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 reading discusses the Second Tradition and how each group through the group conscience can modify, evolve and change to benefit those in search of support because of Alcoholism.
The writer suggests their home group meetings had became stale, and membership was primarily status quo with little/no growth. The group came together, discussed needs, made some changes and things changed! New members joined, so many - they added beginner meetings.
The group, like individuals goes through changes. We learn in recovery that we don't have the face those changes alone. The second tradition reminds us that a loving God expresses himself through our group conscience. When each of us is willing to grow, we all benefit.
The quote from Al-Anon Faces Alcoholism --- "There is a comfortable feeling in knowing that guidance for the group comes not through individuals, but from the willingness of the group to follow whatever wisdom may be expressed through the membership."
This is a great reading as it begins to show how the group collectively works for the benefit of all. My home group recently added a literature study once per month. We added this in addition to our normal options - topic meeting and one-on-one so members have a 3rd choice based on their day/program/recovery. I have always admired the structure of recovery in that there is no one in authority except for a loving God as expressed through the group conscious. It keeps egos in check and reminds us to keep an open mind, and know each are equals - no matter time, age, experience, etc.
Happy Thursday all - played softball late last night (not my team...subbed with others) and headed to the golf course. We have a lovely cool morning here so golf should be pleasant - grateful for a wonderful day + the sun shining. Make it a great day!
__________________
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
Good morning I A H, thank you for sharing your thoughts on this important Tradition. When I first entered program I never thought that the Traditions could apply to my life or to myself-- how wrong I was.
Each Tradition spells out an Al-Anon's principle, so that we can be safe and unaffected by the disease of alcoholism as we recover in a meeting .
The First Tradition provides for the Unity of the group as well as our common welfare- something I did not experience as a child growing up . In my FOO unity was developed by a dictatorship with everybody told what to do and what to think. If you did not agree, then you are ostracized. Not so in Al-Anon meetings. Business meetings are held, topics discussed, formats decided upon by vote and everyone's given an opportunity to participate
The Second Tradition is certainly a powerful Tradition as it points to the one authority a Higher Power . This Tradition spells out the fact that we are a fellowship of equals and I'm sure this simple principle has kept myself and many members from challenging the authority of Al-Anon and allowed us to keep going along.
As I keep showing up at meetings, I marvel at the structure and the adherence to the principles (which are unenforceable) that each member exhibits.
Have a great day today. Good luck with your golf game --- remember practice makes perfect
My home group will be having a group conscience in a couple of weeks to discuss changes. I think we could use a little shaking up; that's the beauty of how the program is structured....no one can just start making decisions for the group.
Feeling good / positive / grateful today. Sun is shining, the air has cooled, off to run errands and then work on my "woman's cave" I am creating in the lower level of our house.....very excited!!
It's a beautiful day here in my neck of the woods!! My golf game was better! I have to take all that I learn and practice in this program and apply it to other areas of my life....so - Golf is new to me and I need to stop assuming I should be better than I am.
I readily admit I went very tired after late ball games and not enough sleep....for some reason, I prayed more this AM as I was a bit anxious about golfing. I am improving albeit slowly and that's they way the golf ball bounces for me today.
Ellen - I love when my home group comes together to discuss what's working, what can be improved, etc. For all my years in the corporate world, it's refreshing to see common respect and equality for ideas/suggestions.
I agree Betty that I can find places to apply the traditions in my own life - I try to often - fail at times - but it's about progress, not perfection. I have a new bracelet - it says, "Perfectly Imperfect"....love wearing it as a reminder that we are all miracles in progress!
__________________
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
