Position of Neutrality

Join Joe McDonald as he dives deep into the profound concepts of serenity and peace in Steps 10 & 11 AA, inspired by the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous. In this session, Joe explores the true meaning of serenity and peace, emphasizing that these are not merely concepts learned from a book but experiences felt at the soul level. “All right, so we’ll comprehend the word serenity and we will kn...

Join us as Wayne Giles shares his candid experience transitioning from over a decade in prison to facing the immediate temptations of freedom. This part of our ‘Step 1 Wayne Lived Experience Series’ delves into Wayne’s poignant discussion with his parole officer about his aspirations versus his actions, reflecting a fundamental struggle many encounter in recovery. This narrative underscores the im...

Join Joe McDonald as he shares a powerful message of hope and transformation in Steps 10 & 11 AA, inspired by the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous. In this session, Joe speaks to the miraculous change that occurs when we allow a higher power to lift us from the depths of despair. “And the one who did it for me wants to do it for you, or I wouldn’t be here because I don’t get sent out to treat...

Join Joe McDonald as he delves into the profound journey of spiritual growth outlined in Steps 10 & 11 AA, as described in the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous. In this session, Joe emphasizes the importance of serving and growing in the Spirit, highlighting the transformation that occurs when we become conscious of the power flowing within us. “We’ve got to get you serving. We’ve got to get y...

Explore Wayne Giles’ raw and challenging journey as he transitions from over a decade in prison to immediate post-release trials in this opening segment of our ‘Step 1 Wayne Lived Experience Series.’ As Wayne steps out into freedom, he confronts the stark reality of his addiction battles—highlighting the struggle that many face when attempting to break free from the chains of substance abuse. Desp...

Join Joe McDonald as he delves into the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous, exploring the deeper meanings behind Steps 10 & 11 AA. In this session, Joe reflects on the challenge of knowing what we ought to do, even when it makes no worldly sense, and the importance of following through regardless. “So what could we have done better? To his point, I probably already know what I ought to be doing,...

Join Joe McDonald as he dives into the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous, discussing the removal of fear and its impact on our thinking in Steps 10 & 11 AA. Joe emphasizes that the problem isn’t necessarily ourselves or our thinking but rather the fear that drives it. “So then it says we’ve not even sworn off, instead the problem has been removed. So what’s the problem? I’ve heard people say it...

Join Joe McDonald as he delves into the reality of powerlessness in recovery and the profound power that comes from true spiritual connection. In this discussion on Steps 8 and 9 of the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous, Joe emphasizes that powerlessness is not just a theory but a lived experience that drives us to access a greater power. “Guys, powerlessness is not a theory. So the desperation tha...

Join Joe McDonald as he explores the concept of spiritual fitness in recovery, focusing on the real purpose of fitting ourselves to be of maximum service to God and others. Through Steps 8 and 9 in the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous, Joe delves into the exercise of spiritual fitness and how it can transform our sense of purpose. “Our real purpose is to fit ourselves to be of maximum service to G...

Brian Reinhart shares a profound moment from his Step 2 experience, revealing how a seemingly small encounter with the divine can lead to life-changing realizations. Raised in an atheist family, Brian had long struggled with the idea of believing in a higher power. However, after experiencing a moment of sleep paralysis, where he was held down by an unseen force, he instinctively prayed for help....

Join Joe McDonald as he delves into the real-life experiences of recovery, focusing on the bravery it takes to confront unresolved issues. Through the lens of Steps 8 and 9 in the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous, Joe discusses the emotional journey of facing pending matters that could uproot your life if left unattended. “Have you ever had a thing pending and you decided not to do anything about...

Join Joe McDonald as he explores the intricate responsibilities tied to Steps 8 and 9 in the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous. Through the lens of accountability and the power of internal reflection, Joe unpacks the real meaning behind making amends and the depth of the harm we may have caused. “All right, so then he says, ‘What right did he have to involve those dependent upon him? How could he p...

Brian Reinhart opens up about his deeply personal Step 2 encounter in this powerful testimony. Growing up in an atheist family, Brian was raised to believe there was no possibility of God, leaving him wondering if someone like him could ever be redeemed. This disbelief followed him into recovery, where the concept of a higher power seemed unreachable, and the idea of being restored to sanity felt...

Join Joe McDonald as he delves into the importance of taking action in recovery, particularly in Steps 8 and 9 of the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous. Joe emphasizes that faith without works is dead, highlighting the necessity of action to truly embody the changes that recovery promises. “Now we need more action, without which we find that faith without works is dead. Why do I call your attention...

Join Joe McDonald as he explores the journey of moving forward in recovery through Steps 8 and 9 of the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous. Joe highlights the importance of acting our way into better thinking and continuously asking for more power when needed. “Remember, it was agreed at the beginning we would go to any lengths for victory over alcohol. It’s in italics, so let’s think about with who...

Join Joe McDonald as he delves into the process of making amends in Steps 8 and 9 of the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous. Joe shares insights into the unpredictable nature of these encounters and the importance of subordinating ego to make sincere amends. “How many of you have gone to make an approach for an amends, and by the time you started talking about it, neither one of you could really rem...

Join Joe McDonald as he delves into the importance of finding personal experience within the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous. In this session, Joe emphasizes the unique approach taken at Position of Neutrality, where the goal is to ensure everyone has a different, personal experience during the meeting. “We take a look at the suggested instruction for a step or so a week directly out of this book...

Join Brian Reinhart as he shares his personal struggle with Step 2 in the 12 Steps, offering a candid account of his journey toward faith in a higher power. Raised in an atheist family, Brian was told there was no possibility of God, and over time, he adopted this belief. He even began to hope that no higher power existed because he felt that someone like him couldn’t be redeemed. In this honest r...

Position of Neutrality is a study of the manner of living suggested by the founders of A.A. which was recorded in the book Alcoholics Anonymous. The story of how many thousands of men and women have recovered from alcoholism. Join us for more inspiring recovery stories and transformative insights. Check out our website at: www.positionofneutrality.org YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@positionofneu...

Join Joe McDonald as he dives into the challenges faced in Steps 8 & 9 of the 12-Step program, discussing the importance of not shrinking from drastic actions when necessary. Joe emphasizes the internal struggle and the sensory reality of knowing when a significant step must be taken. “You’re gonna feel it inside… When you know that you know that this has got to happen, and you’re really afrai...

Join Joe McDonald as he reflects on the profound moments of divine intervention that occur in the journey of recovery. Sharing a personal story, Joe recounts, “We’ll suddenly realize that God is doing for us what we could not do for ourselves. One quick story… This cat came in and introduced me to this power, changed my life forever from that day forward. My life externals didn’t look different, b...

Join Joe McDonald as he delves into the significance of the Step 7 prayer in Alcoholics Anonymous, a pivotal moment where the Big Book attaches the word “Amen.” Joe explains, “You’ll notice that this is the first prayer in the book where they attach the amen. Those of you that are not biblical students may not know why, but when I really need the power of testimony, I need agreement.” Reflecting o...

Join Joe McDonald as he explores the importance of preparation and the approach when making amends in Steps 8 and 9 of Alcoholics Anonymous. Joe emphasizes the repeated guidance in the Big Book, noting, “Notice how they said the same thing so many times. That should give you an idea of how much preparation you might need before the approach.” Reflecting on personal experiences, Joe shares, “Any of...

Join Joe McDonald as he delves into the critical aspects of willingness and humility in Steps 8 and 9 of Alcoholics Anonymous. Joe reflects, “We ask that we be given strength and direction to do the right thing no matter what the personal consequences may be. We may lose our position or reputation or face jail, but we are willing. We must not shrink at anything.” Joe emphasizes the necessity of su...

Join Joe McDonald as he explores the importance of focusing on principles rather than specific situations in Steps 8 and 9 of Alcoholics Anonymous. Joe emphasizes, “Although these reparations take innumerable forms, there are some general principles which we find guiding. We’re going to focus on the principles and not the situations. The situations could be as many as there are in this room, but t...