Sober Pod - Recovery Podcast Sober Pod

May 26 - Buy the book!

Here are some thoughts on meditation. Some of us find it best to meditate in the morning as our day begins. Some do it in the evening or even on their lunch breaks. Pages 86-87 of the A.A. Big Book describes some simple rituals around prayer and meditation that might be helpful. There really are no steadfast rules around meditation. The only rule I have found is that you should attempt to do it, no matter how you feel about it or how awkward it might feel. Take your phone out, set a timer for ten minutes, hit the timer, and close your eyes. Open your eyes after the timer goes off. That is a simple beginning. You can add to the practice as time passes, but you must do it to get its benefits. It’s that simple. Most people think they don’t have the time, but trust me, you have the time. You’re not that busy.

Reflections

Why do you not meditate more? Take a break. Relax. Everybody’s doing it.

Daily Challenge

Make a comfortable place in your home to meditate. Dedicate a corner and buy a nice meditation pillow.




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Summary
Carl reads an excerpt from the book about the spiritual malady. The conversation explores the concept of the spiritual malady and how it manifests in individuals. It delves into the feelings of restlessness, irritability, and discontent that arise from this malady and the various ways people try to fill the void. The importance of examining one's life and identifying areas of brokenness is emphasized, as well as the need for a spiritual healing. The conversation also touches on the role of the 12-step program in addressing the spiritual malady and finding healing. In this conversation, Broken Beth discusses her journey of recovery and the spiritual malady that she believes was present from birth. She emphasizes the importance of actively working the steps and having a spiritual experience to truly understand the emptiness and lack of purpose that addiction brings. Carl D shares his experience of falling in love with the guy at 7-Eleven and how it changed his perspective on life. They discuss the importance of doing the work and not just seeking relief in fellowship. The conversation concludes with a discussion of the promises of recovery and the transformation that can occur.


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May 25 - Buy the book!

It’s one thing to ask for help. It’s another thing entirely to receive it. For some reason, some of us can get the courage to ask someone for help, but when it comes to receiving the help that we asked for, it becomes nearly impossible. We get caught up in old patterns of thinking and self-reliance. We think we know better and give it another “college try.” For whatever reason, we take back the reins of our lives, and we scream one more time into the void, “Yah mule,” like so many other times. When you ask for help, try to remain open. If you knew what to do, you would have done it already. So, give yourself a break. You don’t know the answer. Let someone else have an opportunity to guide you. You never know, it just might work.

Reflections

Can you receive help? It may not be the help you imagined, but it is help. Consider it.

Daily Challenge

Ask for help on some small thing today. See if it reduces your load a little.




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May 24 - Buy the book!

My sponsor once led a meeting where he decided the topic would be “The spiritual malady,” and I had no fucking clue what that was. Then, the asshole (my sponsor) called on me to speak. I, of course, tried to bullshit and sound smarter than I was. I fumbled a few words out of my mouth and tried to put some ideas together, but I had no idea. I ended my share as quickly as possible and let everyone get on with their meeting. That meeting led me to look into this “Spiritual Malady” business much closer. So, I hunted the interwebs and found numerous discussions on the topic. Accumulating a rough definition, I began to see that I have always had a “spiritual disease or ailment.” I have always felt separated from everyone and everything. I have had a hole in my soul for as long as I have been alive. From birth, I have had this nagging and gnawing sensation that I had, at some point, lost some magnificent and radiant part of myself that I could never get back. A deepening emptiness that got worse every year and significantly worse whenever I got sober. I know what restless, irritable, and discontent are with every fiber of my being.

Reflections

Do you know what a spiritual malady is? Do you feel different today?

Daily Challenge

Write down your definition of a “Spiritual Malady.”




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Support the podcast and buy the book!⁠

In this episode of SoberPod, Carl reads from his book and discusses the topic of anger and losing control. He shares personal experiences of throwing adult fits and reflects on the consequences of such behavior. Carl also introduces a five-step process from Stoicism to manage anger and respond wisely. He emphasizes the importance of self-monitoring, cognitive distancing, postponement, modeling virtue, and functional analysis. The episode concludes with a call to support Chelsea and a reminder to stay active and sober.


Throwing adult fits and losing control can have negative consequences and damage relationships.


Stoicism offers a five-step process to manage anger: self-monitoring, cognitive distancing, postponement, modeling virtue, and functional analysis.


Practicing these steps can help individuals respond wisely and avoid destructive behavior.


Supporting others in their recovery journey is important and can make a difference.


Staying active and sober is crucial for maintaining sobriety




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Buy the book!


In this conversation, Carl and Chelsea discuss the purpose of their podcast, SoberPod, and the importance of one addict or alcoholic helping another in recovery. They introduce their book, '366 Fucking Days Sober,' and encourage listeners to engage with the daily meditations and affirmations. They highlight the significance of emotional sobriety and challenge the critical inner voice that often undermines self-worth. The conversation touches on topics such as setting boundaries, saying no without guilt, and practicing self-care. The conversation explores the theme of the critical inner voice and its impact on self-perception and behavior. The speakers discuss their experiences with negative self-talk and the importance of challenging and reframing these thoughts. They emphasize the need to confide in others and seek support in order to break free from the cycle of negative thinking. The conversation also touches on the significance of forgiveness and self-compassion in overcoming the critical inner voice. Overall, the speakers encourage listeners to confront and address their negative thoughts and beliefs in order to achieve personal growth and recovery.

Takeaways


One addict or alcoholic helping another is crucial to building a life in recovery.
Emotional sobriety is essential for true transformation in recovery.
Setting boundaries and saying no without guilt are important aspects of self-care.
Engaging with daily meditations and affirmations can challenge the critical inner voice and promote self-worth. Recognize and acknowledge the critical inner voice and challenge its validity
Talk to someone you trust about your negative thoughts and beliefs
Practice self-compassion and forgiveness
Seek support and confide in others to break free from negative thinking
Addressing the critical inner voice is crucial for personal growth and recovery




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