Father Bill W.

Father Bill W.

Father Bill W.

  • Recovery Writing: Finding God in Writing

Recovery Writing: Finding God in Writing

Wednesday 28th June 2023

Father Bill W. and Dr. James Ryan discuss how writing aids spiritual connection and recovery, tackling religious trauma and the power of imagination.
56 minutes
Informative
Thought-provoking
Empowering
Transformative
Engaging

About this podcast

Father Bill W.
Overview:
Categories:
Religion & Spirituality
Spiritual & Personal Growth Journeys
Sexual Empowerment & Identity
Innovative Treatments & Recovery Paths
Mindfulness & Emotional Wellbeing
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Writing Your Way to Recovery: Insights from Father Bill W. and Dr. James Ryan

Episode Overview

  • Father Bill W. and Dr. James Ryan discuss the impact of writing on recovery, particularly in connecting with a higher power and transforming relationships.
  • They navigate various rabbit holes, addressing resistance to imagination, the dangers of fixed religious dogmas, and the need for a deeper, more vital connection to spiritual practices.
  • The conversation emphasizes the role of imagination and the dangers of literal interpretations in religious and recovery practices.
  • They explore the complexities and challenges individuals face when integrating writing as a spiritual practice, especially for those with religious trauma or skepticism.
  • The significance of 'two-way prayer' as a means of connecting with the beyond within, the value of ritual, and the power of imagination in artistic expressions are also discussed.
The contact that writing provides is contact with a source of imagination and it's dangerous precisely because it is unsettling to those fixed images that we have.
What if the simple act of writing could be a bridge to your higher power? In this thought-provoking episode, Father Bill W., an Episcopal priest with decades of recovery experience, sits down with Dr. James Ryan, a seasoned author and educator, to explore the transformative power of writing in addiction recovery. Dr.
Ryan, who has a deep-rooted interest in spirituality and the pioneer program of Alcoholics Anonymous, shares his research on how writing can connect addicts with the divine and foster healing. They dive into the nuances of using writing as a spiritual tool, especially for those grappling with religious trauma or skepticism. The discussion is rich with insights on the importance of imagination, the pitfalls of literal interpretations in religious practices, and the role of rituals like 'two-way prayer'.
They also touch on creative practices like Julia Cameron's 'morning pages' and how they can serve as a daily ritual for spiritual connection. Whether you're new to recovery or a seasoned veteran, this episode offers valuable perspectives on integrating writing into your spiritual journey.