Integrity - Recovered 1384
Recovered Podcast
To skip the intro, tap 3:25 Developing integrity in recovery is important for building trust, accountability, and authenticity in one's journey toward sobriety. Integrity is the compatibility between inner convictions and outward behavior. Integrity entails honesty with self and others about mistakes, acknowledging the impact of our actions, and taking responsibility by making amends. Integrity fosters a sense of self-respect and dignity, empowering individuals to honor their commitments, set healthy boundaries, and cultivate meaningful relationships based on trust and mutual respect. ...
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Courage - Recovered 1383
Recovered Podcast
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Surrender - Recovered 1382
Recovered Podcast
To skip the intro, tap 3:25 Surrender is a fundamental concept in the journey of recovery from addiction, signifying a willingness to relinquish control and accept the reality of one's powerlessness over substances or other’s behaviors. It marks a pivotal moment of recognition, where individuals come to terms with the fact that their attempts to manage or control their addiction have been futile. Surrender does not signify weakness but rather strength, as it requires individuals to confront their vulnerabilities and humbly acknowledge their need for help. By surrendering to reality,...
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Hope - Recovered 1381
Recovered Podcast
To skip the intro, tap 3:25 Hope is not just a desirable aspect but a necessary cornerstone of a recovery program. In the depths of addiction, individuals often feel consumed by despair, powerless to break free from the cycle of substance abuse. In early recovery, hope provides a beacon of light amidst the darkness, offering the promise of a better tomorrow. It instills the belief that despite past mistakes and present struggles, a life of sobriety and fulfillment is attainable. This hope is not merely wishful thinking but a tangible force that drives individuals to take the...
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Step 11 - Recovered 1380
Recovered Podcast
To skip the intro, tap 3:25 Step 11 in a 12-step recovery program holds significant importance for both straight and LGBTQIA+ individuals as it emphasizes the practice of spiritual principles and mindfulness. Regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, individuals in recovery often struggle with issues of self-acceptance, shame, and spiritual disconnection. Step 11 encourages regular prayer and meditation, fostering a deeper connection with a higher power or spiritual principles that transcend individual differences. For LGBTQIA+ individuals who may have experienced rejection...
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Step 10 - Recovered 1379
Recovered Podcast
To skip the intro, tap 3:25 Step 10 in a recovery program holds immense importance as it emphasizes the practice of ongoing self-reflection and accountability. This step involves a daily inventory of one's thoughts, actions, and behaviors, along with a prompt acknowledgment of any shortcomings or mistakes. By regularly examining their attitudes and conduct, individuals in recovery cultivate a heightened sense of self-awareness and honesty, which are crucial for maintaining sobriety. Step 10 serves as a preventative measure against relapse by enabling individuals to promptly address any...
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Steps 8 & 9 - Recovered 1378
Recovered Podcast
To skip the intro, tap 3:25 Steps 8 and 9 hold significant importance in the journey of recovery within Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). Step 8 involves making a list of individuals harmed during one's active addiction and becoming willing to make amends to them. This step fosters accountability and self-reflection, encouraging individuals to confront the consequences of their actions and take responsibility for repairing the harm caused. By identifying those who have been affected by their behavior, individuals in recovery begin to understand the ripple effects of their actions and the...
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Challenges - Recovered 1377
Recovered Podcast
To skip the intro, tap 3:25 Dealing with challenges in recovery is paramount to achieving sustained sobriety and personal growth. One of the key aspects is the recognition that recovery is not a linear process; setbacks and challenges are inevitable. Facing these difficulties head-on provides individuals with an opportunity for introspection and self-discovery. Through the support of a community that understands the struggles of addiction, people in recovery learn to confront and navigate challenges with resilience. This process fosters emotional strength, self-awareness, and coping...
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Steps 6 & 7 - Recovered 1376
Recovered Podcast
To skip the intro, tap 3:25 Steps 6 and 7 are crucial stages in a recovery program, guiding individuals on their path to recovery. In Step 6, participants become willing to let go of their character defects—those negative traits or behaviors that hinder personal growth and well-being. This step calls for self-reflection and a genuine desire for change. It requires individuals to confront their shortcomings with honesty and openness, laying the groundwork for personal transformation. Recognizing the need for change and cultivating a willingness to let go of ingrained patterns are...
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Steps 4 and 5 - Recovered 1375
Recovered Podcast
To skip the intro, tap 3:25 In the context of recovery, steps 4 and 5 play crucial roles in fostering personal growth, self-awareness, and lasting change. Step 4 involves making a fearless and searching moral inventory of oneself. This introspective process requires individuals to honestly examine their past behaviors, actions, and attitudes, acknowledging both strengths and shortcomings. By confronting the often challenging aspects of one's past, individuals can gain a deeper understanding of the root causes of their struggles, laying the foundation for meaningful transformation. This...
info_outlineNancy Burks grew up in southeast Michigan and pursued a career as a clinical psychologist until retiring two years ago. Since then, Nancy has started a new phase of her life teaching Buddhism and meditation. Nancy became a Buddhist in 1978, and has practiced in the
Tibetan Buddhist tradition
ever since. From 1996 to 2000, Nancy participated in an intensive, cloistered retreat with 9 other women in upstate New York. Upon completing this traditional training program, she earned the title of "Lama" which means teacher. Nancy currently teaches and practices at the Ann Arbor KTC Tibetan Buddhist Meditation Center. just go to
http://annarborktc.org
For more information
That link will be in the show notes
Nancy lives in Ann Arbor with her husband, and is a caregiver for for her mother and brother.
Nancy welcome to the Recovered Studio
Call us at 1-734-288-7510 or tap Speakpipe
Join the Chat Room, Tap Live stream and Chat Room
email at [email protected]
Get daily recovery messages Daily AA Emails.
As you know Nancy, the Recovered Podcast is intended to be a support for those of us in 12-step recovery program.
Do you know anyone who had struggled with addiction?
As you may know, one of the obstacles new members in 12-step recovery programs have is developing a spiritual life. We encourage new members to consider that there are powers greater than self and that this power can help in sobriety. Later, we find that helps is all areas of our lives.
For example Nancy, many of our new members find their “Higher Power” in the 12-step group.
Through frequent contact with members in the 12-step community, new people find the ability to stay sober. This ability to stay sober was not possible before the group. This, we tell our new members, is a power greater than self.
Another source of “higher power” can be found in the truth. Truth itself and in others. For example, when we honestly look at ourselves and our faults and stop blaming others, we find that changing our behavior is possible. Something that was not possible before.
But when new members are told to get a higher power, the immediately think of the punishing God they grew up with, or maybe the religion of their youth. And for many, these have been terrible experiences and they want no part of that. They feel like they have been painted into a corner with no way out.
But what we encourage is for the new person to seek for themselves what a higher power means to them. There is not only one way, there are many.
Many of us in the United States have no understanding of buddhism. So I wanted to get your perspective Nancy, because you have so much to offer our listeners in regards to life experiences, psychology, and buddhism.
So our listeners get to know you a little better, let's start at the beginning.
Your Story
Tell us where were you born; what was your family of origin like.
What were your religious experiences growing up?
Many of our listeners may not be familiar with Buddhism
Tell us your experience in Budism, how did you become buddhist.
What common feature does Buddhism share with other religions?
What is the difference between Buddhism and other religions?
Give us a brief history of the Buddha.
What is the essential characteristic of Buddhism?
How has buddhism helped you in difficult times?
Advice
What was the #1 thing that has held you back in your spiritual life?
What is the best spiritual advice you ever received?
What is something that is working for your spiritual life right now?
What is the best spiritual book you have read?
Hope
What would you say to the new guy?
Read books by Chogyam trungpa
Meditation in action
Cutting through spiritual materialism
Other Books
Pema Chodron - Start Where You Are, When Things Fall Apart
Jon Kabat-Zinn - Full Catastrophe Living