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 talks about the second tradition that reminds us that a loving God expresses himself through our group conscience. The writer discusses how their small group almost seemed 'stuck in a rut'. They took a group conscience meeting and decided to try some changes - used additional CAL literature, speaker exchange meetings and such.
What they discovered is the changes fueled growth. Membership increased and they had so many newcomers, they added a series of beginner meetings as an extension of the group. Each member benefited personally because of willingness to take that inventory together as a group.
Today's reminder -- Each group, like each individual, goes through changes. But we don't have to face those changes alone. The Second Tradition reminds us that a loving God expresses himself through our group conscious. When each of us is willing to grow, we all benefit.
Today's quote -- from Al-Anon Faces Alcoholism -- "There is a comfortable feeling in knowing that guidance for the group conscious not through individuals, but from the willingness of the group to follow whatever wisdom may be expressed through the membership."
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I have always loved the 'we' concept. In recovery, I learned that I was one among many and no matter how smart I am or my own life experience, each of us comes to the group, table, meeting with 'value added shares'. Healthy recovery groups lean heavily into the group effort for recovery, growth, change, etc.
Our home group is currently gearing up to do a group inventory. We found a suggested format with questions online, and are working to gather input. We will collect it in September, put it together into a discussion document and then discuss together in October. We are wanting to hear from everyone with input so we can make the group, our meetings and our social events as united as possible.
We are not having any issues, we're trying to be proactive. Having been in business for a long while, it is truly refreshing to gather equal input from all attendees in our effort to grow, change or just practice good recovery. I feel grateful to be part of something much bigger than I that works together to ensure the greatest number who want recovery and change are provided what's available to do so.
Happy Friday MIP family - 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
Happy Friday IAH I love the Traditions and this one iin particular. It clearly defines the alanon principle that we are a "fellowship of equals" with only a Power Greater than ourselves in control. The group conscious principle assures us that each can voice their opinion and then one vote per person is taken on any issue. The resulting decision is reached by each member voting his inner conscious. I agree it is a powerful Tradition. Have a great day I am off to the beach
Enjoy the beach Betty - lovely sunshine here too!!! Enjoy the weekend as well!
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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
