The material presented
here is not Al-Anon Conference Approved Literature. It is a method
to exchange
information, ideas, feelings, problems and solutions on a personal
level.
C2C reading for August 2 speaks about our need to be in control and to force solutions. It reminds us that the Second Tradition states that for our group purpose there is one authority-- a loving God.
By practicing these traditions, we enable our groups to grow and remain healthy, and ifwe insist on having our way. We are tampering with the spiritual nature of our group
Just as my HP guides me in my daily life, a power greater than myself is working with my group through the voices of the members.
I love the traditions they truly have taught me how to interact in group settings, stay with my own opinions, allow others to share a different opinion and still reach an effective workable solution .
As I have said before: The Steps keep us from suicide and the Traditions keep us form homicide
I love the reminder for the day as it reminds me that I am one voice in a sea of many. It's a great summary to right-size me and my thinking, as it suggests when we are in doubt, we should defer to the wisdom of the group conscience.
The quote is super powerful as well which tells us that any attempt to manage or direct is likely to have disastrous consequences for group harmony. I have actually seen one person take control and drive others away. I love that the 12 Traditions and 12 Steps are a very detailed set of powerful suggestions for both personal harmony and group harmony.
I've seen some who forget that "our leaders are but trusted servants; they do not govern". Perceived personal power over the group is a very fast/easy way to lose serenity and peace within.
I am grateful that those who came before me were able to explain group meetings and group conscious. I'm very grateful that those who came before me were able to compile the traditions with the benefit of the greater good in mind. Most importantly, I am very grateful for all in the fellowship who keep me grounded daily, reminding me that there is another in charge, and he's the only one with the 'big picture' in sight.
Great Read & Great Reminders!
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Practice the PAUSE...Pause before judging. Pause before assuming. Pause before accusing. Pause whenever you are about to react harshly and you will avoid doing and saying things you will later regret. ~~~~ Lori Deschene
