Many early AAs were prolific readers. Dr. Bob left a library overflowing with spiritual literature and for Oxford Group members spiritual reading formed an important part of their daily morning quiet times. When I’m asked, “What books do you recommend?” to read before doing Two Way Prayer, I’m hesitant to answer as we’re each very different. But, for me, there's one book I’ve returned to several times and it never fails to speak to the deepest longings of my soul. The Big Book says the Great Reality is within. Thomas R. Kelly’s book A Testament of Devotion sheds a Light that helps illuminate that inward journey. Come along for the ride!

A Testament of Devotion by Thomas R. Kelly

In this Golden Oldie, Father Bill interviews Professor William Miller, author of Quantum Change: When Epiphanies and Sudden Insights Transform Ordinary Lives. Listen as the professor reflects on his in-depth study of psychic change. It’s a lively discussion of spirituality and science. Quantum Change: When Epiphanies and Sudden Insights Transform Ordinary Lives by William Miller

https://williamrmiller.net/quantum-change/

Two Way Prayer is only a part of a longer morning Quiet Time. In the following two episodes Fr. Bill explores a pamphlet by Howard J. Rose that’s titled simply: The Quite Time. The short pamphlet was popular among members of the Oxford Group and early AA.  It gives an overview of the Morning Quiet Time practice covering five areas: 

1.) The Facts of God’s Guidance. 

2.) The Conditions of God’s Guidance

3.) The Tests of God’s Guidance

4.) One Method of receiving God’s Guidance

5.) The Results of God’s Guidance

The pamphlet is available to download in the show notes

Show Notes:

• The Quiet Time by Howard J. Rose

• The World’s Religions by Houston Smith: (Many used copies are available online so don’t spend too much)

Father Bill continues a deep dive into this Oxford Group set of instructions for practicing Two Way Prayer. This episode explores the Original Pamphlet’s advice for “checking” the guidance you receive. Early AAs knew not every thought they wrote down came from God and the pamphlet provides some simple criteria to help in your discernment. You’ll find this episode filled with practical advice to keep you from straying too far afield.

Show Notes:

God Calling by Two Listeners, edited by A.J Russell

24 Hour a Day Book, by Richmond Walker

Not God, A History of Alcoholics Anonymous, by Ernest Kurtz

https://www.amazon.com/Not-God-Alcoholics-Ernest-Kurtz/dp/0894860658

Dr. Bob and the Good Oldtimers, AA publication

Original Oxford Group Pamphlet

Two Way Prayer - AA's Lost Tool for Practicing the 11th Step

Two Way Prayer YouTube Channel

To support Father Bill W. and Two Way Prayer with a donation, please visit: https://www.twowayprayer.org/donate-1

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Father Bill continues a deep dive into this Oxford Group set of instructions for practicing Two Way Prayer. This episode explores the Original Pamphlet’s advice for preparing to pray, listing during prayer, and writing down the Guidance received in a prayer session. You’ll find this episode filled with practical advice for making this lost,  “life-changing” 11th Step prayer practice your own.

Show Notes:

God Calling by Two Listeners, edited by A.J Russell

24 Hour a Day Book, by Richmond Walker

Not God, A History of Alcoholics Anonymous, by Ernest Kurtz

https://www.amazon.com/Not-God-Alcoholics-Ernest-Kurtz/dp/0894860658

Dr. Bob and the Good Oldtimers, AA publication

Original Oxford Group Pamphlet

Two Way Prayer - AA's Lost Tool for Practicing the 11th Step

To support Father Bill W. and Two Way Prayer with a donation, please visit: https://www.twowayprayer.org/donate-1

If this has been helpful to you; please like, subscribe, share, and keep coming back!

Father Bill continues a deep dive into this Oxford Group set of instructions for being loved and guided by an Inner Voice. Like any experiment, the process requires a degree of “open mindedness” and “willingness” to begin. This episode focuses on the pamphlet’s assertion that “God has an interest and plan for each of us” as well as “an answer for every need and problem we face.” This pamphlet has proved a Life-Changer to many in 12-Step recovery.

Show Notes:

A.A. Comes of Age: https://www.aa.org/alcoholics-anonymous-comes-age/

First Corinthians 13: https://biblia.com/bible/esv/1-corinthians/13/

Henry Drummond, The Greatest Thing in the World pdf version (A commentary on the above popular with Dr. Bob and early AA’s.) https://manybooks.net/titles/drummondh1673916739-8.html/

Three Scriptures popular with the Oxford Group and early AAs. (Dr. Bob's Legacy) - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1u_RW58z7d_4fPIKs3E3vJH0MtVpwXNuZ/view?usp=sharing 

Original Oxford Group Pamphlet

Two Way Prayer - AA's Lost Tool for Practicing the 11th Step 

To support Father Bill W. and Two Way Prayer with a donation, please visit: https://www.twowayprayer.org/donate-1

If this has been helpful to you; please like, subscribe, share, and keep coming back!

Father Bill starts a deep dive into this Oxford Group set of instructions for finding and being guided by the Inner Voice – what the Big Book calls: “the Great Reality within.” The journey requires our entering and experimenting within the laboratory of our own lives. In this episode the relationship between the three dimensional world of our egos and the fourth dimensional world of Spirit are explored.

Show Notes:

The Original Oxford Group Pamphlet- https://rb.gy/ysdwpr

TWP Handout by Fr. Bill W. - https://rb.gy/zlnmci

Book Reference: Carl Jung and Alcoholics Anonymous by Ian McCabe (pp. 78-79) https://rb.gy/nbeqib

To support Father Bill W. and Two Way Prayer with a donation, please visit: https://www.twowayprayer.org/donate-1

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This series explores the Oxford Group pamphlet “How to Listen to God.” Written in the late 1930’s by Ohio based Chaplain John Batterson, it summarizes the original practice of Two Way Prayer. The pamphlet circulated widely in Akron, Ohio among AA’s early members and was reintroduced to the recovery community largely through the tireless efforts of AA archivist Wally P. originator of the popular Back to Basics series that takes newcomers through the 12-Steps in 4-week sessions. Wally is Father Bill’s guest, and the pamphlet along with his website and other works are linked below.

How to Listen to God by Wally P. https://rb.gy/dz6qe0

Back to Basics of Recovery Book by Wally P. - https://shop.aabacktobasics.org/Back-to-the-Basics-of-Recovery-p/b2br-book-br.htm

Wally P.’s website http://www.aabacktobasics.org/wallybio.html  Book Store - https://shop.aabacktobasics.org

Copy of the Oxford Group / Batterson Pamphlet: https://www.twowayprayer.org/resources

Father Bill explores recovery as experienced by African Americans coming into AA. His guest is Mark Sanders, LCSW, CADC founder of the Online Museum of African American Addictions, Treatment and Recovery. Mark has nearly 40 years in the addiction treatment field teaching at the University of Chicago, Illinois State University, and Loyola University School of Social Work. In this lively discussion Mark shares his experience in working effectively with African Americans both in treatment and in a 12-Step recovery.

Show notes:

Mark Sanders, LCSW, CADC, is an international speaker, trainer, and consultant in the behavioral health field whose work has reached thousands throughout the United States, Europe, Canada, Caribbean and British Islands.

Mark is the author of five books, which focus on behavioral health. Recent writings include Slipping through the Cracks: Intervention Strategies for Clients Multiple Addictions and Disorders, Recovery Management: and Relationship Detox: Helping Clients Develop Healthy Relationships in Recovery. He has had two stories published in the New York Times best-selling books series, Chicken Soup for the Soul. Mark has been a certified addictions counselor for 34 years. He has received numerous awards including a Life-Time Achievement Award from the Illinois Addiction Counselor Certification Board and the Barbara Bacon Award for outstanding contributions to the Social Work profession as a Loyola University of Chicago Alumni.

Mark is co-founder of Serenity Academy of Chicago, the only recovery high school in Illinois. He is past president of the board of the Illinois Chapter of NAADAC. He has had a 30-year career as a university educator having taught at the University of Chicago, Illinois State University, Illinois School of Professional Psychology, and Loyola University of Chicago, School of Social Work.

The Online Museum of African American Addictions, Treatment and Recovery: http://www.museumofafricanamericanaddictionsrecovery.org/

Sharon Wegscheider-Cruse: author and developer of family systems therapy:  https://www.amazon.com/Another-Chance-Health-Alcoholic-Family/dp/0831400722/

William White: Historian of addiction treatment. See his book Slaying the Dragon: https://www.amazon.com/Slaying-Dragon-Addiction-Treatment-Recovery/dp/093847507X/

My Grandmother’s Hand:  https://www.amazon.com/My-Grandmothers-Hands-Racialized-Pathway/dp/1942094477/

The Body Keeps the Score By Bessel van der Kolk, M.D. https://www.amazon.com/s?k=the+body+keeps+the+score&i=stripbooks&crid=35TZEEDH97I0N&sprefix=body%2Cstripbooks%2C88&ref=nb_sb_ss_i_1_4/

Frederick Douglas and Malcolm X: African Americans in recovery: https://facesandvoicesofrecovery.org/resource/addiction-in-the-african-american-community-the-recovery-legacies-of-frederick-douglass-and-malcolm-x/

Rites of Passage: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rite_of_passage/

What Ever Happened to Daddy's Little Girl: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/254931.Whatever_Happened_to_Daddy_s_Little_Girl_

Motivational Interviewing: rb.gy/ic5kun

When young people come into a 12-Step Fellowship they bring special needs that should be addressed if recovery’s to be effective and lasting. Fr. Bill interviews Kirk Campbell who brings many years in the field assisting young addicts. Kirk is the Director of Cornerstone Team Counseling in Houston, Texas. The episode describes the concept of Alternative Peer Groups, now considered a best practice in adolescent recovery. Kirk takes the directive seriously: “We are not a glum lot!”

Show Notes:

Contact Kirk at: Kirk@csteamcounseling.com/

The Two Way Prayer study referenced can be found on the RESOUCE PAGE

https://www.twowayprayer.org/It’s titled: Two Way Prayer: A Lost Tool for Practicing AA’s 11thStep

Here’s the link to the Alternative Peer Group Association:  http://www.aapg-recovery.com/

This series focuses on those coming to 12-Step recovery for alcohol or drugs but challenged by issues such as anxiety, depression, sexual and emotional traumas as well as those who are members of minority and marginalized populations. Fr. Bill continues his interview with Paul S., author of Paths to Recovery for Gay and Bisexual Drug Addicts. Paul has many years in 12-Step recovery, counseling and in helping gay and other marginalized groups find recovery.

Show Notes:

Paul’s book discussed in this episode is: Paths to Recovery for Gay and Bisexual Drug Addicts https://www.amazon.com/Paths-Recovery-Bisexual-Drug-Addicts/dp/1442249986

Paul’s book on William James is here: https://rb.gy/rpvnlr

Other works mentioned in the episode:

The Body Keeps the Score: https://www.amazon.com/Body-Keeps-Score-Healing-Trauma/dp/0143127748/

Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl – pdf version https://blog.12min.com/mans-search-for-meaning-pdf-summary/

Answer to Job by Carl Jung – pdf version https://cdnimpuls.com/politiko.al/uploads/2019/09/C.-G.-Jung-Answer-to-Job-Princeton-University-Press-1952.pdf/

The Essential Writings of Christian Mysticism by Bernard McGinn https://www.amazon.com/Essential-Writings-Christian-Mysticism-Classics/dp/0812974212/

To support Father Bill W. and Two Way Prayer with a donation, please visit: https://www.twowayprayer.org/donate-1

If this has been helpful to you; please like, subscribe, share, and keep coming back!

This series is focused on those coming to 12-Step recovery for alcohol or drugs but challenged by issues such as anxiety, depression, sexual and emotional traumas, as well as those who are members of minority populations. Fr. Bill launches the series interviewing Paul S., author of Paths to Recovery for Gay and Bisexual Drug Addicts, where they share insights from many years in 12-Step recovery.

Show Notes:

Paul’s book is available here: https://www.amazon.com/Paths-Recovery-Bisexual-Drug-Addicts/dp/1442249986

Paul's book on William James and the 12_Steps, We Agnostics: https://rb.gy/eth4bm

This is the first of several planned interviews with women and men in recovery sharing their experience with Two Way Prayer. Sid found recovery at age 18 and became a bit of a “12 Step Fundamentalist” prior to digging into AA history where he discovered the Pioneer Program and underwent a much deeper spiritual awakening. It appears the future of recovery is in good hands with some of our younger members.

Show Notes: If you’d like to share or reach out to Sid, please write him at: AAHistoryNerd@Gmail.com

To support Father Bill W. and Two Way Prayer with a donation, please visit: https://www.twowayprayer.org/donate-1

If this has been helpful to you; please like, subscribe, share, and keep coming back!

Many in recovery find Buddhist philosophy and meditation a tremendous aid to their spiritual journey. Fr. Bill’s guest is Kevin G. a gifted Buddhist author and teacher in long term recovery from addiction. Kevin is the author One Breath at a Time: Buddhism and the Twelve Steps. The Buddha’s enlightenment and Kevin’s simple teaching style have much to offer addicts in the ongoing search to overcome our suffering. See the links below to contact Kevin directly. Show Notes: Kevin’s website: www.kevingriffin.net / The Buddhist Recovery Network: www.buddhistrecovery.org / Houston Smith’ World Religions: (pdf.) https://www.pdfdrive.com/the-worlds-r... / Article on Jesuit Brother Bob Maat: https://contemplativealliance.org/201...

Father Bill completes this deep dive into Robert Johnson’s Inner Gold: Understanding Psychological Projection. This episode examines the search for the “Heavenly Jerusalem.” That’s the Christian symbol for the wholeness we all seek. Johnson warns of the danger in approaching this search “literally” rather than symbolically or ceremonially. He also congratulates and affirms all of us addicts who were, in essence, truly seeking wholeness but going about it in wrong and deeply destructive ways. In the end, spirituality proves to be “the easier, softer way.”

Show Notes:

Inner Gold: Understanding Psychological Projection by Robert A. Johnson. https://www.amazon.com/Inner-Gold-Understanding-Psychological-Projection/dp/1630514632

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Father Bill continues a deep dive into Robert Johnson’s Inner Gold: Understanding Psychological Projection. This episode examines the love story told by Dante in his Divine Comedy. The vision of his beloved but elusive Beatrice captivates him and marks him for life. Holding on to the vision while learning to “live life on life’s terms” sends him on a journey to hell and back. It’s a story and a journey we can all relate to and one that Robert Johnson tells so very well.

Show Notes:

Inner Gold: Understanding Psychological Projection by Robert A. Johnson. https://www.amazon.com/Inner-Gold-Understanding-Psychological-Projection/dp/1630514632

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Father Bill continues a deep dive into Robert Johnson’s Inner Gold: Understanding Psychological Projection. This episode examines loneliness from three perspectives: Loneliness for the PAST, the Loneliness for WHAT IS NOT YET, and the Loneliness of BEING CLOSE TO GOD. As the Big Book says, we addicts will “know loneliness such as few do.” Johnson points us to the only solution for loneliness: SOLITUDE!

Show Notes:

Inner Gold: Understanding Psychological Projection by Robert A. Johnson. https://www.amazon.com/Inner-Gold-Understanding-Psychological-Projection/dp/1630514632

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Father Bill continues a deep dive into Robert Johnson’s Inner Gold: Understanding Psychological Projection. This episode examines our relationship with God in the modern era. The rules that used to apply no longer work and a new solution has not yet arrived. Bill Wilson learned some of the lessons discussed as he dealt with his depression after many years sober. A link to his article is in the Show Notes.

Show Notes:

Inner Gold: Understanding Psychological Projection by Robert A. Johnson. https://www.amazon.com/Inner-Gold-Understanding-Psychological-Projection/dp/1630514632

Three Faces of Love – A YouTube talk by Robert A. Johnson https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QR9na8rbrHI

Emotional Sobriety by Bill Wilson (1953) https://www.e-aa.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=16330

Image of a priest holding a monstrance: https://rb.gy/gwbztu

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Often we project onto others the things we are not ready or willing to see in ourselves. Father Bill uses Robert Johnson’s book Inner Gold to explore how projection works in recovery. Johnson is a gifted teacher sharing insights and stories to help readers recover the gold that lies hidden inside us all. Join the expedition and stake a claim to your treasure!

Show Notes:

Inner Gold: Understanding Psychological Projection by Robert A. Johnson.

https://www.amazon.com/Inner-Gold-Understanding-Psychological-Projection/dp/1630514632

A New Pair of Glasses by Chuck C. This little book is an AA classic and belongs in every recovery library.

https://www.amazon.com/New-Pair-Glasses-Chuck-Chamberlain/dp/B001GROGCO

Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl. This book has helped many find the key to meaning and purpose in recovery.

https://www.amazon.com/Mans-Search-Meaning-Viktor-Frankl/dp/080701429X

Rites of Passage. Most every primitive and tribal culture developed Rites of Passage to initiate young boys as they moved into manhood.

See a general description here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rite_of_passage

See Richard Rohr’s book on the subject here:

https://www.amazon.com/Wild-Man-Wise-Reflections-Spirituality/dp/0867167408/ref=asc_df_0867167408/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=312407247347&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=3376962776403465728&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9028223&hvtargid=pla-531049239301&psc=1

Continuing to explore the book TRANSFORMATION by Robert A. Johnson, Father Bill and guest David B. discuss the character of Faust as he discovers a doorway to four-dimensional consciousness, one uniquely open to those of us in recovery. This final episode of the series deals with Part II of the play offering a solution to Faust’s crisis of consciousness.

Show Notes:

Transformation: Understanding the Three Levels of Masculine Consciousness by Robert A. Johnson https://www.amazon.com/Transformation-Understanding-Levels-Masculine-Consciousness/dp/0062505432/

Additional resource: Fire in the Belly: On Being A Man, by Sam Keen  https://rb.gy/1ljug8

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Continuing to explore the book TRANSFORMATION by Robert A. Johnson, Father Bill and his guest David B. discuss the character of Faust representing a possible pathway to four-dimensional consciousness, one uniquely open to those of us in recovery. David brings a professional background in theatre that deepens the discussion. This episode deals with Part I of the play laying out the problems posed by our shadows – facing “the unlived parts” of our lives.

Show Notes:

Transformation: Understanding the Three Levels of Masculine Consciousness by Robert A. Johnson https://www.amazon.com/Transformation-Understanding-Levels-Masculine-Consciousness/dp/0062505432/

To support Father Bill W. and Two Way Prayer with a donation, please visit: https://www.twowayprayer.org/donate-1

If this has been helpful to you, please like, subscribe, share, and keep coming back.

Continuing to explore the book TRANSFORMATION by Robert A. Johnson, Father Bill and his guest David B. discuss the character Hamlet representing the “stuck,” or complex, or three-dimensional consciousness experienced by most moderns – including many of us in recovery. David brings a unique background in theatre and acting as well as being in recovery. You’ll find the discussion informative and perhaps more relevant than when the play was assigned to read in high school!

Show Notes:

Transformation: Understanding the Three Levels of Masculine Consciousness by Robert A. Johnson https://www.amazon.com/Transformation-Understanding-Levels-Masculine-Consciousness/dp/0062505432/

Don Quixote represents the “simple consciousness” that’s all but evaporated in the modern age marked by fear. separation and anxiety. Continuing with the book TRANSFORMATION, Fr. Bill explores Robert Johnson’s description of this classic tale with an eye toward how addicts experience “being driven from the Garden of Eden.”

Show Notes:

Transformation: Understanding the Three Levels of Masculine Consciousness by Robert A. Johnson https://www.amazon.com/Transformation-Understanding-Levels-Masculine-Consciousness/dp/0062505432/

To support Father Bill W. and Two Way Prayer with a donation, please visit: https://www.twowayprayer.org/donate-1

If this has been helpful to you, please like, subscribe, share, and keep coming back.

This series explores Robert A. Johnson’s book Transformation. Johnson moves readers from simple, to complex, to enlightened stages of consciousness using well known characters from literature to make a difficult subject easier to understand. In this episode, Fr. Bill outlines Johnson’s approach and gives an overview of consciousness and the role it plays in recovery.

Show Notes:

Transformation: Understanding the Three Levels of Masculine Consciousness by Robert A. Johnson https://www.amazon.com/Transformation-Understanding-Levels-Masculine-Consciousness/dp/0062505432/

Clip from Zorba the Greek written by Nikos Kazantzakis https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BS0w3Wkric8/

Here’s a Wikipedia link to the story: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zorba_the_Greek/

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We live in an age when the meaning and purpose of life are often less clear than ever before. An age when we’re asking questions of doctors we should be asking priests - but few priests seem able to provide meaningful answers to today’s spiritual seekers. Enter Viktor Frankl.

Frankl was a Jewish psychiatrist whose pioneering work known as Logotherapy has helped millions of suffering men and women begin asking the right questions of life and finding answers that satisfy their souls.

In this series, we’ve explored Frankl’s book The Doctor and the Soul. Fr. Bill’s guest and tour guide has been Tom Lavin, a therapist, teacher, and friend who has studied Frankl’s work for years and helped many addicts and alcoholics find new or renewed meaning and purpose in their recovery.

This episode concludes the series. It briefly reviews some of the topics we’ve covered, ties them into the 12-Step journey and contains some suggestions from Tom on what to look for when choosing a therapist.

Show Notes:

Tom Lavin is a Psychotherapist, Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT) and a Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor.

He’s served for many years as Adjunct Faculty, University of Nevada School of Medicine, Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences.

Links to Tom’s website and his LIVE BETTER television series

Video of Viktor Frankl

The Doctor and the Soul via Amazon

Over the years, three ways have evolved for working the AA Program: Strong, Medium, and Weak. Like a cup of coffee or tea the strength makes all the difference and that difference, for some of us, could include whether we live or die! Fr. Bill discusses this classic article with Matt D. from All Addicts Anonymous.

Show Notes:

Find Gresham’s Law and Alcoholics Anonymous on the AAA website: https://alladdictsanonymous.org/store/

THE TEN POINTS:The Ten Points represent the spiritual inspiration and guidance for how to work the Twelve Steps as given by the first hundred AA members. These original commitments are the spiritual legacy and heritage of the first men and women whose sacrifice, wisdom, and trial-and-error experience became solidified in the “How it Works" chapter of the AA Big Book. For many addicts, lesser commitments to the Program do not offer the crucial momentum necessary to reach the level of spiritual awakening required to attain true freedom. Make no mistake about it, every person who adopts the rigor and intensity of the Ten Points will be rocketed into a new dimension of existence.

We commit ourselves to work toward recovery and spiritual awakening through sincerely and responsibly trying to do what the AA Big Book suggests by: 1. Completely giving ourselves to this simple Program; 2. Practicing rigorous honesty; 3. Being willing to go to any lengths to recover; 4. Realizing that there is no easier, softer way; 5. Being fearless and thorough in our practice of the principles; 6. Letting go of our old ideas absolutely; 7. Recognizing that half measures will not work; 8. Asking God’s protection and care with complete abandon; 9. Being willing to grow along spiritual lines; 10. Accepting the following pertinent ideas as proved by All Addicts Anonymous experience: (a) that you cannot manage your own life; (b) that probably no human power can restore you to sanity; (c) that God can and will if sought.

To contact Matt D. please write to me at TwoWayPrayer@gmail.com and I’ll pass your message along to him.

To support Father Bill W. and Two Way Prayer with a donation, please visit: https://www.twowayprayer.org/donate-1

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My psychologist friend Michaela from Liverpool shares her experience with Two Way Prayer and has me doing the same. Eleven percent of our podcast listeners hail from the UK. God must have big plans for his kids across the pond!

Show Notes: To reach Michaela, please drop me a line at TwoWayPrayer@gmail.com and I’ll gladly forward it to her.

Michaela Heaton, lives in Liverpool, England and has BA Hons degree in English & Philosophy, a postgraduate diploma in applied psychology and an MSc in Applied Psychology. She is a well known Consultant and Certified Business Psychologist supporting businesses and individuals seeking help with addiction from alcohol and drugs.

“Catching the Roses”, Michaela’s first book, is an epistolary, written in letter form to St Therese of Lisieux who wrote an autobiography in the 1890’s called “Story of a Soul” which inspired her to write her own story coinciding with the visit of St Therese’s relics to Liverpool in 2009. The book follows Michaela as a contemporary pilgrim writing daily letters to St Therese, receiving emotional and spiritual guidance and a lasting legacy of love and hope. https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B075W8BFKV/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_glt_JJRG3KVP0YR38JGN53EJ

For the last ten years Michaela has been a weekly talk show guest on BBC Radio Merseyside www.madaw.co.uk 

Fr. Bill and author Paul S. conclude their discussion of Varieties of Religious Experience. In this episode they explore how “a life of love and service” are the natural fruits of any real conversion experience. There’s also an in-depth discussion of James’ own short summary of his findings. You’ll find James’ 5-point summation truly worth studying. 

Show Notes:

Paul’s book titled “We Agnostics: William James…” is available here: https://rb.gy/rpvnlr

The original Varieties of Religious Experience is available free in pdf form. https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/621

An excellent biography of William James is by Robert D. Richardson. His section covering James’ delivery of the lectures that formed the book VRE is helpful in putting James’ work in clear context. It’s available here: https://rb.gy/khpbf5

Here are the five points from Chapter XX in VRE:

“Summing up in the broadest possible way the characteristics of the religious (or spiritual or 12-Step) life, include the following beliefs:

1. That the visible world is part of a more spiritual universe from which it draws its chief significance; (and)

2. That union or harmonious relation with that higher universe is our true end…

3. That prayer or inner communion with the spirit thereof - be that spirit ‘God’ or ‘law’ - is a process wherein work is really done and spiritual energy flows in and produces effects psychological or material within the phenomenal world.

4. A new zest which adds itself like a gift to life, and takes the form either of lyrical enchantment or of appeal to earnestness and heroism.

5. An assurance of safety and a temper of peace, and, in relation to others, a preponderance of loving affections.”

To contact Paul S. please write to me at TwoWayPrayer@gmail.com and I’ll pass your message along to him.

If this has been helpful to you, please like, subscribe, share, and keep coming back.

Fr. Bill and author Paul S. continue their discussion of Varieties of Religious Experience. Paul labeled his chapter on Steps 10 and 11: “Doing Business with This Higher Power. In this episode they explore some 14 practices William James addresses as aids in making and maintaining a conscious connection with the Divine.

Show Notes:

Paul’s book titled “We Agnostics: William James…” is available here: https://rb.gy/rpvnlr

The original Varieties of Religious Experience is available free in pdf form. https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/621

An excellent biography of William James is by Robert D. Richardson. His section covering James’ delivery of the lectures that formed the book VRE is helpful in putting James’ work in clear context. It’s available here: https://rb.gy/khpbf5

Paul references The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk M.D. https://rb.gy/rwvm8o

Fr. Bill references The Way of a Pilgrim (anonymous Author) A good translation of the Christian classic: https://rb.gy/zct8zz

To contact Paul S. please write to me at TwoWayPrayer@gmail.com and I’ll pass your message along to him.

If this has been helpful to you, please like, subscribe, and share.

Fr. Bill and author Paul S. continue their discussion of Varieties of Religious Experience. Paul labeled his chapter on Steps 10 and 11: “Doing Business with This Higher Power.” It’s rich and important material so we’ve broken it up into two parts. In this first episode we concentrate on the nature of a relationship with the Higher Power.

Show Notes:

Paul’s book titled “We Agnostics: William James…” is available here: https://rb.gy/rpvnlr

The original Varieties of Religious Experience is available free in pdf form. https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/621

An excellent biography of William James is by Robert D. Richardson. His section covering James’ delivery of the lectures that formed the book VRE is helpful in putting James’ work in clear context. It’s available here: https://rb.gy/khpbf5

To contact Paul S. please write to me at TwoWayPrayer@gmail.com and I’ll pass your message along to him.

If this has been helpful to you, please like, subscribe, and share.

Fr. Bill and author Paul S. continue their discussion of Varieties of Religious Experience. Pauls’ chapter on these Steps explores the nature of forgiveness and the “melting of moods” frozen by resentment and hate. Just as God makes recovery from our addictions possible, the needed strength for forgiveness also comes as a gift.

Show Notes:

Paul’s book titled “We Agnostics: William James…” is available here: https://rb.gy/rpvnlr

The original Varieties of Religious Experience is available free in pdf form. https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/621

An excellent biography of William James is by Robert D. Richardson. His section covering James’ delivery of the lectures that formed the book VRE is helpful in putting James’ work in clear context. It’s available here: https://rb.gy/khpbf5

Ted/Talk by Fr. Greg Boyle, S.J. on his reconciliation and forgiveness work with gangs in Los Angeles / truly inspiring. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ipR0kWt1Fkc

Story about Bishop Desmond Tutu and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission dealing with the aftermath of apartheid in South Africa: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YY-ee1hhghQ

To contact Paul S. please write to me at TwoWayPrayer@gmail.com and I’ll pass your message along to him.

If this has been helpful to you, please like, subscribe, and share.

Fr. Bill and author Paul S. continue their discussion of Varieties of Religious Experience. This episode is focused on the multiple problems facing the "sick soul" especially Fear, Self-Loathing, and Chaotic Impulses. Called "the Steps that separate the men from the boys" (and the women from the girls) James says these things are in fact "removable."

Show Notes:

Paul’s book titled “We Agnostics: William James…” is available here: https://rb.gy/rpvnlr

The original Varieties of Religious Experience is available free in pdf form. https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/621

An excellent biography of William James is by Robert D. Richardson. His section covering James’ delivery of the lectures that formed the book VRE is helpful in putting James’ work in clear context. It’s available here: https://rb.gy/khpbf5

Fr. Bill and William James author Paul S. continue their discussion. Pauls’ chapter on the 4th and 5th Steps is titled: Releasing a Dam of Tears and Finding Tender Mercy. The discussion centers around the “sick soul” diving deep into its sense of “rottenness” to discover a soul that was already there and just waiting for us to set free.

Show Notes:

Paul’s book titled “We Agnostics: William James…” is available here: https://rb.gy/rpvnlr 

The original Varieties of Religious Experience is available free as a pdf: https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/621

An excellent biography of William James is by Robert D. Richardson. His section covering James’ delivery of the lectures that formed the book VRE is helpful in putting James’ work in clear context. It’s available here: https://rb.gy/khpbf5

Paul referenced Viktor Frankl’s book: Man’s Search for Meaning. Available as pdf: https://rb.gy/1byuop

Here’s the passage Fr. Bill referenced from Wordsworth’s poem, Intimations of Immortality:

Our birth is but a sleep and a forgetting:
The Soul that rises with us, our life's Star,
Hath had elsewhere its setting,
And cometh from afar:
Not in entire forgetfulness,
And not in utter nakedness,
But trailing clouds of glory do we come
From God, who is our home:
Heaven lies about us in our infancy!
Shades of the prison-house begin to close
Upon the growing Boy,
But He beholds the light, and whence it flows,
He sees it in his joy; (lines 58–70)

Fr. Bill referenced Jung’s Answer to Job: https://rb.gy/desvhq 

For a brilliant analysis of Jung’s Answer to Job: Edward Edinger’s Transformation of the God Image: https://www.amazon.com/Transformation-God-Image-Elucidation-Jungs-Answer/dp/0919123554/

Fr. Bill’s and William James author Paul S. continue the discussion. “Letting go” is the focus. Not working so hard, but actually working less as we discover the Great Reality has been there all along just waiting for us to open the door of our inner worlds. We often make the Steps so much harder than they need to be. Lighten up – and discover the light within.

Show Notes:

Paul’s book titled “We Agnostics: William James…” is available here: https://rb.gy/rpvnlr 

The original Varieties of Religious Experience is available free in pdf form. https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/621

An excellent biography of William James is by Robert D. Richardson. His section covering James’ delivery of the lectures that formed the book VRE is helpful in putting James’ work in clear context. It’s available here: https://rb.gy/khpbf5

Here’s the 1935 cartoon I mentioned. A bit embarrassed to share this but the Kid in me appreciates my acknowledging his pain! Click here.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6je1eIhbVvg

Fr. Bill’s guest is Paul S., author of a new book on William James, known as the Father of American psychology and twice referenced in the Big Book. This episode explores the underlying feeling state of most addicts as we first discover the mystical elements of drugs and alcohol only to be thrown into the dark places, they ultimately lead us. Step One comes alive in the discussion and gives listeners a deeper appreciation of how the seeds of recovery are present within the pain. The series will examine James in reference to each of the 12-Steps.

Paul’s new book Titled “We Agnostics: William James…” is available here:

https://www.amazon.com/Agnostics-Psychology-Spiritual-Addiction-Venerated/dp/B09JRD6VX2/ref=sr_1_1?crid=46V4YIM5PRWM&keywords=we+agnostics+how+william+james&qid=1639860009&s=books&sprefix=we+agnostics%2Cstripbooks%2C90&sr=1-1/

The original Varieties of Religious Experience is available free in pdf form: https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/621

An excellent biography of William James is by Robert D. Richardson. His section covering James’ delivery of the lectures that formed the book VRE is helpful in putting James’ work in clear context. It’s available here: https://www.amazon.com/William-James-Maelstrom-American-Modernism/dp/0618919899

Fr. Bill referenced a set of quotes from the Big Book related to HOPELESSNESS. If you would like a copy, please write to him at: TwoWayPrayer@gmail.com

If this has been helpful to you, please like, subscribe, and share.

We live in an age when the meaning and purpose of life are often less clear than ever before. An age when we’re asking questions of doctors we should be asking priests - but few priests seem able to provide meaningful answers to today’s spiritual seekers. Enter Viktor Frankl.

Frankl was a Jewish psychiatrist whose pioneering work known as Logotherapy has helped millions of suffering men and women begin asking the right questions of life and finding answers that satisfy their souls. 

In this series, we explore Frankl’s book The Doctor and the Soul. Fr. Bill’s guest and tour guide is Tom Lavin, a therapist, teacher, and friend who has studied Frankl’s work for years and helped many addicts and alcoholics find new or renewed meaning and purpose in their recovery. This episode explores the existential meaning of love. What it is … What is it not … And how to find it in recovery.

Show Notes:

Links to Tom’s website and his LIVE BETTER television series can be Accessed here.  

https://contextualscience.org/tom_lavin_mft_lcadc_acata_live_better_psychoeducat

• Video of Viktor Frankl

• The Doctor and the Soul via Amazon: (Many used copies should be available)

•  Link to First Corinthians XIII

•  M. Scott Peck on Love

https://apathlesstravelled.com/love-what-it-is-what-it-is-not-and-what-its-role-is-part-2/

•  Bill Wilson’s article on Emotional Sobriety

•  The Sexual Crucible by David Schnarch (used copies) 

This is the third and final episode of Fr. Bill’s 12-Step Workshop. The Steps are presented from the perspective of the Pioneer members of AA and the purpose of the series is to help Keep It Simple! This episode centers around the last three Steps: 10, 11, and 12. It sees them as the main area of focus for someone who has completed their Step work. But this is more than MAINTENANCE. It is receiving DIRECTION from our Higher Power and the Guidance we need for living our lives.

If this has been helpful to you, please like, subscribe, and share.

This is the second of Father Bill’s 12-Step Workshop. The Steps are presented from the perspective of the Pioneer members of AA and the hope of the series is to help us “Keep It Simple!” This episode focuses on how to remove the barriers existing between ourselves and God as well as between ourselves and others. Again, you'll see it's a whole lot easier than you may have thought!

Show notes:

A copy of the PowerPoint presentation and handouts that accompanied this original Zoom workshop (11.06.2021) are available by request through: TwoWayPrayer@gmail.com

The Harry Tiebout article: Ego Factors in Surrender courtesy of Silkworth.net can be found here:  https://silkworth.net/alcoholics-anonymous/the-ego-factors-in-surrender-in-alcoholism/

Be sure to subscribe for more recovery series and if this has been helpful for you along the way, we hope you will concider a small donation so we can continue to share this message with other recovery fellowships and their families. www.twowayprayer.org/donate-1  

This is the first of Father Bill’s three-part 12-Step Workshop. Each of the 12 Steps is presented from the perspective of the Pioneer members of AA and the hope of the series is to help us “Keep It Simple!” This episode focuses on how to establish a connection with God, with another person, and with our own True Selves as we begin recovery from addiction. You'll see it's a whole lot easier than you may have thought!

Show notes: If you would like a copy of the PowerPoint presentation that accompanied this original workshop, email us at TwoWayPrayer@gmail.com

Matt D. and Father Bill conclude this series with an in-depth discussion of prayer and how it can unlock our hearts and open us to a deeper relationship with God.

Show Notes:

Invitation to a Great Experimentis out of print and costly on Amazon; however, it can be purchased affordably though through All Addicts Anonymous: alladdictsanonymous.org/store/

If finances are a problem, write to AllAddictsAnonymous@gmail.com to request a free electronic edition or information about AAA meetings.

To learn more about Fr. Bill W's work, visit our website twowayprayer.org.

Books and individuals mentioned during this episode:

Gerald Heard: https://rb.gy/7arqvy

C.S. Lewis: https://rb.gy/qrptzg

The Art of Prayer: An Orthodox Anthology https://rb.gy/mxrhjs

Leonard Cohen singing Hallelujah: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YrLk4vdY28Q/

Jewish Midrash: https://rb.gy/ojlpvl

Jean Pierre de Caussade, S.J.: https://rb.gy/wwdknh

The Cloud of Unknowing: https://rb.gy/57zbkx

Thomas Keating’s Open Mind Open Heart: https://rb.gy/5x24od

How to Listen to God – the original Oxford Group pamphlet: https://rb.gy/ajzldj

The Way of a Pilgrim (Excellent translation): https://rb.gy/vviisb

Father Bill and Matt D. from All Addicts Anonymous explore the questions Tom Powers raises: “Can God’s Will Be Known and Can It Be Done?” These are vital questions for addicts in recovery to understand and to answer. This episode may help point toward an answer.

Invitation to a Great Experiment is out of print and costly on Amazon; however, it can be purchased affordably through All Addicts Anonymous. If finances are a problem, please write to AllAddictsAnonymous@Gmail.com to request a free electronic edition or information about meetings.

Books mentioned on this episode:

The Will of God by Leslie D. Weatherhead: https://rb.gy/bcuyng

Alec Forbes of Howglen by George MacDonald: https://rb.gy/x6tgah

Archivist Matt D. and Father Bill continue an in-depth discussion focused on the spiritual truths and practices underlying 12-Step transformation. This episode includes the Way of Reason, the Way of Faith, and the Way of Experience.

Show Notes: 

Invitation to a Great Experiment is out of print and costly on Amazon; however, it can be purchased affordably though through All Addicts Anonymous.https://alladdictsanonymous.org/store/ If finances are a problem, please write to AllAddictsAnonymous@Gmail.com/to request a free electronic edition.

Bill Wilson expresses his regret for changing SPIRITUAL EXPERIENCE to AWAKENING in Step 12. This 3-minute share from AA’s Co-founder is hilarious and enlightening. https://www.aa.org/pages/en_us/archives-audio-library#audio-player/

Robert Johnson’s book TRANSFORMATION is mentioned in reference to the purgation or suffering that can help bring about change. A great read! https://www.amazon.com/Transformation-Understanding-Levels-Masculine-Consciousness/dp/0062505432/

Thomas R. Kelly was a modern-day Quaker mystic. His book A Testament of Devotion is a spiritual classic. Here’s a free copy – be sure to read the first essay on the Inner Light referenced in the podcast.  https://archive.org/details/in.ernet.dli.2015.90258/page/n5/mode/2up/

Joseph Campbell combined great literature with depth spirituality from many religions and world cultures. Always a great read from a wise fellow traveler. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joseph_Campbell/

Brother Lawrence’s classic The Practice of the Presence of God is a must read for the spiritual journey. Found in Dr. Bob’s library and a favorite among Oxford Group and early AA members.  https://www.amazon.com/Practice-Presence-God-Brother-Lawrence/dp/0883681056/

Fr. Bill continues his discussion of Tom Powers’ writings with Matt D. In this episode Matt describes three tools Tom said were needed by anyone setting out in search for God, "Find the Right People, Find the Right Books, and Find the Right Laboratory."

Invitation to a Great Experiment is out of print and costly on Amazon; however, it can be purchased affordably through All Addicts Anonymous: alladdictsanonymous.org/store/ or write to AllAddictsAnonymous@Gmail.com/ and request a free electronic edition.

Books and authors referenced in this episode:

Gerald Heard: rb.gy/yy3r0n

Aldous Huxley: rb.gy/yy3r0n  

William James: rb.gy/f6ql5z

Varieties of Religious Experience by William James: rb.gy/jj4edq

Little Flowers of St. Francis: rb.gy/jqoegz

C.S. Lewis: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/C._S._Lewis

The Way of a Pilgrim by Nina Tourmanova : rb.gy/9a2cs0

Philokalia: rb.gy/cwxiru

Robert A. Johnson: rb.gy/56rjsa

The Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Gospel_of_Sri_Ramakrishna

Ernie Kurtz: www.amazon.com/Not-God-Alcoholics-Ernest-Kurtz/dp/0894860658

Maurice Nicoll: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maurice_Nicoll

Wild Bill Cody - Return from Tomorrow: www.tentmaker.org/newinspiration/chooselove.html

In this episode Father Bill and Matt D. explore the three things necessary to begin a search for God. Expedition leader Tom P. writes, “if you're in extreme emergency … with nothing to hope for in the world, your situation is particularly favorable!” The spiritual path, like the 12 Step Program, is filled with paradoxes. Tom’s book Invitation to a Great Experiment is the source of the series. There’s a link in the show notes.

Show Notes:

Invitation to a Great Experimentis out of print and costly on Amazon. However, it can be purchased affordably though through Matt D. at All Addicts Anonymous: click here:

https://alladdictsanonymous.org/store/If finances are a problem, please write to AllAddictsAnonymous@Gmail.com/for a free electronic edition.

The classic book Why Do Men Stupefy Themselves written by Leo Tolstoy is available here: https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Why_Do_Men_Stupefy_Themselves%3F/

Tom Powers helped Bill Wilson write 12 Steps and 12 Traditions, AA Comes of Age, and the Second Edition of the Big Book. Bill was his mentor, friend, and sponsor. In his book Invitation to a Great Experiment, Tom takes 12 Step spirituality to greater depths than you’re likely to find in any other recovery work as he explores three vital questions: Can God be known? Is there an experiment we can test to answer this question? And how can we know and do God’s will? Fr. Bill interviews Matt D. who knew Tom well and is in charge of his All Addicts Anonymous archives. The series will explore the book and the man in depth.

Show Notes:

Invitation to a Great Experimentis out of print and costly on Amazon. However, it can be purchased affordably though through Matt D. at All Addicts Anonymous: click here:

https://alladdictsanonymous.org/store/If finances are a problem, please write to AllAddictsAnonymous@Gmail.com/for a free electronic edition.

The classic book Why Do Men Stupefy Themselves written by Leo Tolstoy is available here: https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Why_Do_Men_Stupefy_Themselves%3F/

Father Bill welcomes the author of The War of the Gods in Addiction to the podcast. In concluding this series, they explore the significance of Carl Jung’s letter to AA’s co-founder Bill Wilson. The conversation centers on the underlying, and often overlooked, psychic elements uniquely present in addiction and the 12-Step pathway that seems specifically designed to overcome them. The conversation is lively and you’re sure to learn a lot.

Show Notes:

The War of the Gods in Addiction: https://www.amazon.com/War-Gods-Addiction-David-Schoen/dp/1882670574/

Copy of the Letters Between Wilson and Jung: https://speakingofjung.com/blog/2015/11/13/the-bill-w-carl-jung-letters/Series: God and Addiction

Questions or Comments to David Schoen can be sent to TwoWayPrayer@gmail.com and we’ll pass them on. Thanks for listening!

We live in an age when the meaning and purpose of life are often less clear than ever before. An age when we’re asking questions of doctors we should be asking priests - but few priests seem able to provide meaningful answers to today’s spiritual seekers. Enter Viktor Frankl.

Frankl was a Jewish psychiatrist whose pioneering work known as Logotherapy has helped millions of suffering men and women begin asking the right questions of life and finding answers that satisfy their souls. 

In this series, we explore Frankl’s book The Doctor and the Soul. Fr. Bill’s guest and tour guide is Tom Lavin, a therapist, teacher, and friend who has studied Frankl’s work for years and helped many addicts and alcoholics find new or renewed meaning and purpose in their recovery. This episode explores the existential meaning of work.

Show Notes:

Tom Lavin is a Psychotherapist, Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT) and a Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor. 

 He’s served for many years as Adjunct Faculty, University of Nevada School of Medicine, Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences. 

Links to Tom’s website and his LIVE BETTER television series can be Accessed here: https://contextualscience.org/tom_lavin_mft_lcadc_acata_live_better_psychoeducat

Video of Viktor Frankl

Article on Professor Howard Gardner’s Good Work

The Doctor and the Soul via Amazon

 Fr. Bill continues this in-depth look at addiction through the work of Jungian therapist David Schoen in The War of the Gods in Addiction. This episode explores the 12-Step solution viewed as a Jungian pathway to recovery. While most of us are aware of How It Works, this episode might help explain Why It Works.

Show Notes:

·  The War of the Gods in Addiction: https://www.amazon.com/War-Gods-Addiction-David-Schoen/dp/1882670574/

·  Copy of the Letters Between Wilson and Jung: https://speakingofjung.com/blog/2015/11/13/the-bill-w-carl-jung-letters/Series: God and Addiction

·  Step One: What is a Psychic Change?:

https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5f50b318fe914e1b2aa32bfb/t/60421b660effa45fa4ac5622/1614945126278/What+Is+a+Psychic+Change++or+Spiritual+Transformation%3F.pdf/

Fr. Bill explores the Evil lying at the heart of real addiction.

Jungian therapist David Schoen maintains that all true addictions are intent on bringing death to their victims. This episode explores the very real, but hidden, depth of this Evil. An Evil that Jung dared calling “the Devil” in his letter to Bill Wilson.

Show Notes:

·  The War of the Gods in Addiction: https://www.amazon.com/War-Gods-Addiction-David-Schoen/dp/1882670574/

·  Copy of the Letters Between Wilson and Jung: https://speakingofjung.com/blog/2015/11/13/the-bill-w-carl-jung-letters/

·  Bill W. by Robert Thomsen

https://www.amazon.com/Bill-absorbing-deeply-co-founder-Alcoholics/dp/1568383436/

 Fr. Bill launches into Chapter Two of The War of the Gods in Addiction examining the Five Stages of the addiction process as presented by Jungian analyst David E. Schoen. Drinking, drugging, food or any addiction that usually starts off promising a solution to our inner psychic splits, often lead to our death sentence. This episode traces the course of their development in "the real alcoholic or addict."

Show Notes:

·  The War of the Gods in Addiction: https://www.amazon.com/War-Gods-Addiction-David-Schoen/dp/1882670574/

·  Copy of the Letters Between Wilson and Jung: https://speakingofjung.com/blog/2015/11/13/the-bill-w-carl-jung-letters/