Joe Hawk "The Work" 2004 - Part 5

Joe Hawk "The Work" 2004 - Part 5

In this insightful episode of 'The Work' workshop led by Joe Hawk, listeners are taken through an engaging journey of self-reflection and spiritual growth, particularly within the framework of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). Joe Hawk, a seasoned member from Santa Monica, California, shares his transformative experiences and offers profound insights into the first steps of AA, focusing particularly on pages leading up to page 60 of the AA book.

The discussion starts with an intriguing hypothetical scenario where Joe imagines giving advice to someone new to the program in just 10 seconds. His advice is simple yet profound: 'Answer every question and follow every direction.' This sets the stage for a deeper exploration of the self-inquiry process that AA encourages, which involves a thorough examination of personal beliefs and experiences with the first three steps of the program.

Joe shares a personal story of selecting a sponsor, illustrating the importance of choosing a mentor who resonates with one's personal journey. He recalls his initial fear and admiration for his eventual sponsor, Don, who represented transformation and change. A key theme in this episode is the understanding of resentment and its roots in fear. Joe explains how resentment often masks deeper fears and emphasizes the necessity of honesty in confronting these emotions.

The discussion delves into three types of dishonesty: lies of commission, omission, and self-delusion, highlighting how self-awareness and truthfulness can lead to personal liberation. The episode also touches on the concept of self-will versus divine guidance, drawing from the spiritual teachings of AA's founder, Bill Wilson. Joe discusses the importance of transitioning from self-directed living to a life guided by spiritual principles, using metaphors such as the 'Director' and 'Principal' versus the 'Actor' and 'Agent' to illustrate this shift.

Listeners are encouraged to undertake a 'fearless and thorough' personal inventory, a cornerstone of AA's recovery process, to uncover the underlying fears driving their resentments. Joe concludes with a reminder that honesty is a continuous journey, one that requires vigilance and courage to face one's truths. This episode is a compelling invitation to embrace vulnerability and seek a deeper understanding of oneself, ultimately fostering personal growth and spiritual awakening.