165: Embracing Humanity: Meshing the Works of William James and AA’s Bill W. with Paul Schulte165: Embracing Humanity: Meshing the Works of William James and AA’s Bill W. with Paul Schulte
The Addicted Mind Podcast
Embracing Humanity: Meshing the Works of William James and AA’s Bill W. with Paul Schulte
40:02•24 Jan 2022
The Spiritual Roots of Addiction Recovery: William James and the 12-Step Program
“The mark of a spiritual experience is twofold: one, life gets bigger, and number two, we feel like we belong, that there's a union with other people.”
What if the key to overcoming addiction lies in embracing spirituality? In this episode of 'The Addicted Mind Podcast', host Duane Osterlind sits down with Paul Schulte, author of 'We Agnostics', to discuss how William James, the father of American psychology, influenced the 12-step program founded by Bill Wilson. Paul dives into James's profound insights on human change and how they resonate with the principles of Alcoholics Anonymous.
With a background in drug and alcohol addiction counseling and an internship at UCLA School of Medicine, Paul brings a wealth of knowledge to the table. He explores how James's book, 'The Varieties of Religious Experience', has shaped modern addiction treatment by highlighting themes of surrender, unity, and forgiveness. Through personal anecdotes and historical context, Paul explains how these spiritual concepts can help individuals break free from feelings of isolation and self-loathing.
This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the spiritual dimensions of recovery. Whether you're on your own recovery journey or supporting someone who is, you'll find valuable insights and inspiration in this engaging conversation.
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