The Sober Shaman: The Program

Lesson 17: Belief vs Reality

Randal Lyons — Tue, 31 Mar 2026 19:17:00 GMT

What’s stronger: Belief or Reality?

Those of you who know me and have participated in one of my groups, know I’d rather facilitate (sometimes referee) an engaging discussion instead of delivering a preplanned monologue about “the way things are” in recovery.

And the question above is one of my surefire ways to get a good back-and-forth going.

Everyone involved falls into either the belief or reality side, with each side putting forth convincing arguments. Each side has examples from their own lives and experiences that prove their points. Each side can dig their heels in pretty good.

So who wins?

Well, that depends…

In this Lesson, we explore how these beliefs versus the reality of things help to form one’s personal perspectives, which then go on to perpetuate their Cycle.

Let’s begin…

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Lesson 16: The Story of the Two Wolves

Randal Lyons — Tue, 31 Mar 2026 19:16:00 GMT

Have you heard The Story of the Two Wolves?

It is a popular one and comes from America’s First Nations people, The timeless wisdom conveyed in the tale provides another view of the Cycle of Addiction and coalesces all of our work into one simple choice:

Who do you feed?

Let’s begin…

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Lesson 15: The Cycle of Addiction

Randal Lyons — Tue, 31 Mar 2026 19:15:00 GMT

Now that we’ve got the basics of the previous few Lessons to show us how the Cycle of Addiction keeps rolling along, we’re going to take a deeper look into what occurs during each and every phase.

In doing this, we provide you with the insights necessary to see where the Cycle is at its weakest, where you’re at your strongest and exactly what it’s going to take to break it - once and for all.

Let’s begin…

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Lesson 14: The Cycle & The Magic Moment

Randal Lyons — Tue, 31 Mar 2026 19:14:00 GMT

Looking back on my experiences of active addiction, I’ve noticed that there’s a very particular time in the Cycle of things when suddenly everything makes sense.

There’s a singular moment when the addiction actually works.

This occurs sometime after all of the mental planning, after all of the acquisition of the goods, and then after arranging all of the logistics of people, place and circumstance, when everything is laid out in front of me and I’m about to dive in…

Boom!

In the words of Charlie Sheen, “Hey, I’m winning!”

I’ve come to call this, The Magic Moment.

Oh, it’s “magic” all right - but it’s also quite the illusion ; ) and…it does not last.

In this Lesson, I’ll share with you not only exactly when this Moment occurs but also why it works. And if you’d like, you can share your own experience of what this was like for you.

Let’s begin…

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Lesson 13: The Cycle of Manifestation

Randal Lyons — Tue, 31 Mar 2026 19:13:00 GMT

We’ve learned that there are universal laws that we can witness as the patterns of birth, growth, maturity and death. They are the Cycles found in all of life and as part of Nature, and they follow a predictable and well traveled path.

Knowing this, it’s becomes our choice, at each and every turn in that path, to either repeat the patterns of our addiction or to break free and manifest something different.

The choice is ours.

In this Lesson, we take a look at exactly what these decisions are and how we can make the right ones when presented on the next go ‘round of the Cycles of Manifestation.

Let’s begin…

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Lesson 12: The Chinese Five Element System

Randal Lyons — Tue, 31 Mar 2026 19:12:00 GMT

Principle 2: Addiction is a Cycle

Pretty much everyone can agree on this statement, but not too many have a map of exactly how this Cycle works.

We do.

It’s simple, easy to understand and follows the flow of Nature.

In this Lesson, we lay out this map to deepen our understanding of how an addiction works, where it comes from and then with our participation, how it perpetuates itself into existence again and again.

Let’s begin…

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Lesson 11: Truth vs Lies

Randal Lyons — Tue, 31 Mar 2026 19:11:00 GMT

What happens when you tell yourself a lie?

What happens in your mind? Spirit? To your emotions? And in your body?

And what happens when you keep telling yourself this lie over and over again over a long period of time?

It can’t be good, right?

So, let’s fix it. This Lesson contains one of my favorite science experiments. The Medicine Journey will provide you with an experience of both a truth and a lie and then will prove to you that the one you’ve been telling yourself in addiction - that one we identified at the core - is just that: a lie.

Let’s begin…

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Lesson 10: The Voice of TAHL

Randal Lyons — Tue, 31 Mar 2026 19:10:00 GMT

In this Lesson, we take all of the information we’ve learned from examining the universal laws that create the mechanisms of an addiction and really apply them to your specific situation. It’s time to make things personal.

We’re going to dig into the roots of your firmly entrenched belief systems and reveal the phrases of power that are reinforced by, and simultaneously perpetuate, your addiction.

We’re going to identify the Voice of TAHL; these are your Limiting Core Beliefs.

Let’s begin…

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Lesson 9: The Yin Yang of Addiction

Randal Lyons — Tue, 31 Mar 2026 19:09:00 GMT

Even an addiction follows the fundamental laws of the Universe. One of them, the logical and easy to understand theory of Yin Yang, provides us with a model that visually charts out the Four Steps of how an addiction manifests.

In this Lesson, we investigate them and how they’ve appeared in our lives. These Four Steps are:

The Meteor of TAHL hits
Makes the Crater
Forms the Wound
The Pull of the Wound

We’ll explore your preferences for the energetic language of The Void or the more personalized concepts of The Wound.

Either way, the fundamental laws apply and we use them to our advantage to once again craft the language and utilize the medicine that honors your perspectives and works with your beliefs.

Let’s begin…

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Acces…

Lesson 8: How Did I Get This Way?

Randal Lyons — Tue, 31 Mar 2026 19:08:00 GMT

Lesson 8: How Did I Get This Way?

When we investigate the reasons why we struggle with addiction, the question arises: “How did I get this way?”

The answer lies in your experience of—and response to—trauma, abuse, heartbreak, and loss (TAHL).

We’ve all had these meteors of pain crash into and shatter the innocence of our lives. But how did you respond? The answer is everything. It affects our beliefs, the people we connect with, and our outlook on the world.

In this Lesson, we dive deep into that question and expose outdated beliefs that aren’t serving us. This is an opportunity to view self and world from new perspectives—ones that transform our experience and our Broken Heart.

Let’s begin…

Lesson 7: Belief

Randal Lyons — Tue, 31 Mar 2026 19:07:00 GMT

“Why do you spend so much time investigating my beliefs?”

My answer is simple, “Because that’s where the Wound is.”

And the Wound we’re talking about is the one that lies at the core of your addiction. It contains the memory of exactly what went down to change your perception about life and safety, as well as who and what to trust moving forward.

They are deeply ingrained - but - do they really still apply to your current life now?

Let’s begin…

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Lesson 6: The 4 Stages of Recovery

Randal Lyons — Tue, 31 Mar 2026 19:06:00 GMT

Sometimes, we feel like we’re being pulled down, going under and drowning in the waves that life is throwing at us. We call this the Crisis Stage and all we can think about is keeping our head above water and catching the next breath.

When we finally get those immediate issues resolved and things start to feel stable, it may be time to get back to work and enter the Investigation Stage, so we can understand how things landed that way.

Then, when we see how and why it played out the way it did, let’s put all that knowledge to good use as we enter the Practice Stage. We “chop wood, carry water,” so that we create the environment, circumstances and relationships that we’re proud of.

And even as we achieve these successes in recovery, the cycles of the Renewal Stage await. Will we be ready when they inevitably arrive?

In this Lesson, we identify exactly what Stage you’re in right now, so we can identify exactly what needs to be done next.

Let’s begin…

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Lesson 5: Definitions - Success

Randal Lyons — Tue, 31 Mar 2026 19:05:00 GMT

Addiction is predictable, you are unique.

That simple insight continues to force me to grow - because both are true at the same time.

So, while there are universal laws that apply to everyone regardless of culture, sex, finances, identity, drug-of-choice, etc., there is also the fact that you will have a unique relationship to those laws that directly relates to your personal beliefs and individual situation.

Again, both universal and personal are true at the same time.

This makes things interesting when we look at the simple question:

What is success in sobriety?

It’s not just about stopping - if it was, then “Just say no” would have worked for me back in the ‘80’s ; )

Rather, we’ll need to forge your individual path ahead that honors your beliefs while also respecting and working with the universal principles.

This is how we achieve long-lasting, sustained success for you in sobriety.

Let’s begin…

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Lesson 4: Definitions - Medicine 2

Randal Lyons — Tue, 31 Mar 2026 19:04:00 GMT

Principle 1 - Addiction affects every aspect of the whole person: mental-spiritual-emotional-physical

Which of the four aspects of the whole person is your favorite?

Which one do you want nothing to do with?

Which of them hold no charge either way?

Here in Lesson 4, we continue to define and refine what “medicine” is for you. This will clarify what’s immediately necessary, eliminate what isn’t applicable, as well as answer…

What’s the Medicine for my addiction?

Let’s begin…

The following material is for paid subscribers. Join our community to get the PDF workbook, 3 step-by-step videos, the guided audios for the Medicine Journey and the Shamanic wRites exercises, the Client’s Summary Checklist, and Notes From The Lab for practitioners.

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Lesson 3: Definitions - Medicine 1

Randal Lyons — Tue, 31 Mar 2026 19:03:00 GMT

I don’t take for granted that you and I even have the same definition of, “Medicine,” when it comes to addiction.

For example, if you believe that the source of your addiction is one of these:

A “God-sized hole”
Obsessive thinking
Back pain
The feelings from anxiety

…you’ll have four completely different takes on your addiction, which requires we present explanations in four completely different languages, which requires we use four completely different medicines.

Right from the start, let’s get on the same page and find the best way forward.

Let’s begin…

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Lesson 2: Definitions - Addiction

Randal Lyons — Tue, 31 Mar 2026 19:02:00 GMT

Addiction is…

When I was searching for help to get clean and sober, I needed things to be simple. In those early days, I could not wrap my head around the technical jargon that works better for checking boxes of diagnostic criteria and filling out medical forms for insurance reimbursement

I needed a clear and simple answer to, “An addiction is…” and delivered to me in a way that gave me a foundation.

From there, I was happy to explore everything - science, spirits, Chinese Medicine, my family of origin issues, and so on.

But first, give me some footing.

This is exactly what we’re doing here in Lesson 2.

From this plain-English definition, we explore your thoughts and honor your beliefs, line-by-line, and craft the right language to move forward.

Let’s begin…

Lesson 1: Definitions & Admissions

Randal Lyons — Tue, 31 Mar 2026 19:01:00 GMT

We all make judgements.

Perhaps thinking: “Well, at least I’m not as bad as them!” (You know, those “other” people who really have a problem.)

Or perhaps: “Oh, no! I am just like them.” (A realization that carries the weight of judgments you’d reserved for others—but now, it’s your own load to bear.)

Either way, this perception of self vs. other, us vs. them, leads right into one’s personal rulebook of who’s good vs. who’s bad. And while this is normal human stuff, it also holds potential for unwanted difficulties. Not a good way to start one’s recovery.

Lesson 52: Currency

Randal Lyons — Tue, 31 Mar 2026 18:52:00 GMT

In this, the final Lesson of the Program, we take all of the information gained while working in Principle 3 and apply it to transform your closest relationships.

Providing the tools to star right now, as well as to continue to grow and evolve, we show what it will take to achieve and maintain a healthy relationship in recovery.

Quite simple, we move from the reactive responses of the Heart-protecting Roles, into a more genuine and direct Heart-to-Heart practice of communication.

Simple; but not easy ; )

Let’s begin…

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Lesson 51: Agreements

Randal Lyons — Tue, 31 Mar 2026 18:51:00 GMT

Just because you’ve made this tremendously life-altering decision to enter into recovery doesn’t mean that everyone close to you changes their life too, does it?

If so, exactly how?

If not, exactly why not?

As you dismantle the Roles that no longer serve you, and change the steps of the energetic Dance that you and your partner have played, it’s now time to get very clear, together, on the new direction your life will take in recovery.

What exactly is this “Agreement?”

Let’s begin…

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Lesson 50: Bonds

Randal Lyons — Tue, 31 Mar 2026 18:50:00 GMT

By using the term, Bonds, we get to examine the repetitious, back-and-forth exchanges that you and your partner have from a logical and energetic viewpoint.

You don’t need to keep tip-toeing amongst the emotionally-charged landmines of triggers that are absolutely waiting for you in these conversations.

Instead, let’s begin with simple Yin Yang.

These “games of tennis” where you and your partner are hitting volleys of one triggered response after the other are the Dance of the Roles. Both of you are participating in this Dance and both of you are playing your assigned Role.

In this Lesson, we reveal these Roles to show exactly what’s happening. Now, you can consciously choose a different Dance - one moving to the beat of health, harmony and recovery.

Let’s begin…