What was Bill W's Higher Power? AA, Psychedelics & LSD
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 8 ก.ค. 2024
- Welcome to another zoom meeting and podcast of ‘Here’s Tom with the Weather’...where we investigate the plethora of Higher powers that populate the vast universe of 12 step Recovery - particularly where the founders of Alcoholics Anonymous encourage us to find some kind of higher power - as long as it’s not us...
We speak to people with all manner of higher powers - from those who are atheists, sufis, agnostics, Christians, Buddhists, Followers of Islam, Hermetics, Paganists, and those into NON-DUALITY...we leave no stone unturned... it's our aim to promote understanding and open-mindedness so that alcoholics and addicts can find a higher power of their own - to stay sober and carry the message.
We promote tolerance and empathy for folks who have different spiritual practices than us. Its all about Live and Let Live.
Please remember that this is not an AA meeting... it's just some people’s version of the truth - whatever that may be.
Sometimes we talk to seekers, to gurus, and to people not necessarily in recovery ... and today we’re going to step out and look at the co-founder of AA himself…Bill Wilson…what was his higher power?… what lengths did he go to find a higher power…how it progressed…and what was the outcome.
...and maybe to see him not as the legendary, saintly figure that many try to portray him as, but as an alcoholic: a flawed human being just like the rest of us, but one who changed the course of human history for the better - who saved the lives of millions - who started this wonderful program of Alcoholics Anonymous - Yes, he had drive, he had determination but he also had defects of character.
And finally, Before I introduce our guest please be aware that there will QUITE POSSIBLY be subject matter mentioned in this podcast that will challenge many people in recovery, and could upset some, - so to be clear - particularly to anyone new to sobriety, the subject matter you will hear - is not an excuse to go off and try easier softer ways to sobriety and spiritual enlightenment. We always promote that the attendance of meetings, working the 12 steps, sponsorship and service as the route to long-term sobriety.
Anyway, I’ll get off my soapbox...today's guest is Don Lattin.
Don Lattin is a sober, award-winning journalist and the author of six books.
His journalistic work has appeared in dozens of U.S. magazines and newspapers, including the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and the San Francisco Chronicle, where Don worked as a staff writer for nearly two decades.
He has taught as an adjunct faculty member at the Graduate School of Journalism at the University of California at Berkeley, where he holds a degree in sociology. He is a contributing writer for the Encyclopedia of Love in World Religions and the Encyclopedia of Religion in America.
And the subject matter of tonight's discussion - largely revolves around his Peer-reviewed book - DISTILLED SPIRITS -- Getting High, then Sober, with a Famous Writer, a Forgotten Philosopher, and a Hopeless Drunk. It’s a memoir/group biography that looks at how Bill W , Aldous Huxley, and philosopher Gerald Heard, opened new doors in Western religious thought.
Distilled Spirits won several awards including the “Religion Book of the Year" and the California Book Award
I really appreciate you talking about this subject. Nobody should discount the use of psychedelics as a tool for recovery and spiritual growth. It's a tool that has had profound impact on many, many people in recovery and otherwise. Don't knock it till you've tried it!
Using LSD in recovery is not suggested for good reason. Bill Wilson wanted to bring LSD into AA for people who were having a hard time having a spiritual awakening. Group conscience said no. Thank God. That would of ruined AA. LSD is a drug. We are in recovery, Using LSD in recovery is a relapse. We can be restored to sanity by the power of God by faith in God. God has all power.
Bill's higher power evolved and changed like we do.
God does not change
@@kevingreaux7133 God evolves like we do. We need each other. We live in a virtual reality. Quantum Physics. Open your mind, AAer's are very closed minded, cultish.
14 month seeker
@@peopleunite3605 Kevin's identity is Christian. AAers in my experience have an open mind once the desperation wears off and humility sets in.
The fact that Bill had major depression and was a chronic cigarette smoker, makes sense. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) states the emotions of sadness, depression and grief are regulated by the Lungs (Metal -element). Makes perfect sense. Good job and podcast.
He said we don't want to get into Bill Wilson's womanizing and 13th stepping because it might not make Bill Wilson look to good. Tom Powers Bill Wilson's sponsee called Bill Wilson out on his womanizing and adultery because it was wrong, and it was causing Bill Wilson's depression, but Bill didn't want to give it up. What Bill Wilson needed to do was to start practicing what he was preaching in his twelve steps
Anyone got more info on Tom Powers. Word is he started AAA (all addiction anonymous), a fundamentalist offshoot. Is it true that Tom Powers later had a daughter, or stepdaughter, removed from their home by state of NJ due to physical and/or sexual abuse? Was he catholic, member of Boy Scouts, or did he go to penn state university by chance?
LSD wasn't a relapse. It was part of his spirituality.
Bullshit
@@greatone7314 Do your research, you will find the truth.
@@kevingreaux7133 I did kevin and what I found was astonishing to say the least. I took LSD years ago to get high not for a spiritual experience. Wilson told people he was continuing the work of Jesus Christ on earth and that he was saving Humanity!! Now that is some serious meglomania. The most mind altering drug is LSD.
@@kevingreaux7133 LSD saved my life.
LSD is not a drug; you can definitely use it to expand your mind, your consciousness, your spirituality. LSD can also be used as medicine to treat ailments of the mind.
Excellent interview thank you. Gonna download the book! IMPORTANT POINT: AA is okay with anti-depressants (which require daily use & can cause withdrawals worse than alcohol for months). Sponsors have no ground to stand on against any prescription medications. The only requirement is to want to quit drinking. That doesn’t include arbitrary rules on outside issues as described in AA. People are dying by trusting their sponsors’ advice to refuse proven elective treatment for their “severe mental disorders” Depression and PTSD kill a lot of “old timers”: Alcohol is alcohol., NA is for other drugs.Bill Wilson, the founder, has been censored in favor of religious dogma.
Learn more. AA doesn't have opinions on outside issues. "AA" doesn't have a spokes person so how do you know what their stance is. These are people's opinions in some groups YOU have decided is "what aa is okay with."
@@tbbart6463 AA allows their program (and trademarked name) to be used by court systems and for-profit rehab centers. AA has ignored that principle since the day they kicked out Bill Wilson in the 1960s.
Actually it says in the book I’ve lost my right to chemical peace of mind 😅
How is this not talked about more? A spiritual experience came from belladonna and ushered in the big book and everyone sits around working steps waiting for a spiritual experience!!!???
You hit the nail on the head!! When one sitting of LSD can do the trick, why are we stuck with these miserable AA meetings and literature forever?
it keeps you coming back ,$1 at a time,worldwide.@@pacificlite
Except aspirin has negative effects on the stomach. LSD only has negative effects on the psyche if you have a pre-existing history of mental illness, like a family history of schizophrenia. Physically non-toxic. A shame Bill couldn't benefit from NMDA-antagonist therapy. Great video Dave and Don!
In my personal experience, Alcohol led to Darkness and Destruction! Drugs, on the other hand, led to Enlightenment and Creativity! I came to AA because I had a problem with Alcohol! The difference today is, AA led me to True Enlightenment! A Higher Power! A loving God! Seek, and He shall find! God Bless you all as you trudge the road to Happy Destiny!
I love how he keeps telling him exactly what the interviewer is asking and the interviewer getting all pissed off about it. This man had a lot of patience.
Great interview!
I’m in AA and it’s the truth. I’ve been sober for a month, for the first time in my adult life. I see a couple issues ahead, however. First of all, I’m a cannabis farmer. Have been for three years. It’s the lifestyle of my dreams, honestly. Well, I wish my farm were a little more near to town, but you get what I’m saying. It’s a beautiful occupation . Pot is not a problem in my life. Never was. Alcohol was. Unless I someday find that I have been under some dark spell, as was the case with alcohol, I’m not interested in interfering with my cannabis habit.
I also have quite a lot of experience with shamanic plant medicines. Lots of talk about higher powers in AA. Let me tell ya, certain plant medicines can overwhelm you in that department. I don’t see any reason to steer clear.
I expect I’ll run into some tension there, in AA, because shunning these things would fly in the face of my own sensory experience.
Don’t know anyone whoever got charged with being “Stoned and Disorderly”! 😂
Most AA's will understand some wont but the majority will understand that our own programs are oersonal. It all depends on the person.
Outstanding
My brother in arms! Thanks for sending this video bro! Love ya! ❤
Brilliant, Tom. Thank you so much for the energy, humor, gentle compassion, and refreshing lack of egoic self centeredness in which you invite this interviews. This session was oddly thrilling to me. The conversation seemed to simultaneously allow space to de-religionize the program, while, in my perception, letting Bill be human and remembering whose shoulders we stand on. Freakin loved it
Very objective information not the usual apologetics or cult of personality so often promulgated
I think this interview is better understood if one has read his book "Distilled Spirits."
Christianity is the one true religion because Christian's believe in the One true God. The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. They are One.
New to this webcast and the enjoying it. Breaking up some real biases I have been too comfortable w.
I agree that Bill taking the drug cocktail and having a spiritual experience as a result is s moot point.
A key point was that after Bill had his experience, Dr Silkworth is noted to have said he didn't know what happened but it was worth hanging on to. If the drugs had been the key factor, Dr. Silkworth would have seen the result more than his reply suggested.
Also, if the drug cocktail were the sole reason for the awakening, why didn't everyone have responses that created even more sober individuals let alone create a global network of ppl getting sober?
Thank you so much Don 🙏🏽🙏🏽💪🏽💪🏽
The LSD is the one thing he got right. Part of mental health is spirituality.
I used to say the same thing when I was in denial.
It's a shame on Bills deathbed he returned to his love, alcohol. Or is it possible AA is and was just a load of crap designed to make loads of cash during the great depression.
Why do people speak out their ass. I really wish I knew. Truly. AA is non-professional, non-profit and altruistic. No one is paid or pays to be a member. God bless.
Why is there no sound?
Can we see the transcript please?
Of the 2nd whited out letter
🌿⚡️
I don't care what Bill Wilson thinks. I am a woman who is knows.
Disagreeing with the founder of AA. ? Yes, you can disagree with the founder of AA. Bill Wilson is not God.
Mushrooms are my higher power
@@frankmario932 usually through friends. Since they are illegal sometimes it's hard to find
@@Byrian420 I understand from people in the retail Cannabis industry, that psilocybin will likely be decriminalized and in fact legal for sale to adults within the next 5-10 years. Happy for the folks above who are quite certain that they alone are in possession of the wisdom of the one true god. Might I suggest that you take a note from AA which as I understand it, calls itself a program of attraction. That if one is attracted to what it is that any self professed member 'has', that one can see how that person did it! And try it on for size themselves if they'd like. See how it wears, Shaming, damning, insulting and all the rest of your condensation, very well may NOT be the 'attractive' qualities you assume them to be. That said, sincerely hope your frankly judgmental and seemingly humorless singular vision of a deity works for you and your life and brings you genuine comfort. But hey, they make different shapes of cookie cutters for a reason, huh??? Why do I think you may not be a big fan of 'to each his own! Live and let live? Be well.
@@michaelsegel5077 wow lighten up, all I said was mushrooms were my higher power. What your opinion of that is well your opinion
@@michaelsegel5077 if you knew any of what you were talking about with AA then you would know the founder Bill Wilson wanted LSD used as part of the 13 steps not 12 but since they made LSD illegal they removed the 13th step.
@@michaelsegel5077 who brings you comfort? Oh, I forgot Jesus Christ another deity lol ....
Ego collapse at depth...LSD not my thing due to my make up however I defend BW past cuz he was a drunk like me
Jesus Christ is the way, the truth and the life and no one can come to the Father except through Him. John 14:6