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.
I went to an open AA meeting with my AW. It was a nice experience. We have our son in a camp this weekend so I could go. My wife got her 60 day coin which I have to say is the most proud I have been of her.
Several people talked about avoiding conflict and how being happy is better than being right. It struck me that much of what they were saying applied directly to me. It really peaked my interest in going to another Al Anon meeting.
On a side note, the room was smaller so I was able to hear pretty much everyone. I'll need to just pay attention to where the meetings are located and/or try meetings in multiple facilities.
I have a hearing loss too so I go to smaller meetings in small rooms. I don't need hearing aids there (don't like them anyway)
Once, I found myself in a large dining hall and realized I had forgotten my hearing aids. I was so angry and shook my hand at God (it's God's fault, you know) However, I really REALLY wanted a meeting. I just sat there with my eyes closed at first, stewing in resentment with God for this fine mess. I couldn't hear one word, not one.
Over the course of the hour, I began to feel better. People were talking but I could not hear a word. I was just picking up the energy of their sharing. Afterwards, people hugged and we stood around and talked....
I walked to my car feeling God had provided what I needed, it was unforgettable experience.
I've heard similar stories of members traveling to parts of the world where they didn't speak the language, also not understanding one word. And they had the same result, a healing energy took over....
I believe the LONGING for Higher Power invites it. How can God resist His own law of love?
You are proud of your wife... I am proud of YOU (((peace)))
What a great post and of course I understand being a deaf person and fellow of both programs. My home group is just 4o feet or so off the edge of the Pacific so when HP is allowing Mother Nature to create commotion my hearing has competition even with my hearing aid turned up up up. I only wear one aid because with my other aid I am still deaf. I read lips and that isn't perfect either. This mornings group was very very compatible with the weather and I heard as much as I could take in and my home group has been my home group for over 20 years. I am one of the co-founders...go figure...an Al-Anon fellow co-founding an open AA meeting with another Al-Anon fellow.
This morning's topic? Humility and I share from my Al-Anon experiences because I was 9 years sober in Al-Anon before coming into AA and had an awesome sponsor especially on that subject. He is passed now and his ESH gets passed very often thru me. "Humility", he taught "is being teachable"... and then he would tell me "have you practiced the lessons". The lesson I came to believe was useless without the practice and so I practiced, practiced, practiced.
We had a new comer this morning and the family is very protective of newbies. We want her back and want her to continue to be sober, mind, body, spirit and emotions. The female members gathered around her promising support....what a phenomenon!! Thank you HP!!!! ((((hugs))))
Hey CH - so happy to hear that you and your spouse got to attend an open meeting together. Congratulations to her for her 60 days (that's a huge deal) and congratulations to you for being a part of her recovery. Even if you aren't sure what's going on with your emotions and what's going to happen - it's a gift to her and you that you are supporting her as best you can.
I love the slogan, "Would you rather be right, or would you rather be happy?" I was one who thought being right was the most important thing EVER....until I realized it just doesn't matter - today, I'll take my serenity any time of any day over proving myself right...
Keep doing what you're doing - I also agree that HP is in meetings - always feel at peace no matter who's speaking or sharing or what the topic is. I have never left a meeting feeling the same or worse than I arrived - always, always I feel better. There's magic in meetings - I believe!
(((Hugs))) - great share today!!
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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
I too liked going to open AA meetings. If a person can take one positive thing from the meeting and apply to themselves it is a win-win! Great news for your wife - 60 day chip!
The hearing thing is a problem for me. I have profound hearing loss in both ears (one is worse than the other, but both are bad) and must use 2 hearing aids if I expect to hear anything at all in the form of speech. Large rooms and high ceilings are very stressful for me, and I usually catch only 50% at most of what people say. I find that if the group & room is relatively small and I can somehow face the majority of the group (so that I can see them as they speak), I do better. But it is a big challenge for me.
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"put yourself in the place where grace can flow to you." - robert lax
The hearing thing is a problem for me. I have profound hearing loss in both ears (one is worse than the other, but both are bad) and must use 2 hearing aids if I expect to hear anything at all in the form of speech. Large rooms and high ceilings are very stressful for me, and I usually catch only 50% at most of what people say. I find that if the group & room is relatively small and I can somehow face the majority of the group (so that I can see them as they speak), I do better. But it is a big challenge for me.
Thanks for sharing that. Helps to hear other people with similar challenges.
