The 1000 Hours Outside Podcast: Episode 438 Summary

Title: To Be Alive is To Be Addicted
Host/Author: That Sounds Fun Network
Guests: Jenny Yurch & Ian Cron
Release Date: February 26, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of The 1000 Hours Outside Podcast, host Jenny Yurch engages in an enlightening conversation with Ian Cron, the author of "The Fix: How the 12 Steps Offer a Surprising Path of Transformation for the Well-Adjusted, the Down and Out, and Everyone in Between." Jenny shares her admiration for Cron's work and delves into the profound themes of addiction, spiritual growth, and personal transformation explored in his latest book.

Overcoming Skepticism: Jenny’s Enneagram Journey

Jenny begins by recounting her initial fear and skepticism toward the Enneagram, a personality typing system. Despite her apprehensions and a bad initial experience that led to online criticism after misidentifying her type, Jenny sought guidance from experts at the Daystar Clinic. She credits Ian Cron's book The Road Back to You for helping her navigate through her Enneagram journey.

Quote:
Jenny Yurch [02:07]: “I was like, ‘We'll did Myers Briggs in high school. I was like, that's good enough.’”

Ian Cron’s Enneagram Assessment

Ian Cron introduces his new Enneagram assessment, emphasizing its reliability and depth. Developed with the help of research psychologists, the assessment offers a comprehensive report that includes wings and subtypes, providing a personalized understanding of one's Enneagram type.

Quote:
Ian Cron [03:10]: “They spend a ton of money because, you know, there's a lot of actually not well constructed Enneagram tests out there.”

Exploring "The Fix": Addiction as a Universal Experience

Jenny expresses her deep appreciation for Cron's book, highlighting its unique approach to discussing addiction. Contrary to traditional views that associate addiction solely with substance abuse, Cron broadens the definition to encompass a variety of compulsive behaviors, asserting, “we’re all addicts.”

Quote:
Jenny Yurch [05:00]: “We’re all addicts. And you go through this list…”

Redefining Addiction: Beyond Substances

Ian Cron elaborates on the concept that addiction transcends substance abuse. Drawing from Gerald May's perspective, he explains that being alive inherently involves attachments and dependencies, which can lead to unhealthy patterns if not addressed spiritually.

Quote:
Ian Cron [06:01]: “Look, Gerald May is a great Christian psychiatrist. He said, to be alive is to be addicted.”

The 12 Steps for Everyone

Cron emphasizes that the 12-step program is not exclusive to those struggling with severe addictions but is a universal tool for spiritual growth. He clarifies that the steps focus on enhancing relationships with God, oneself, and others, rather than merely abstaining from addictive behaviors.

Quote:
Ian Cron [07:00]: “The 12 steps are about helping people mend and deepen their relationship with God, themselves, and others.”

Parenting in the Age of Digital Addiction

Jenny connects the discussion to modern parenting challenges, particularly the prevalence of screen addiction among children. She references Dr. Nicholas Kardaras' work on how excessive screen time affects the developing brain, highlighting the necessity for tools like the 12 steps to guide both parents and children.

Quote:
Jenny Yurch [08:04]: “We live in a culture that normalizes and pedals addictive fixes.”

Cron’s Personal Story: From Alcoholism to Recovery

Ian Cron shares his personal journey with addiction, recounting his initial struggle with alcoholism in his youth and how the 12-step program facilitated his recovery. He discusses the profound impact the steps had on his life, transforming his approach to challenges and fostering a deeper spiritual connection.

Quote:
Ian Cron [10:21]: “The steps are a way of life. There's something you live every day.”

Understanding Addiction as a Solution to Deeper Pain

The conversation delves into the psychological underpinnings of addiction, where compulsive behaviors serve as coping mechanisms for unresolved emotional pain. Cron explains how the 12 steps address these root causes, offering sustainable solutions rather than temporary fixes.

Quote:
Ian Cron [11:38]: “When a person overeats, it's like going to the hardware store to buy bread. You're in the wrong place.”

The Role of Spirituality in Recovery

Jenny and Cron explore the significance of spirituality in overcoming addiction. They discuss the importance of moving from self-reliance to God reliance, fostering a trusting relationship with a higher power to achieve emotional sobriety and lasting peace.

Quote:
Ian Cron [15:20]: “You're trying to sort of disengage from all the things that are going on. You're trying to empty yourself and fall gently into God.”

Reinterpreting the Parable of the Prodigal Son

Cron offers a fresh perspective on the biblical story of the prodigal son, suggesting it should be viewed as the parable of the elder son. He argues that the elder son represents a form of addiction to self-righteousness and hidden resentments, highlighting that both sons embody different facets of human addiction.

Quote:
Ian Cron [26:17]: “The elder son is still trying to justify himself. I'm a really good son. Look at everything I've done.”

Achieving Emotional Sobriety

Jenny introduces the concept of emotional sobriety as discussed in Cron's book, which involves maintaining emotional balance amidst life's chaos. Cron explains that emotional sobriety is about accepting what cannot be changed and focusing on what can, thereby fostering resilience and serenity.

Quote:
Ian Cron [35:29]: “Emotional sobriety is the ability to maintain balance...It's about serenity.”

Meditation and Quietude in Spiritual Practice

The discussion shifts to the role of meditation in spiritual growth. Cron advocates for quiet meditation as a means to connect deeply with God, countering the common misconception that meditation is incompatible with Christian faith. He shares practical insights on integrating meditation into daily routines to achieve inner peace.

Quote:
Ian Cron [43:10]: “Meditation is a time when you lovingly gaze into the eyes that are lovingly gazing at you.”

Personal Reflections and Final Thoughts

Towards the end of the episode, Cron shares a cherished childhood memory of experiencing profound peace in nature, reinforcing the podcast's theme of the significance of outdoor time for spiritual and emotional well-being. Jenny and Cron emphasize the importance of balancing technology use with time spent in nature to nurture one's soul.

Quote:
Ian Cron [53:02]: “I had this moment where I had a profound... awareness that I was profoundly loved and God was in charge.”

Conclusion

Jenny Yurch concludes the conversation by reiterating the transformative power of Cron's "The Fix," encouraging listeners to explore the 12-step program as a pathway to overcoming various forms of addiction and achieving emotional and spiritual balance. The episode underscores the universal relevance of addiction and the enduring value of spiritual practices in navigating life's challenges.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Jenny Yurch [02:07]: “We did Myers Briggs in high school. I was like, that's good enough.”

• Ian Cron [03:10]: “They spend a ton of money because, you know, there's a lot of actually not well constructed Enneagram tests out there.”

• Jenny Yurch [05:00]: “We’re all addicts. And you go through this list…”

• Ian Cron [06:01]: “Look, Gerald May is a great Christian psychiatrist. He said, to be alive is to be addicted.”

• Jenny Yurch [08:04]: “We live in a culture that normalizes and pedals addictive fixes.”

• Ian Cron [15:20]: “You're trying to sort of disengage from all the things that are going on. You're trying to empty yourself and fall gently into God.”

• Ian Cron [26:17]: “The elder son is still trying to justify himself. I'm a really good son. Look at everything I've done.”

• Ian Cron [35:29]: “Emotional sobriety is the ability to maintain balance...It's about serenity.”

• Ian Cron [43:10]: “Meditation is a time when you lovingly gaze into the eyes that are lovingly gazing at you.”

• Ian Cron [53:02]: “I had this moment where I had a profound... awareness that I was profoundly loved and God was in charge.”

This episode provides valuable insights into understanding addiction beyond its conventional scope, emphasizing the importance of spiritual growth and the practical application of the 12-step program in achieving a balanced and fulfilling life.