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.
Today's c2c speaks of tradition 8, and reminds us that we are a fellowship of equals; no-one is in charge and no-one can profess to be an expert in al-anon.
The reading also suggests that al-anon has a fairly specific purpose- to assist with recovery from the effects of someone else's drinking. It cannot therefore magically fix any and all problems in the world and that at times it might be prudent to seek professional assistance or guidance for non-al-anon matters.
The reading reminds us what a nurturing atmosphere is created when people share their experiences authentically and suggests we contribute to that exchange today.
"we meet as equals and help one another, not because some are experts and others are learners, but because we all have needs and strengths" (Al-anon's 12 steps and 12 traditions).
* * *
Oh so true. being such an old timer myself (all of 3 years now, lol) I find myself putting my managers cap on sometimes and telling people what to do instead of sharing equally and listening with an open heart and mind- and if I don't do that I miss out on a great deal.
What do others think about the suggestion that al-anon ought be used only for dealing with problems caused by another's drinking? I have sort of taken the idea of practising it in 'all my affairs" and run with it and it works spectacularly for me, I guess because my old approach to every aspect of my life was just so overwhelmingly codependent.
But then of course there are areas where other help is needed, for example recently when my ex husband was trying to bully me and push his way into my home etc I needed advice from someone trained in DV as I found I couldn't al-anon my way out of it. You can detach with love from a home invasion but it doesn't really help, I discovered...lol.
Interested to see what others think about this particular reading
__________________
If I had a world of my own, everything would be nonsense. Nothing would be what it is, because everything would be what it isn't. And contrary wise, what is, it wouldn't be. And what it wouldn't be, it would. You see? (Lewis Caroll)
Thanks for the Topic Ms. M. I believe all my negative reactions and destructive tools are a direct result of my responses to living with the disease of alcoholism so that practicing these principles in all my affairs is extremely beneficial.
I think the statement regarding "other help being needed" is simply an effort to point out that at times some might need the assistance of the Police or a Medical Professional and that is acceptable.
I find that the wisdom of the rooms astounding-- establishing the program as a fellowship of equals has recognized that my disease would have devoted most of my time arguing with the one in charge. and not gained any insight
Great reading for the day. I take it to mean
Do what you can on an alanon level and seek
Outside assistance as needed. We are a non
Professional group.
Abuse being number one (DV), physical and mental
Health problems, therapist help needed, suicide
Prevention, criminal activities.
I love it in meetings when no one thinks they
Are in charge. It corrrupts the meetings when
control is limited and held firm.
There are Elders with wisdom thats great way
To uphold the alanon ways and traditions. We
Only have one in my home group. She is alanon
Inside out and she walks the walk.
Thanks ms M for your service,today's reading is another great reading ,I find myself useing alanon tools in all my affairs and letting go of my old ways that were always self defeating,so I to tend to have come to practicing it in all my affairs,And it's working,still I'm pretty new at it,but I'm looking forward to learning more ways of useing the tools ,seems I get confused at times cause there's just sooo much in my life to work on .thanks for posting....hugs Lu
