Mark H - Truth of losing connection to the 1st Step

[@Tanman-lk1hk]

I had 18 years and relapsed a year ago..this is life and death. It's no joke!

[@anthonyalves3993]

AA doesn't keep me sober , The grace of God keeps me sober

[@christinejohn5642]

Mark is only carrying the message of the early pioneers of this life saving fellowship when recovery was 80 percent , our recovery today is less than 20 percent what mark “ preaches” takes discipline dedication hard work and helping others thank you mark for showing me how to live the 12 steps in my life

[@mattymaze79]

This guys understanding of The Program is absolutely amazing. I can never get enough of hom!!!

[@caltonsteven]

We have enough fear so why continue preaching more fear , everyone who said I was going to die after getting complacent over 28 years ago , are dead physically in one shape or another and I can remember my father saying if you are scared to Die then you are scared to live . Death one shape or another is natural path to disconnect and detatch from people places and thing's . This guy is sharing his experience which I respect his thoughts and experiences and ideas for his conception of the Western hemisphere understanding of ideas tennets principles and his words Disciplines which is the biggest clue to the Christian reference of ideas and beliefs which is not mine . As I write I'm in the grip of the illness of Addiction or Affliction and I don't know if I will ever get out of the woods again , if I do or if I don't I am not gathering anymore misplaced fears as I believe the steps which is suggested only and I think of the man walking with a sandwich boards around his shoulders with the saying The End is Coming so I keep a open mind and let all the nonsense trying to make sense go right on thru . . . . Too much Doom which is a pity as this guy is sharing some helpful ideas and his experience is his and only his which is not mine and that's the beauty of the fellowships it's different strokes for different folk's . . Step 2 is every day and in the past and future which is all I have Choices, my urge only last 5 minutes and if I keep my mind on something that is a different pattern then I will make it thru the urges to use. My favourite saying is If it ain't Practical then it ain't Spiritual . . . Even the old members said in the AA basic text that they have only scratched the surface of the illness and Discovery which will lead the way to the way to recover and there's so much advanced information and therapy out their to assist alongside the 12 step philosophy . Mark a good man who is trying to help me and others out their and my only critic is a tab too much Fear which is leading to Doom so let's inflame not dampen the spirit . My old guide said I will die and after 28 years later he died and how can anyone say that someone is going to Die I'm living proof I am not dead yes not as healthy as I could or would like to be and I am cool about that compared to where I was and have been over the past two decades of misery . Today I am feeling a pulse in my wrists so I am alive and I am glad for this reason for starter's. It's easy to talk about dying until you stare death in the eyes and dig deep inside somewhere to survive and stay alive . I don't ask God for anything as I have two hands two legs and feet and a brain with eyes and ears and you lot so what should I ask God for .. everything I think and feel is God given natural condition and my inside work is getting rid of misdplaced shame and guilt and ideas and beliefs. My father's word's keeps coming back if you are scared to die you are scared to Live

[@Mandalas12]

I appreciate you sharing your thoughts.

[@tacomike417]

@@christinejohn5642 our numbers according to the Big Book are 50% of the people who came to AA and tried solved their drink problem, 25% had some slip up, came back and tried and solved their drink problem, and the remaining 25% who kept coming back improved.

[@jeffwermuth8375]

Today... we have more of those that have been in and out in and out for yrssss.telling newcomers how to stay sober ...also telling them not to listen to them oldtimers they don't understand

[@mattymaze79]

Mark H is without a doubt living on in the lives of many recovering people thru all his tapes. I for one appreciate these every day. Thank you Mark, Thank you AA, and thank you GOD🙏

[@rwsbadabing]

By the Grace of God and the program of AA I celebrated 1 year of sobriety 6/18/24 🙏💯. Every time I listen to Mark H I hear/learn something new I can apply to my recovery! I AM GRATEFUL!

[@zd829]

Ayyeee ohhh, Congratulations and God Bless! Continue forward and continue to grow spiritually in this program!

[@y3Sound]

Congratulations!!!!

[@rickp3753]

I listened to Mark and Joe and all the others 20 years ago and never stopped. It's always been a part of my recovery. Congrats on your year!

[@emelierook2477]

By the grace of my higher power, the fellowship and good sponsorship I just got two years on 1/17/2025...one day at a time ❤️

[@christinejohn5642]

Mark houston and his pure dedication to helping others by carrying the original message of a a from bill w and dr Bob is saving thousands of lives I lost my beautiful daughter to this illness in July leaving me two beautiful grandchildren one 19 and 3 years old I did not plan to be a mum at 72 years of age her ex partner is in prison on a murder charge a crack addict she was 6 years sober when he came into her life in recovery , they thought they were clean and sober and wanted to celebrate with a recovery baby her partner relapsed and she followed soon after their son is autistic and now social services are taking me to court to have her son adopted taking him from his loving family . No step one as mark shared it is priceless thank god for people like mark who carries a genuine message of recovery to us I spent years I n a a not drinking and going to meetings for this alcoholic there was no connection to my hp after gym first 6 months in a a I wouldn’t get honest and do the work I’m 37 years sober thanks to hearing people like mark carrying the true message of recovery

[@theworldsastage6231]

Sorry to hear that in your 70s your having to pick up the pieces for your daughter I’m glad your in recovery yourself so have this understanding ❤ it’s a family illness for sure I’m also from an alcoholic family and have struggled myself over the years but happy to say I’m 28 days and back in the rooms , we are very fortunate to them to go to from people carrying this message ❤

[@Mr.Winston-the-third]

I’ve been in and out of the program for 7 years. I hope to God one day I can step into the light and be among the free.

[@Treetopper911]

Rest in peace, Mark, you saved my life. Your words live in my mind and your memory lives in my heart. I hope that my life makes you proud. Rest in peace brother

[@eshjane]

REST IN PEACE MARK 😢

[@5thdimension954]

What happened to him?

[@JoyfulJenn]

2 years yesterday thanks AA

[@craig.encinitas]

🙏🏼

[@craigmcinnes3799]

Wasn’t AA, it was god

[@christinaanderson1628]

It's on 777 just new 24 days clean hopefully learn as much as I can here good luck to everyone ❤️ God and thankful fir getting me clean and sober giving me the opportunity thankyou devine spirit

[@theworldsastage6231]

Howard e does a good book study as well I really get so much from it reading alone doesn’t do it for me to hear these great people break it down is so helpful good luck in your journey

[@mariad6573]

Mark you have put into perspective things I have been questioning for my 17 months in AA. I believe it is by no mistake I have listened to this video and I believe it will have a profound impact on how I move forward in this program. Mark you were an absolute pleasure to listen to and I appreciate you sharing wisdom that WILL help save lives. I can only hope that one day, God is gracious enough to grant me half of the wisdom that man has. Thank you Mark.

[@kevingreaves2037]

Wow I'm just over 2 half years and this has just blown me away fit spiritual condition more meditation more plugging in more connection I love having that quiet time jus peace in my head quiet time love AA thankyou Bill thankyou everyone who is carrying the message ❤️ 🙏🇬🇧

[@susansmithey5317]

Nine years sober for me. And not one person or sponsor has been as clear as Mark.

[@jameswarda6118]

Wow. After a long weekend of doubt and fear, I needed this. Thank you.

[@NeilD1]

35:02 My mom has a spiritual malady. Has been describing the malady for years and years. She's not alcoholic. The book describes the spiritual malady as 'our human problems' on p 52, not our alcoholic problem. Nowhere does it say in the step 1 part of the book that a malady, or an obsession (OED: A recurring thought or idea which intrudes or is not easily dismissed) with alcohol that leads to the first drink. It does talk about the absence of a defense a whole lot. Mental blank spot, absence of necessary sanity, will power, memory, coupled with the inability to reason with oneself. Step 10 - We are restored to sanity IE defense now seemingly in operation (p.83 - 84). Fred, Jim - Quote: 'No thought of drinking' ... But 'Suddenly the thought arose' for Jim. 'The end of a perfect day' for Fred. Even if an 'obsession' is present or not, it still falls to the absence of a defence which ultimately determines the drink. It's also my experience that those who suffer from an obsession can, 'at certain times', get through it until it passes. I see many real alcoholics fall for the first drink after a period of sobriety because they are holding a vigilance for 'the obsession' but then drink 'as carelessly as if it were ginger ale' (like Bill) in the mental blank spots described in chap.3. How could there be the presence of an obsession during a blank spot (the absence of sanity)? Just an idea to consider if like me, you drank because you were busy with the great life in recovery and were neglecting 10, 11, 12 - therefore losing connection with step 1. We treat the malady because the mind of the alcoholic is ineffective, and the body has an allergy (according to Silkworth and his mentor). We only have one option to recover if we are alcoholic, spiritual growth, and then by step 10, (11, 12), we have indeed straightened out physically and mentally. 'Recovered from a hopeless state of mind and body'. The book does describe an obsession to 'beat the game', but far as I can make out, that is talking about an alcoholic still in his cups who is using strategies to keep on drinking without experiencing the 'terrific consequences', or 'this time (I have a drink) it'll be different, and here's how'. I post this only as it may be helpful to someone, not to be in any way contentious.

[@rogerfournier3284]

Knowledge is self seeking for more knowledge. Spiritual awareness is being responsible of my higher power which is not me, and having a conscious contact of a higher power. Having a daily reprieve of alcoholism. Living in the moment in which we, us, take away the “I” Thank you, well spoken. Going forward on six months, and I'm working on the 12 step with a good sponsor who understands the Big book.

[@dalemason5970]

Same buddy, thankyou. Hope you're still going. I brleive so.

[@Raven_Intuition]

49:00 .... You don't drink because of something that happened 15 years ago... You drink because of your current spiritual condition

[@lolliisabusdriver.4447]

Yes. This is the message. I am living proof.

[@rubenesquivel9630]

I just relapse for myself I was going on 3 years sober January 3rd today's day one I started over jump right back into it it lasted 3 days all I could say is I prayed to God for now answered give me the power to stop so I stopped

[@tacomike417]

@@rubenesquivel9630 keep coming back bro, there's more out here for you.

[@MICHEAL-u7q]

😅

[@rubenesquivel9630]

@@tacomike417 I will man 52 days today not looking back turning back life is good I learned from my mistakes on this one

[@katlyncoyl3155]

Mark and Joe hawk (and my sponsor at the time who shared the message of AA) completely made my experience with the steps just that a true experience and not just knowledge or a conception or a theory or an idea they made the gut level experience fruition well in reality god gave that experience to me. So grateful for men and women who carry the message that there is a solution and it's not human including sponsors kids meetings the steps or sponsoring other women but those are things that lead me to having a relationship and an experience with god.

[@sum2automation]

Yup.... from 1976 to today AA has saved millions of Alcoholics. Mark H has truly help my understanding of the 12 steps that have truly save my life beyond anything that I deserved. Truly an amazing experience and way to live life. If your drinking yourself to death and want it to stop. Make the call for help, good Sponsorship is hard to find at times but don't you ever give up. Keep looking and going forward with the 12 steps! Don't worry about what any one has to say, YOUR INSTALLATION ARE IN THE BOOK! ... and YOU can't go wrong. I have never seen anyone wish they didn't complete the 12 steps of Alcoholics Anonymous Yes the are truly the happiest people in life and in the room of AA. That I've ever seen.... Thanks for sharing Good message it is, thanks for the fellowship!

[@lisarussell8874]

From 1976?

[@rogerfournier3284]

Very spiritual message from Mark. Thank you Mark.

[@TeresaAnthony-r9r]

Just needed to hear this god bless ❤

[@markg.4246]

I've never "done" a 1st Step. Step One is something that "happened" to me. In one moment of time, I was overcome by SURRENDER, and WILLINGNESS. After that, all I had to do was "SHOW UP". 30 plus years later, I still show up. Not because I have so much to lose...but so much to gain! Mark

[@887stitch]

Shout out to Dave! You're a true warrior sir! Thank you both very much!

[@steveb9525]

Mark we love and miss you

[@scotttheo3711]

Mark is a perfect example of hard work and discipline without the added crucial element of surrender! I wish he had the humility to go to nicotine anonymous. Pride kills great men!

[@merrymeditation]

lol, you realize Mark died over a decade ago, right?

[@dalemason5970]

I'm pretty sure Mark would have stopped if he'd wanted to, surely.. Mark had plenty of humility. I know how he died..Great man yes

[@merrymeditation]

@@dalemason5970 I will never understand anyone comparing alcoholism to smoking. " Annhiliation of everything worthwhile is life" is what alcoholism produces; there is NOTHING on earth that compares to it.

[@jeffwermuth8375]

A.a. has allowed toooo many outside issues in a.a. when first introduced....I was an outside issue coming in...thank GOD for old timers that had ONE singleness of purpose...and was IN the fellowship and not AROUND the fellowship ....

[@MaggiePashley-s1z]

I’m 33 & I’ve. never heard this & it’s so true ❤

[@LetGoLetGod8]

Helped me alot. Big thanks :) Step 1 Wrap Up Questions, ca 1:10 h in. 1, Can you or could you control the amount you drink once you started to drink? 2, Do you believe the physical craving would occur if you took a drink today? 3, Could you take two drinks a day for 30 days no more no less (Marty Mann test)? 4, Does your experience lead abundantly confirm, that once you put alcohol into your system something happens in the body and mental sense, which makes it virtually impossible for you to stop? 5, Did you ever drink when you didn't want to even after swearing drinking off forever? 6, Do you believe that personal knowledge is of no use with respect to your drinking? 7, Do you believe that you'll be unable to stop drinking on the basis of self-knowledge? 8, Do you believe that you have lost the power of choice and drink? 9, Do you believe that you have only two choices today live spiritually or to die in alcoholic death? 10, Do you believe you have a spiritual malody which creates unmanageability in your life? 11, Do you believe that lack of power is your is your dilemma? 12, Do you believe that a time may come where you have no effective mental defense against the first drink? 13, Do you believe that your defense must come from a higher power? 14, Do you believe that you have to find a power greater than yourself which will solve your problem? The 12 steps is not a self help program. It is a God help program.

[@SylviaMarinaMartinez]

Thank you for sharing this!

[@CarmelCollins]

So Powerful. Felt Tearful. Thank you.

[@jamiepaulhume1659]

Step 1....The only step we can fully complete, 100% of the time 🙏❤️🙏

[@julieoneill8698]

I needed to hear this!

[@allisonerickson3598]

Wow wow wow just wow 🎯🙏🙏🙏🙏🔈

[@allencollins6031]

Thanks for posting.

[@chefprepjustindieh]

Phenomenal

[@kylemedeiros6907]

This is really good and I’m only 20 min into the video. 9 years clean in NA

[@susanadams76]

welcome home Kyle welcome home Kyle

[@susanadams76]

✌

[@susanadams76]

call AA find a closed AA meeting and get on with it call AA find a closed AA meeting and get on with it God bless you God bless you

[@Raven_Intuition]

33:51 Craving = MENTAL OBSESSION

[@TheBardicDruid]

No, Mental Obsession is just mental, the craving is physical that happens after the first drink.

[@brodyeckblad7413]

Doctors Opinion. "AFTER they have succumbed to the desire again, as so many do, the phenomenon of craving develops..."

[@MarcusHawak]

Mark .H is my hero & his sponsor Don Prits, there not to many guys like him ,the only one I seen is my sponsor,he a 164 pgs of the Big book Guy ,I never met Mark ,I herd he was tought met one of his sponcees that dude tough as nails !!!! 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏👍🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@LauweThee]

Who is that seccond guy talking , very powerfull message!

[@awesome_john_dipiero]

There’s a tape of this workshop with David f

[@niallwilson3787]

My gut begins to turn and turn thats been my experience with step 1 totally relate

[@zachrebert6775]

Who is the second voice? Love Mark but never heard this guy before. He has some good stuff.

[@awesome_john_dipiero]

I believe it’s Dave f … there’s a worship tape of Dave f or David f and mark h … I believe this is a clip of that tape

[@Raven_Intuition]

48:00 ..... Dimensions

[@ihsanpenny9945]

Any ideas on what year this was?

[@paulsnodgrass5150]

It seems like the first guy has all the answers. Time will tell. Sometimes I need to do inventory on how I'm carrying the message.

[@ssweb915]

Who is the speaker after Mark?

[@izdotcarter]

Year of record?

[@solaflare2006]

Is there any women who take women this way like mark h & joe Hawk.??.im in the UK. Any help I'd really appreciate. Need some new belief systems. Old ones aint working. Im not a new nember either

[@LauroGV]

THANK you, you know, here un México AA has bad translations so a deformación of the program. You nigth try to do something.

[@Cmkrs34]

Buddhism Christianity C J Jung have different understandingss of Ego and what to do with it. Simply killing it is not possible by any of above. See St Pauls writings and St Johns Gospel. See Dalai Llama writings or Zen and see too Individuation process by CJ Jung. You need to dis identify with Ego to be free of it. Its not going to disappear.

[@NeilD1]

'Attempting to get rid of your ego is the greatest ego trip there is' - Alan Watts.

[@kriscowley3241]

@@NeilD1❤️

[@vinceorlando4712]

I do not believe you immediately loose your conscious contact if you pick back up.

[@steveb9525]

What happened to Elvis?

[@sharonsherry7554]

Only a real alki will get this their is the chronic type who has to live by 10 11 and 12 and serve a homegroup

[@georgelow11]

Anybody know who the man speaking alongside Mark? ❤🙏🏽

[@tacomike417]

I believe it is a guy named Dave F.

[@georgelow11]

@@tacomike417 thanks brother

[@schizocomp]

Hey maybe this whole losing touch with the first step thing is truth so does this mean that the founders had it figured out we shouldn’t take six months to get to step 9??? 😂 I should be done already

[@oDubnobasswithmyhead]

Does anyone know who the second speaker is? Thnx

[@ash1hollywood]

Dave F 🙏

[@jasonwoodward3391]

AMAZING

[@jasons6616]

Dave f

[@joetuch3332]

Not sure I want this experience in any way. Don't get me wrong but this AA meeting has completely took our addiction to have a never ending story. I'm not letting go the fact of me being clean to experience a thought of drinking again. Sure it could happen. I ain't thinking of it. Good luck to everyone staying clean

[@lobo1281]

I believe that cocaine use prevented Mark from becoming an alcoholic. He seems to know nothing about the first step

[@tacomike417]

Wow

[@lobo1281]

@@tacomike417 the first step of Alcoholics Anonymous is the qualifying step for membership in AA. This person, as many others have never crossed the line into a region from which there is no return through human aid. Use of cocaine or any substance other than alcohol cannot get you into alcoholics anonymous.

[@tacomike417]

@@lobo1281 I don't know him or anything about his sobriety. The talk helped me out a lot.

[@lobo1281]

What makes you think that you are an alcoholic?

[@John-rb3yv]

He knew waaaaay more than you probably ever will Stop splitting hairs Spiritual malady is no respecter of drug of no choice