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 is a focus on unity of purpose and how for the writer, the meaning of that phrase has changed over time. The writer states that when he/she first came to program unity of purpose meant it was possible to go to a roomful of people who accepted irrational thinking. It reminded me of my first few meetings, when I felt unable to speak at all and the few times I tried I would break down crying instead. The only person horrified in this scenario was me, and I quickly came to realize thatwe were all there for a common purpose;this was comforting and a source of strength.
The writer then states that as he/she began working a recovery program, the unity came from mind, body and spirit coming together. The next phase of unity comes in the form of step 12-sharing experiences in recovery and showing up when things are good so that other members, newcomers especially, will feel the unity of purpose for those of us affected by another's drinking.
The thought for the day is a reminder that working a program makes it possible to move from anxiety and despair to peace and serenity. I know this is true because my life is radically different than it was just a few years ago.
Love the fact that a "unity of purpose" is another key to recovery. Changed attitudes do occur while attending program however the unity that inspires the underling precepts and principles of the program remain unchanged.
Yes, thanks Yanksfan for giving a synopsis. I have been attending face meetings this last week in January where the focus has been on that Tradition (1). "Our common welfare should come first, recovery for the greatest number depends uon Unity" And I am struck by the great stories I am hearing that lead back to the principle of Unity and how we can apply it in our personal lives as well as our group interactions. One person was sharing about never having a voice in her family due to the largeness, threats of the alcoholic personality. Another shared about how she / he could never give others a voice because the need to feel in control of everything and the illusion of control over everyone gave a false sense of safety in the alc. situation---both stories were about coming to Al-anon and learning we ALL deserve a voice & personal recovery.
When someone shares at a meeting-- someone says "Hi, I am Sue..." group responds "hello Sue" & "Thanks Sue" no matter how we feel about the share, it is valued as part of the group's voice. It is no less or more important than another person's share--that is one reason why cross talk is not encouraged: because if someone at a meeting starts their share with "oh I really liked what SUE shared about...." rather than just saying "What I have heard so far reminds me of my issue with...." What a gift these subtle lessons are in mutual respect, keeping focus on ourselves in our shares & not singling someone out and putting them above the rest of the group!
I cannot express how grateful I am for the many many layers of learning I receive the more I study A-anon principles and listen to other who are also walking this path. Let's go make this a great day or if we don't like our day so much, we can make it one where we can like ourselves within!!
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Wishing all the best on your recovery journey, Luv
Thank you Mary for the daily, your service and your ESH! Thanks to others above me for ESH too....
I too am very grateful that there is a place where people can come together and support each other no matter our differences. For me, it's a support system like no other, and the gifts I've gotten are difficult to put into words.
I love what is stated about moving from anxiety and despair to serenity and peace....that is what is so fascinating about recovery - what changed was me and my attitudes, outlooks, etc. and yet I can have peace in the exact surroundings that were unbearable before.
(((Hugs))) to all - make it a great day!
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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
Coming back to meetings gives me the sense of continuity and trust.
So it is for me to... so how else can I pass on the message but by demonstrating what it is done for me.
Ah actually picked the book and read today's reading right through. I am not arrogant enough now to get through the day by just looking at the book!
Around the MIP board there is a bit of rennovating going awn... and it is just a little unsettling. I can imagine a bit of extra dust and the sound of hammering nails... but i can detach from that today... the inconvenience did not come along just to muck up my day. It is just an inconvenience.
Sometimes if I need help I talk outside of the topic... and this is a very good idea.
But today i just want to enjoy the company.
Coming into the MIP groups my lodestar was from Concept 4.
Participation is the key to unity.
This was a good mantra for me- a meditation. It wasn't just about group unity from the outside. Oh lawdy! Most of my life was about trying to patch together a sense of unity amongst the people around me!
It was about personal unity and wholeness too.
And it's around this one that everything around me seems to fall into place-
-most of the time... ...
thanks so much for the share- and thanks so much to us all, for being here together!!! ...
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