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-Da...
Sep 08, 2021•30 min•Season 10Ep. 3
Fr. Bill continues an in-depth exploration of how and why Jung believed that only a divine connection and our being in community with others is powerful enough to overcome real addiction. The series builds on the book The War of the Gods in Addiction by Jungian analyst David E. Schoen. This episode explores Jung’s 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 Ju...
Aug 31, 2021•30 min•Season 10Ep. 2
Fr. Bill begins an in-depth exploration of how and why only a divine connection may be powerful enough to overcome real addiction. The series builds on the book The War of the Gods in Addiction by Jungian analyst David E. Schoen. This episode explores the letter from Bill Wilson to C.J Jung. 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...
Aug 24, 2021•29 min•Season 10Ep. 1
Father Bill shares his experience in starting Two Way Prayer groups. The episode includes a small-group model that has proved successful along with reflections from several Two Way Prayer group members. Cautions are also included. Show Notes: · A suggested format for conducting a Zoom or in-person meeting is on the Two Way Prayer website: here https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5f50b318fe914e1b2aa32bfb/t/6037ae010ba7235be05479cc/1614261761891/starting-zoom.pdf · An interesting article on the...
Aug 04, 2021•42 min
Father Bill shares his experiences finding and fostering successful partnerships with Two Way Prayer. While the morning prayer practice is basically an individual one, this simple set of guidelines can help you build a more effective and fruitful sharing relationship. Show Notes: · Suggested Guidelines for Prayer Partnerships here : https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5f50b318fe914e1b2aa32bfb/t/6037b13268c4456044b098d3/1614262578580/A+Suggested+Guide+for+Two+Way+Prayer+Partners.pdf/ · To shar...
Jul 28, 2021•28 min
There is no set formula for doing a daily Quiet Time, but there are elements common to all. In this final episode, Fr. Bill shares some reflections on what the practice has meant to him over the past 28 years and reads a sample writing from his Two Way Prayer journal. Show Notes: Dick B.’s book Good Morning has been the primary guidebook for this series: https://www.amazon.com/Good-Morning-Quiet-Watch-Meditation/dp/1885803222 The Authors that were mentioned that specialize in First Century Chris...
Jul 12, 2021•30 min•Season 9Ep. 7
Bill Wilson wanted to keep AA from being too closely associated with the Oxford Group in the mind of the public. As a result, references to Quiet Time and Listening to God were present but made intentionally vague in the Big Book. Father Bill helps sort some of this out in this episode. It may help shed some new light on Step 11.
Jul 08, 2021•30 min•Season 9Ep. 6
Oxford Group members had no set formulas for their morning meditation or their prayer practices; but their focus was on finding and following the Guidance they needed and received from God. In this episode Fr. Bill reviews their approach to prayer and meditation with an eye toward using it to improve our 11th Step practice. Notes: To listen to a workshop, several are recorded on Recovery Tapers / Two Way Prayer Workshops: https://www.recoverytapers.com/two-way-prayer Good Morning by Dick B.: htt...
Jun 26, 2021•30 min•Season 9Ep. 5
Oxford Group founder Frank Buchman committed himself to “changing the world,” one person at a time. Through watching his own experience and then experimenting with others to find what worked with them, he collected a set of spiritual principles and practices that Bill Wilson later formulated into the 12 Steps. In this episode, Fr. Bill explores some of the historical roots of what became our 11th Step. Show Notes: Recovery Tapers Two Way Prayer Workshops: · https://www.recoverytapers.com/two-way...
Jun 19, 2021•33 min•Season 9Ep. 4
Early AA members listened each morning for God’s Voice. They experienced God guiding them through Two Way Prayer. In this episode, Fr. Bill briefly explores the history of listening to God and attempts to demystify the practice for members of today’s 12-Step fellowships. Notes: Books: A Testament of Devotion by Thomas R. Kelly and Good Morning by Dick B.
Jun 07, 2021•30 min•Season 9Ep. 3
Many in AA and other 12-Step Fellowships have difficulties with religion and with the Bible. We see ourselves as "spiritual but not religious." In this episode, Fr. Bill shares his own struggles in this area as he focuses on the importance of bringing reading into our daily Quiet Times. Resources: · A good lecture by Dr. Marcus Borg on the problems and future of religion: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5UsXavOeLbQ · If you’d like an electronic or hard copy of the Sermon on the Mount, First Cori...
May 31, 2021•30 min•Season 9Ep. 2
This series explores Oxford Group and AA Pioneers prayer and meditation practices that formed the bedrock of their recovery. Father Bill uses Good Morning by Dick B. as a source book, quoting and commenting on how Quiet Time and Two Way Prayer were used and how they can transform your recovery today. Good Morning by Dick B.: https://www.amazon.com/Good-Morning-Quiet-Watch-Meditation/dp/1885803222...
May 24, 2021•30 min•Season 9Ep. 1
Building on previous episodes in this series, Fr. Bill explores Carl Jung’s paradigm shift suggesting Christ as the archetype of the Self. Christianity holds Jesus to be both “Son of God” and “Son of Man” putting an end to dual consciousness and offering moderns a different way for understanding the Christian faith. See pdf of Chapter Five Ego and Archetype by Edward Edinger , PhD: https://www.academia.edu/8148769/Ego_and_Archetype_Edward_Edinger...
Apr 27, 2021•40 min•Season 8Ep. 7
Father Bill shares his 11th Step experience with over 500 members of the Fellowship of the Spirit Zoom Workshop Group in Toronto, Canada.
Apr 19, 2021•40 min
Between the literalism of many religionists and the emptiness of modern life lies another way. Connecting with the symbolic life brings needed energy and excitement to the 12-Step recovery journey. Fr. Bill continues Edinger’s book Ego and Archetype with Chapter Four: “The Search for Meaning.” The episode uses a gnostic poem The Hymn of the Pearl as an example. (A pdf version of Edinger’s book Ego and Archetype is in the show notes. ) Show Notes: Ego and Archetype by Edward Edinger, PhD https://...
Apr 13, 2021•40 min•Season 8Ep. 6
Fr. Bill concludes Chapter Three in Edinger’s book Ego and Archetype. The episode focuses on staying connected to our Higher Self to find our meaning and purpose – especially when things aren’t going our way. (Again, a pdf version of Edinger’s book Ego and Archetype is in the show notes.) Ego and Archetype by Edward Edinger, PhD: https://www.academia.edu/8148769/Ego_and_Archetype_Edward_Edinger...
Apr 04, 2021•34 min•Season 8Ep. 5
Fr. Bill explores Edinger’s Third Chapter titled: “Encounter with the Self.” He looks at how religion (or the program) can act as “middleman” between us and God. This can work, but at a price. The price is not growing into a more mature self. (Again, a pdf version of Edinger’s book Ego and Archetype is in the show notes.) Ego and Archetype by Edward Edinger, PhD: https://www.academia.edu/8148769/Ego_and_Archetype_Edward_Edinger...
Mar 22, 2021•37 min•Season 8Ep. 4
Hitting bottom always comes before recovery. The way UP first leads us DOWN. In this episode Fr. Bill explores some of the psychological and spiritual forces at work in discovering what many of us call “the gift of desperation.” In traditional religious language it’s called our time in the wilderness or the dark night of the soul. No pain no gain! (Again, a pdf version of Edinger’s book Ego and Archetype is in the show notes.) Ego and Archetype by Edward Edinger, PhD https://www.academia.edu/814...
Mar 16, 2021•37 min•Season 8Ep. 3
Many addicts have a deep sense of “never fitting in” even before they started using addictive substances. This episode explores the inner-wounding to the vital connecting link between the ego and the Self. Father Bill explains why ACCEPTANCE proves so critical in recovery and how it helps repair the damaged link. (A pdf version of Edinger’s book Ego and Archetype is in the show notes.) Ego and Archetype by Edward Edinger, PhD: https://www.academia.edu/8148769/Ego_and_Archetype_Edward_Edinger...
Mar 08, 2021•36 min•Season 8Ep. 2
This series traces our physical and spiritual life-cycle from birth, to rebirth, to death. Building on the work of Jungian analyst Edward Edinger, Fr. Bill simplifies Edinger’s insights and applies them to 12-Step recovery. In this episode we explore the formation of the Ego and how human beings begin relating to the “Higher Power.” A pdf version of Edinger’s book Ego and Archetype is in the show notes. Ego and Archetype by Edward Edinger, PhD: https://www.academia.edu/8148769/Ego_and_Archetype_...
Mar 01, 2021•37 min•Season 8Ep. 1
Drawing from Houston Smith’s classic The World’s Religions, Father Bill concludes the series focusing on six elements common to all religions: authority, ritual, speculation, tradition, God’s sovereignty, and mystery. These elements are also subject to abuse and these dangers are covered as well. Houston Smith’ World Religions: (pdf. Version) https://www.pdfdrive.com/the-worlds-religions-our-great-wisdom-traditions-e156848105.html /...
Feb 01, 2021•30 min•Season 7Ep. 9
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. Kevin’s website: www.kevingriffin.net...
Jan 25, 2021•32 min•Season 7Ep. 8
Fr. Bill’s guest is Sinan K. from Istanbul, Turkey. Sinan was born and raised in the Muslim faith but could only find his recovery through AA. In Arabic, the word “Islam” means “surrender.” Realizing this connection opened the door to Step One and led him to a deeper practice of his faith where he explores the Sufi or mystical dimensions of his religion. This is a lively discussion. If you wish to contact Sinan, please write us at twowayprayer@gmail.com Salaam Alaikum!
Jan 19, 2021•38 min•Season 7Ep. 7
Fr. Bill shares his recovery story along with the understanding of the 12 Steps he discovered studying AA history. If you’re into following Dr. Bob’s advice to “keep it simple” this episode may be just what the Doctor ordered! Enjoy!
Jan 11, 2021•55 min
Fr. Bill’s guest was born into the Hindu faith in India. A member of the Brahmin class, he studied his religion intently but could only find recovery through Alcoholics Anonymous 26 years ago. Now living in Dallas, Vasu still serves his community by bringing workshops and AA retreats to alcoholics in his native land. If you wish to contact Vasu, please write: TwoWayPrayer@Gmail.com/ Namaste!...
Jan 04, 2021•39 min•Season 7Ep. 6
Fr. Bill’s guest has over 40 years in AA journeying from a Catholic kid in Philadelphia to an Orthodox Jew and stand-up comedian in Israel. Balancing tragedy and comedy, he works at the Holocaust Museum in Jerusalem and takes great joy helping newcomers find both sobriety and fun in recovery. Here’s a link to his full AA story. https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=yisrael+c+aa To contact him, write me at TwoWayPrayer@gmail.com/ and I’ll happily forward it. Shalom!...
Dec 29, 2020•37 min•Season 7Ep. 5
Fr. Bill’s guest is Kim from Brisbane, Australia. Years ago, Kim first heard a “feminine inner voice” telling her it was “time to grow up and get sober!” Kim has done exactly that, but without the need for God or religion. Her spiritual journey to wholeness is still guided by that same inner voice of wisdom who now talks to her through Two Way Prayer. Kim’s a delightful guest and a really fun spirit. Enjoy!
Dec 21, 2020•35 min•Season 7Ep. 4
Fr. Bill’s guest is David A. a Roman Catholic physician with 25 years in AA recovery. David shares his faith journey as it moved from superficial to an experience of the supernatural. David is no stranger to tragedy, his mother having been killed by an intruder. Hear how David’s faith connection helped him heal from a meaningless, well defended life in addiction to a new and meaningful one in recovery. He’s a gentle soul well worth a listen!
Dec 14, 2020•38 min•Season 7Ep. 3
Fr. Bill’s guest is Matt D., Director of All Addicts Anonymous. Discussion centers on Tom Powers who helped Bill Wilson write the 12&12 and other AA literature. Tom drew his faith from several religious traditions defining himself as a “religious mongrel” and damn proud of it!
Dec 08, 2020•32 min•Season 7Ep. 2
In this first episode, Fr. Bill explores the place of religion and spirituality in 12-Step recovery. He tells of his own conflicts and resolutions while setting the stage for future episodes that include interviews with fellow spiritual (and sometimes religious) travelers. The Shoemaker Article quoted can be download here : http://westbalto.a-1associates.com/LETTERS%20ETC/WhatChurches.htm#:~:text=One%20of%20the%20greatest%20things,take%20place%20before%20their%20eyes...
Nov 30, 2020•30 min•Season 7Ep. 1
