Father Bill W.

Father Bill W.
  • 4.8 (179)
  • Spirituality
  • Updated Weekly

I’m an Episcopal (Anglican) priest in recovery from alcoholism since 1972. I've spent my career in addiction treatment focused on 12-Step spirituality and exploring the pioneer history of AA. In discovering the lost 11th Step practice of Two Way Prayer, my program underwent a life-changing transformation. As Bill Wilson said, “ something was lost from AA when we stopped emphasizing the morning meditation." My mission now is helping people in 12-Step Fellowships explore a deeper understanding of spiritual practice and how it connects us to the "Great Reality" within. -Fr. Bill W.

  1. 1d ago

    A Stein Full of Jung ep.1

    Years before AA existed, Carl Jung, the famous Swiss psychiatrist, sent his patient Rowland H. in search of a spiritual solution for his alcoholism. Since then, millions of us have followed in his footsteps. Bill Wilson corresponded with Jung thanking him for his contribution to AA and many in the fellowship, including Wilson himself, benefitted from the “depth” or “analytical” psychology practiced by Jung’s professional followers. But therein lies a problem.  The Jungian form of treatment is both lengthy and costly, often far out of reach for most addicts. But can “DEPTH RECOVERY,” to coin a phrase, be experienced without benefit of a trained analyst and can it aid in enriching a recovery journey? In this series, Fr. Bill explores an essay titled “The Aims and Goals of Jungian Analysis” as it appears in a book edited by Murray Stein. By substituting the word “RECOVERY” for “ANALYSIS” the outlines of a journey very similar to the one Jung pointed his patient toward comes into clearer view. At least that’s the hope for this series! Murray Stein, the book’s editor and the author of the essay under discussion will join Fr. Bill for the final episode in this series. Show notes: Jungian Analysis, edited by Murray Stein. The work contains 18 essays on specific aspects of Jungian analysis written by top Jungian analysts. It probably goes deeper than many might be prepared to venture but it’s well worth the stretch. (USED COPIES ARE AFFORDABLY PRICED.)

  2. Aug 3

    Journey from Boy to Man in Recovery ep4

    Many cultures develop rites of passage specifically designed to help a boy transition into manhood. It’s a difficult and dangerous journey, many get lost along the way, and a detour into alcohol and drugs only compound and delay it. Sadly, some never make it. This series explores the book “HE” written by Jungian analyst Robert A. Johnson. It centers on the medieval myth “the Search for the Holy Grail,” as young Parsifal goes in search of what it takes to become a man – a man in service to a Power greater than himself.  Fr. Bill is joined by fellow spiritual seekers and “12-Step Knights of the Roundtable” James R, PhD, a college English professor from Alaska and Fr. James R. an Episcopal priest and scientist from Florida.  As the trio follow Parsifal on his journey they’ll share some of their own experiences and strengths, along with the dragons they met along the way. Please note, this series is as much for women as for men since the inner masculine resides in the psyche of both sexes. Episode four concludes this series. Parsifal failed in his first attempt at the Grail Castle but years of wandering and succeeding at the more mundane tasks of life have left him hungering for a return. Johnson calls these, a man’s “Dry Years.” Parsifal is aided by two more characters: a Hideous Damsel and an Inner Hermit. The panel “sums up” this “Journey from Boy to Man” especially as applied to those of us in recovery.   Show notes: ·      HE by Robert A. Johnson ·      TRANSFORMATION by Robert A. Johnson  ·      RECOVERY WRITINGS by James Ryan ·      StepStudy.org website https://stepstudy.org/

    Journey from Boy to Man in Recovery ep4

  3. Jul 27

    Journey from Boy to Man in Recovery ep3

    Many cultures develop rites of passage specifically designed to help a boy transition into manhood. It’s a difficult and dangerous journey, many get lost along the way, and a detour into alcohol and drugs only compound and delay it. Sadly, some never make it. This series explores the book “HE” written by Jungian analyst Robert A. Johnson. It centers on the medieval myth “the Search for the Holy Grail,” as young Parsifal goes in search of what it takes to become a man – a man in service to a Power greater than himself.   Fr. Bill is joined by fellow spiritual seekers and “12-Step Knights of the Roundtable” James R, PhD, a college English professor from Alaska and Fr. James R. an Episcopal priest and scientist from Florida.  As the trio follow Parsifal on his journey they’ll share some of their own experiences and strengths, along with the dragons they met along the way. Please note, this series is as much for women as for men since the inner masculine resides in the psyche of both sexes. Episode three brings Parsifal to the Grail Castle. Discussion centers on what it means for a man to enter the castle, the things that keep him from entering or maintaining the experience gained, and what are the consequences of losing access to the Castle. Show notes: ·  HE by Robert A. Johnson  ·  RECOVERY WRITINGS by James Ryan ·  StepStudy.org website https://stepstudy.org/

    Journey from Boy to Man in Recovery ep3

  4. Jul 20

    Journey from Boy to Man in Recovery ep2

    Many cultures develop rites of passage specifically designed to help a boy transition into manhood. It’s a difficult and dangerous journey, many get lost along the way, and a detour into alcohol and drugs only compound and delay it. Sadly, some never make it. This series explores the book “HE” written by Jungian analyst Robert A. Johnson. It centers on the medieval myth “the Search for the Holy Grail,” as young Parsifal goes in search of what it takes to become a man – a man in service to a Power greater than himself.   Fr. Bill is joined by fellow spiritual seekers and “12-Step Knights of the Roundtable” James R, PhD, a college English professor from Alaska and Fr. James R. an Episcopal priest and scientist from Florida.  As the trio follow Parsifal on his journey they’ll share some of their own experiences and strengths, along with the dragons they met along the way. Please note, this series is as much for women as for men since the inner masculine resides in the psyche of both sexes. Episode two explores the challenges a young boy faces as he sets out on his journey to manhood. Here he meets a cast of inner characters: his instincts (the Red Knight), his inner feminine muse (Blanche Fleur), his spirit guide and mentor (Gournamond), all as he avoids being trapped by the remnants of his mother-complex (Heart’s Sorrow). Show notes: ·      HE by Robert A. Johnson  ·      RECOVERY WRITINGS by James Ryan ·      StepStudy.org website https://stepstudy.org/

    Journey from Boy to Man in Recovery ep2

  5. Jul 15

    Journey From Boy to Man in Recovery ep1

    Many cultures develop rites of passage specifically designed to help a boy transition into manhood. It’s a difficult and dangerous journey, many get lost along the way, and a detour into alcohol and drugs only compound and delay it. Sadly, some never make it. This series explores the book “HE” written by Jungian analyst Robert A. Johnson. It centers on the medieval myth “the Search for the Holy Grail,” as young Parsifal goes in search of what it takes to become a man – a man in service to a Power greater than himself.   Fr. Bill is joined by fellow spiritual seekers and “12-Step Knights of the Roundtable” James R, PhD, a college English professor from Alaska and Fr. James R. an Episcopal priest and scientist from Florida.  As the trio follow Parsifal on his journey they’ll share some of their own experiences and strengths, along with the dragons they met along the way. Please note, this series is as much for women as for men since the inner masculine resides in the psyche of both sexes. Episode one introduces the panel and explores the nature of myth and the soul’s inner search for wholeness. Show notes: ·      HE by Robert A. Johnson ·      RECOVERY WRITINGS by James Ryan ·      StepStudy.org website https://stepstudy.org/

    Journey From Boy to Man in Recovery ep1

  6. Jul 2

    Willing to Be Willing pt.2

    Steps 3 and 11 frame the vision for a wholly new way of life. It’s one lived, not under the direction of the ego but under the guidance and direction of a Power greater than ourselves. But the ego still has a role to play and that’s through the right use of the will. The purpose of the will is: TO BE WILLING! In this series, Fr. Bill explores a talk delivered by Quaker mystic Thomas R. Kelly. It’s titled HOLY OBEDIENCE. There’s a free pdf link in the show notes below. It’s also one of several essays found in Kelly’s book A Testament of Devotion. It makes for great reading in a morning Quiet Time. But a word of caution. Read it slowly; it’s a lot of truth for a poor ego to swallow all at once! Show notes: Holy Obedience by Thomas R. Kelly https://quaker.org/legacy/pamphlets/wpl1939a.html A Testament of Devotion by Thomas R. Kelly with an Introduction by Richard J. Foster

    Willing to Be Willing pt.2

  7. Jun 24

    Willing to be Willing

    Steps 3 and 11 frame the vision for a wholly new way of life. It’s one lived, not under the direction of the ego but under the guidance and direction of a Power greater than ourselves. But the ego has a role to play and that’s through the right use of the will. The purpose of the will is: TO BE WILLING! In this series, Fr. Bill explores an essay by Quaker mystic Thomas R. Kelly titled HOLY OBEDIENCE. There’s a free pdf link in the show notes below. It’s also one of several articles found in Kelly’s book A Testament of Devotion. It makes for great reading in a morning Quiet Time. But a word of caution. Read it slowly; it’s a lot for a poor ego to swallow all at once! Show notes: Holy Obedience by Thomas R. Kelly https://quaker.org/legacy/pamphlets/wpl1939a.html A Testament of Devotion by Thomas R. Kelly with an Introduction by Richard J. Foster

    Willing to be Willing

  8. Jun 16 ·  Bonus

    The Last Three Steps: When the Juice Runs Dry

    In the episode Fr. Bill shares some experience and advice for keeping the 12-Step program simple and alive. If you’re a long-term listener, you probably won’t find much new here, but hopefully hearing the simple recovery message in simple language can start the recovery juices flowing again. Show notes:  The Will of God and a Man’s Life Work by Henry B. Wright  The Power of Two Way Prayer

    The Last Three Steps: When the Juice Runs Dry
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4.8
out of 5
179 Ratings

About

I’m an Episcopal (Anglican) priest in recovery from alcoholism since 1972. I've spent my career in addiction treatment focused on 12-Step spirituality and exploring the pioneer history of AA. In discovering the lost 11th Step practice of Two Way Prayer, my program underwent a life-changing transformation. As Bill Wilson said, “ something was lost from AA when we stopped emphasizing the morning meditation." My mission now is helping people in 12-Step Fellowships explore a deeper understanding of spiritual practice and how it connects us to the "Great Reality" within. -Fr. Bill W.

Information

  • Creator
    Father Bill W.
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2026
  • Episodes
    318
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Father Bill W.
  • Show Website
    Father Bill W.

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