Dr. Jung and Rowland

This image references a significant historical chain of events related to the origins of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). The names mentioned—Dr. Carl Jung, Rowland Hazard, Ebby Thacher, Bill Wilson, and Dr. Robert Smith—are central to the story of AA’s founding.

What Dr. Jung Told Rowland

Dr. Carl Jung, a renowned Swiss psychiatrist, had a pivotal conversation with Rowland Hazard, a wealthy American businessman who struggled with alcoholism. Rowland sought help from Dr. Jung after other treatments had failed. Dr. Jung, recognizing the depth of Rowland’s alcoholism, told him that his condition was essentially hopeless from a medical standpoint. He informed Rowland that only a spiritual or religious experience could provide a true solution to his alcoholism. This realization—that nothing less than a profound spiritual transformation could rescue him—was the foundation for what would later evolve into AA’s emphasis on spirituality.

In detail:

  • Dr. Jung’s Advice: He told Rowland that he had no medical cure for his alcoholism, and that his only hope lay in a complete spiritual experience or “conversion” of the type described by religious traditions throughout history.

Rowland took this advice to heart and sought out a spiritual solution, which eventually led him to the Oxford Group, a Christian movement that emphasized personal transformation through faith. Rowland, in turn, passed this message on to Ebby Thacher, who later shared it with Bill Wilson, one of the co-founders of Alcoholics Anonymous.

The “chain of sharing” depicted in the image reflects how the message of spiritual recovery was passed down from one person to another, ultimately forming the basis of the principles behind AA. The phrase “Thank God someone told me” emphasizes the gratitude felt by those who have been helped by the message of recovery through AA.

-ChatGPT

Would you consider putting a bomb in someones pager and then activating it is an act of war or an act of terror?

Whether placing a bomb in someone’s pager and activating it is considered an act of war or an act of terrorism depends on several factors, including the context, the intent of the perpetrator, the target, and the broader political or military environment. Here’s a breakdown of how it could be classified:

1. Act of Terrorism

  • Definition of Terrorism: Terrorism generally involves violent acts aimed at civilian targets, intended to instill fear or coerce a government or society for political, ideological, or religious reasons. The key element of terrorism is the intent to terrorize or intimidate beyond the immediate act of violence.
  • Motivation: If the bomb was placed to incite fear, panic, or to send a political message, it would most likely be categorized as an act of terrorism. For example, if a non-state actor (such as a terrorist organization) planted the bomb with the intent to kill or maim civilians and create a climate of fear, it would be terrorism.
  • Targeting Civilians: Attacking individuals without a direct connection to a military or state purpose, especially civilians, would typically classify the act as terrorism.

2. Act of War

  • Definition of War: War is generally defined as conflict between states or recognized entities using organized military forces. Acts of war involve strategies aimed at degrading the military or political capabilities of the opposing side.
  • State vs. Non-State Actor: If a state actor (such as a military) planted the bomb during an armed conflict, and if the target was a legitimate military target, this could potentially be considered an act of war. However, if the target was a civilian, it would likely be a violation of international law (such as the Geneva Conventions), making it a war crime.
  • Context of Armed Conflict: If the bombing occurred in the context of an official, declared war between states, then it could be framed as an act of war. However, indiscriminate attacks or attacks on civilians in such contexts can also be considered terrorism or war crimes.

Key Differences:

  • Terrorism: Typically involves non-state actors, civilian targets, and aims to incite fear or achieve political goals through violence.
  • War: Typically involves state actors, military targets, and is part of an organized campaign within an armed conflict. However, war crimes can blur the lines when civilians are targeted.

Conclusion:

In most cases, placing a bomb in a pager to target an individual would likely be classified as an act of terrorism, especially if the goal is to instill fear or target a civilian. If it occurred within a formal war context and was aimed at military personnel, it could potentially be framed as an act of war, but still might violate the rules of armed conflict. Thus, terrorism is the more probable classification in the absence of a broader state-based conflict.

-ChatGPT 4o

Would you consider putting a bomb in someones pager and then activating it a war crime?

Yes, placing a bomb in someone’s pager and then activating it would likely be considered a violation of international law, specifically under the category of war crimes. The use of explosive devices in this manner would breach several principles established in international humanitarian law, particularly under the Geneva Conventions and their Additional Protocols, which govern the conduct of war and the protection of civilians and combatants.

The use of such tactics could violate the following principles:

  1. Distinction: International law requires that combatants distinguish between military targets and civilians or civilian objects. Placing a bomb in a civilian object, such as a pager, with the intent to harm would violate this principle.
  2. Proportionality: The harm caused by military action must not be excessive in relation to the anticipated military advantage. A bomb in a pager is a concealed and indiscriminate weapon that could harm civilians and non-combatants, which would likely violate proportionality.
  3. Perfidy: Perfidy involves deceptive practices designed to harm the enemy by falsely indicating an intention to negotiate or surrender. Using a disguised or deceptive method like a pager bomb could be considered perfidious, which is prohibited.
  4. Indiscriminate Attacks: Weapons that cannot be directed at a specific military target, or that cause disproportionate harm to civilians, are considered illegal. A bomb in a pager would be considered an indiscriminate weapon, as its impact could be unpredictable and result in significant civilian casualties.

In short, such an act would likely violate the laws of war and could be considered a war crime under the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court (ICC) or other international bodies.

-ChatGPT 4o

A Walk Through Montgomery: Finding Purpose in Small Acts of Kindness

As someone who calls Montgomery home, I’ve always been drawn to the sense of community that pulses through the city. Whether it’s attending local events, visiting familiar spots, or just walking the streets, there’s a comforting familiarity that surrounds everything. Recently, I found myself reflecting on the little ways we can give back and help make our neighborhoods even stronger.

One area that particularly stands out to me is pet care. Our four-legged friends bring so much joy and comfort, but taking care of them comes with responsibilities that can sometimes feel overwhelming—especially when it comes to things like vaccinations, microchipping, or spaying and neutering. But here’s where Montgomery truly shines.

The Montgomery Humane Society offers various services that make it easier for families to care for their pets. They have programs that provide vaccinations, spaying, and neutering, and even microchipping for free or at reduced costs for those who qualify. For example, their Shelter Intervention Program offers assistance for residents whose incomes fall below a certain level, ensuring that pets stay healthy and safe without putting a financial strain on their owners. You can learn more about it here​.

If you’re a pet owner in Montgomery, or you know someone who might benefit from these services, I highly recommend checking out the resources available. Even if you’re not in need of these services yourself, consider spreading the word. Sometimes, a small act of kindness like sharing information or volunteering can make a huge difference in someone’s life—whether they walk on two legs or four.

As I continue my walks through Montgomery, I’m reminded that there’s always a way to contribute to our community. How about you? How do you connect with your city, and what small acts of kindness have made an impact on your life? Let me know in the comments—I’d love to hear your stories.

Is your “mangifying mind” contributing to your illness or helping you recover from it?

Denton H: In Dr. Paul O’s story on acceptance in the book Alcoholics Anonymous, he talks about his “magnifying mind.” Expound on this concept of a magnifying mind and how it relates to his alcoholism.

Chat GPT 4o: In Dr. Paul O.’s story “Acceptance Was the Answer” from the book Alcoholics Anonymous, he discusses the concept of his “magnifying mind.” He describes how his mind tended to focus intensely on whatever he directed it toward, much like a magnifying glass. When he focused on the negative aspects of his life, such as his flaws or problems, they became overwhelming. This magnification of negative aspects exacerbated his anxiety, depression, and ultimately, his alcoholism.

Dr. Paul realized that his “magnifying mind” played a significant role in his drinking because it intensified his perception of his troubles, making them seem insurmountable. This constant mental focus on the negative contributed to his sense of helplessness and the belief that alcohol was the only solution to his distress.

However, once he learned to shift his focus—through acceptance and spiritual principles—his “magnifying mind” began to work in a positive way. By focusing on gratitude and the positive aspects of his life, his problems no longer appeared as overwhelming. This shift in perception was a crucial part of his recovery, helping him to maintain sobriety by preventing his mind from blowing problems out of proportion.

This concept underscores the importance of mindfulness and the power of thought patterns in both the progression of alcoholism and the process of recovery.

Denton H: Do you believe that Dr. Paul’s magnifying mind is related to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?

ChatGPT 4o: Dr. Paul’s concept of the “magnifying mind” is indeed related to principles found in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). CBT is a therapeutic approach that emphasizes the connection between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. One of the core concepts in CBT is that distorted thinking patterns, like “magnifying” or exaggerating the negative aspects of situations, can lead to emotional distress and maladaptive behaviors.

In CBT, this specific type of distorted thinking is often referred to as “catastrophizing” or “magnification,” where an individual blows things out of proportion, focusing intensely on the negative aspects of a situation while minimizing or ignoring the positives. This distorted thinking can lead to increased anxiety, depression, and other emotional challenges—paralleling Dr. Paul’s experience of how his “magnifying mind” exacerbated his alcoholism.

Dr. Paul’s realization that shifting his focus could change his emotional experience aligns with CBT techniques like cognitive restructuring, where individuals learn to identify and challenge distorted thoughts, replacing them with more balanced and realistic ones. By doing so, they can reduce emotional distress and improve their overall mental health, much like how Dr. Paul improved his outlook and supported his sobriety by changing the focus of his “magnifying mind.”

So, while Dr. Paul’s story predates the popularization of CBT, the concepts are closely related, illustrating a practical application of what CBT would later formalize in therapeutic settings.*

*Both responses are from the custom GPT “AA Guidance and Direction” created by Denton H whose Instructions are to analyze the books Alcoholics Anonymous, Daily Reflections, and The Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions and provide spiritual solutions to life’s problems.

Cruise on the Carnival Valor out of New Orleans, Monday, August 19th through Saturday, August 24th, 2024

View of the “Mighty Mississippi” from our hotel room on the 23rd floor of the New Orleans Marriott. I’ve never seen that many people in the lobby of a hotel. A Shriners’ conference was there.
Another view from the hotel room.
Had a nice dinner the night before the cruise at the Bourbon House before taking a stroll down Bourbon Street. Entree: BBQ Shrimp Po’ Boys.
A view of the Carnival Valor at the Carnival Cruise Port in NOLA from the hotel room before we boarded.
We were leaving the Carnival Port, headed down the Mississippi and out into the Gulf of Mexico, when we spotted a tug boat named “Dee White” which happens to be my nephew’s name!
Icon of the Seas vs. the Margaritaville in Cozumel
Shopping in Cozumel. We bought two Coca-Cola Lights for $7. It was money well spent.
This photo sums up what we did most of the time. It was so nice to unwind for a bit.
Headed to Cozumel.
Carnival Housekeeping Towel Art
Our assigned seating, table “515,” in the Washingtonian Dining Room.
We found our favorite spot right when we boarded the ship – in the shade at the Aft Pool which was less crowded than the Mid Pool.
The Aft Pool had a sunroof that would close when it rained. Fortunately, this only happened once, on day 1.
The pizza was good with a thin, crispy crust that wasn’t too filling. Adorning the pizza was what Carnival described as a “Pomoro” sauce. ChatGPT 4o explained to me that Pomoro is a simple tomato sauce.
One of the incredible sunsets we got to see from the room balcony.
In Cozumel, we got to see first hand the marvel of one of the largest cruise ships in the world, the Royal Caribbean’s “Icon of the Seas” which can accommodate 7,600 passengers and 2,300 crew members!