. Americ...
hard times
God Exists in the Spaces Between Us
As the Trump regime continues to challenge the rule of law, the future of American Democracy itself hangs in the balance. But we must never lose hope. Americ...
donald trump
God Exists in the Spaces Between Us
As the Trump regime continues to challenge the rule of law, the future of American Democracy itself hangs in the balance. But we must never lose hope. Americ...
anthony kennedy
God Exists in the Spaces Between Us
As the Trump regime continues to challenge the rule of law, the future of American Democracy itself hangs in the balance. But we must never lose hope. Americ...
supreme court
God Exists in the Spaces Between Us
As the Trump regime continues to challenge the rule of law, the future of American Democracy itself hangs in the balance. But we must never lose hope. Americ...
atheist
Coming to Terms with God: An Atheist’s Journey
God has been a sensitive subject for me since I was a child. I’ve come full circle in my beliefs
agnostic
Coming to Terms with God: An Atheist’s Journey
God has been a sensitive subject for me since I was a child. I’ve come full circle in my beliefs
religion
Coming to Terms with God: An Atheist’s Journey
God has been a sensitive subject for me since I was a child. I’ve come full circle in my beliefs
growing up
Coming to Terms with God: An Atheist’s Journey
God has been a sensitive subject for me since I was a child. I’ve come full circle in my beliefs
forgiveness
When You Know Better, Do Better
As we grow, we learn new things. We begin to see issues differently than we did before. It’s okay to change our minds and do better. But forgive yourself for...
Maya Angelou
When You Know Better, Do Better
As we grow, we learn new things. We begin to see issues differently than we did before. It’s okay to change our minds and do better. But forgive yourself for...
letting go
Have You Given Your Life to God
As an Atheist, all of this god talk is a bit awkward. But I thought this was an interesting topic when it was brought up at my homegroup AA meeting last Mond...
self-righteousness
Self Righteousness
What others do isn’t my business. I need to focus on myself, my own recovery and being of service to others.
defect of character
Self Righteousness
What others do isn’t my business. I need to focus on myself, my own recovery and being of service to others.
unity
We: The Fellowship of AA
Despite the traditions and steps, not everyone will be your friend, not everyone will like you, not everyone will treat you with respect. But there are many ...
harmony
We: The Fellowship of AA
Despite the traditions and steps, not everyone will be your friend, not everyone will like you, not everyone will treat you with respect. But there are many ...
self-reliance
Reflections on Co-Dependence
The Thursday meeting that I attend has a unique structure: each week’s leader chooses a topic and 6 readings out of the book As Bill Sees It. This week I led...
higher power
Reflections on Acceptance
It might sound cliche, but in AA you’ll hear the phrase god will do for you what you can’t do for yourself quite often. And that has definitely been my exper...
alcoholics anonymous
Leaving Alcoholics Anonymous: An Introduction
The first blog in a series of 10 detailing my decision to leave the fellowship of Alcoholics Anonymous.
leaving aa
Leaving Alcoholics Anonymous: An Introduction
The first blog in a series of 10 detailing my decision to leave the fellowship of Alcoholics Anonymous.
unmanageability
How Life Became Unmanageable
Reflections on how life became unmanageable both the first time I came into AA and this most recent time.