Session 1
Week 1 | March 31, 2021
The following is supplemental information & resources for this session:
- Big Book Large Print Abridged Roman Numeral Fix
- BBA Writing Tips
- Pictures of the Big Book with transcriptions.
WORK FOR WEEK 1:
Start General Info:
Before you begin any writing please read:
1) BBA Guidebook pg 3 “Introduction and Basic Instructions”
2) BBA Writing Tips (attachment above)
3) Complete the following reading/transcriptions. Use the “Pictures of the Big Book with transcriptions” above for guidance.
– Fix the Roman Numerals if you have the Large Print Abridged Big Book
– Set Aside Prayer (2nd pg. blank page)
– Title Page
– Contents
– Preface
– Foreword To First Edition (pg.xiv).
STOP WRITING HERE
4) The instructions for this section are on pages 4-7 of the BBA Guidebook. Copy from the photos, but also refer to the BBA Guidebook to see how I interpreted the instructions. This will help orientate you with the Guidebook instructions and how to write in the correct margin/line position in the correct pen colors. If you’re unsure, keep referring to the “BBA Writing Tips” sheet until you’ve got it.
Please take your time with the writing so you can contemplate the notes and questions deeply.
● Set Aside Prayer:
Please learn this prayer and use it daily, especially before writing in/reading your Big Book:
“God please enable me to set aside everything I think I know for an open mind and a new experience. Help me see the Truth about…
~ this book, the meetings, the 12 Steps, and my disease.”
Session 2
Week 2
WORK FOR WEEK 2 (April 8-14):
- Complete the transcription for the Forewords – 2nd Edition, 3rd Edition & 4th Edition. (Page 7-8 in the BBA Workbook)
- Continue to use the Set Aside Prayer daily (and especially prior to doing step work).
Additional Resources:
- BBA (Big Book Awakening) Facebook Group – https://www.facebook.com/groups/51349997736 You can find information about BBA meetings, other workshops, and connect with others engaged in BBA process.
- BBAWorks.com – This site offers a number of resources including audio recordings, etc. Just remember – it is recommended that you NOT get ahead of where you are in the work if you plan to listen to recordings.
Announcements / Q&A:
- Do I need a BBA step guide/sponsor? No you do not. This workshop should serve as your guide through the process. We will follow the instructions in the Big Book, and there are two main parts that require another person: 3rd Step & 5th Step. It is ideal to be able to share these steps with someone who has experienced the BBA process, but not necessary (as per the instructions).
Session 3
Week 3
Week 3 | April 14, 2021
Let’s begin Step One!
● New Set Aside Prayer: “God, please enable me to set aside everything I think I know, for an open mind and a new experience. Help me see the Truth about… ~ my *physical craving* after I start to drink (use, etc.).”Use this prayer daily & before writing in/reading your Big Book. It will help you be open minded.
● Homework Week 3 – THE DOCTOR’S OPINION
Read BBA Guidebook pages 9-13 & write everything in your Big Book as instructed.
● Photos: To help you learn how to do the writing, there is a PDF file above with pictures you can use as a guide & reference.
Examples: – “Do I believe that my body is quite as abnormal as mind after the first drink/drug?”– “Did any explanation I’ve heard ever satisfy me as to why I could not control my drinking/using?”
● Additional Physical Symptoms: If an additional symptom has impacted your life, and you want to discover if you lack physical control over it, then write it after “drugs” / “using”. For example “gambling”. Examples: – “Do I believe that my body is quite as abnormal as mind after the first drink/drug/sugar/bet?– “Did any explanation I’ve heard ever satisfy me as to why I could not control my drinking/using/gambling?
Session 4
Week 4
Week 4 | April 21, 2021
Bill’s Story – First Half
● Set Aside Prayer:“God, please enable me to set aside everything I think I know, for an open mind and a new experience. Help me see the Truth about… ~ my *physical craving* after I start to drink (use, etc.).”Use this prayer daily & before writing in/reading your Big Book. It will help you be open minded.
● Homework Week 4 (April 22-28, 2021)#1) Do the Transcription – BBA Workbook Page 14-16 / Big Book Page 1 – 9 (stop after “Drinkers are like that.”)
● Pictures of Bill’s Story with transcription – Click Here! #2) If so inclined, listen to the following BBA Meeting regarding Bill’s Story.
● Bill’s Story Reflection Audio – Click Here! #3) Go back to the beginning of Bill’s Story and read through the section with the transcription and write your personal experience/reflections in the margin.
Session 5
Week 5
Week 5 | April 28, 2021
WEEK 5 (April 29 – May 5, 2021)
Bill’s Story – Second Half
● Set Aside Prayer: “God, please enable me to set aside everything I think I know, for an open mind and a new experience. Help me see the Truth about… ~ my *physical craving* after I start to drink (use, etc.).”Use this prayer daily & before writing in/reading your Big Book. It will help you be open minded.
● Homework for this week:#1) Do the Transcription – BBA Workbook Page 17-18 / Big Book Page 9 – 16 (Complete Bill’s Story)
● Pictures of Bill’s Story with transcription (Pg. 9-16) – Click Here! Please note: The highlighted text is NOT from the Workbook. The highlighted passages are based on my personal time reflecting with the section.#2) If so inclined, listen to the following BBA Meeting regarding Bill’s Story.
● 2nd Half Bill’s Story Reflection Audio – Click Here! #3) Go back to Page 9 (“The door opened…”) of Bill’s Story and read through the remainder of the chapter with the transcription and write your personal experience/reflections in the margin.
Week 6
Week 6 | May 6 – 12, 2021
STEP ONE
Physical Craving
Chapter 2 – There is a Solution
● Set Aside Prayer: “God, please enable me to set aside everything I think I know, for an open mind and a new experience. Help me see the Truth about… ~ my *physical craving* after I start to drink (use, etc.).”Use this prayer daily & before writing in/reading your Big Book. It will help you be open minded.
● Homework for this week:#1) Do the Transcription – BBA Workbook Page 19-23 / Big Book Pages: 17 – top of 23 ● Pictures of pages 17-19 with transcription – Click Here!
Please note: You should be getting comfortable with the process. Remember, this is about YOU having your own experience with the Steps and the process.#2) Go back to Page 17 in your Big Book and read through the very top of Page 23 with the transcription and write your personal experience/reflections in the margin.
Session 7
Week 7
Week 7 | May 13 – 19, 2021
STEP ONE
Mental Obsession
Chapter 2 – There is a Solution
“We admitted we were powerless over alcohol…”
● Set Aside Prayer: “God, please enable me to set aside everything I think I know, for an open mind and a new experience. Help me see the Truth about… ~ my mental obsession after I start to drink (use, etc.).”Use this prayer daily & before writing in/reading your Big Book. It will help you be open minded.
● Homework for this week:#1) Do the Transcription – BBA Workbook Page 24-27 / Big Book Pages: 23 – 29#2) Read the section with the transcription and write your personal experience/reflections in the margin.
Session 8
Week 8
Week 8 | May 20 – 26, 2021
STEP ONE Mental Obsession
Chapter 3 – More About Alcoholism
● Set Aside Prayer:“God, please enable me to set aside everything I think I know, for an open mind and a new experience. Help me see the Truth about… ~ my mental obsession after I start to drink (use, etc.).”Use this prayer daily & before writing in/reading your Big Book. It will help you be open minded.
● Homework for this week:#1) Do the Transcription – BBA Workbook Page 28 – 33/ Big Book Pages: 30 – 43#2) Read the section with the transcription and write your personal experience/reflections in the margin.
NOTE: If you have any struggles with the transcription and would like guidance, please feel free to contact me.
Session 9
Week 9
HOMEWORK FOR MAY 27 – JUNE 3
STEP ONE
Unmanageability
Chapter 4 – We Agnostics
● Set Aside Prayer:“God, please enable me to set aside everything I think I know, for an open mind and a new experience. Help me see the Truth about… ~ the unmanageability of my life.”Use this prayer daily & before writing in/reading your Big Book. It will help you be open minded.
● Homework for this week:#1) Do the Transcription – BBA Workbook Page 34-36 / Big Book Pages: 44, 45 & 52#2) Read the section with the transcription and write your personal experience/reflections in the margin.
NOTE: If you have any struggles with the transcription and would like guidance, please feel free to contact me.
