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.
Tomorrow's reading talks about the 2nd tradition of Al-Anon - "For our group purpose there is but one authority - a loving God as He may express himself in our group conscience. Our leaders are but trusted servants; they do not govern."
The writer shares that often our desire for control can play out in attempts to control a/the group. When one believes they are the only one who truly understands the traditions or what newcomers need to hear or what's best for us all - these are forms of dominance - a/k/a control.
In Al-Anon, no single member has the right to take charge and we strive to conduct our meetings as a fellowship of equals as well as rotation of leadership. When one insists on having their way, the spiritual nature of our program is tampered with. Just as our higher power guides us in daily life, a power greater than myself is working within the group through the voices of the members.
Reminder --- I am only one voice in a thriving worldwide fellowship. When in doubt, I will defer to the wisdom of the group conscience.
Quote from Alcoholism, The Family Disease --- "Any attempt to manage or direct is likely to have disastrous consequences for group harmony."
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I love tradition meetings, discussions and intent! I have always been in awe that 12 Step Recovery operates in lieu of politics, hired help, elected leaders, etc. After years in the corporate world where politics is never-ending followed by years of volunteering with Scouting - also political, it brings a smile to my face often/always to be a part of an organization that truly functions based on the group conscience and without political aspirations.
I do believe that my HP speaks to me through all of you as well as all who attend local F2F meetings. I always leave meetings feeling better than when I arrived. I am moved by each share, new member or not, as I work hard to practice listening to learn, not respond. I am humbled by the open and honest ESH vs. advice or direction and go out of my way to avoid controlling and craziness. Anytime there has been any issues, concerns or uncertainty in my groups, we pull out the suggested guidelines and bring the group back to center.
I am grateful that others who came before us were able to formulate a program with guidelines that keep hope alive! Make your Thursday awesome all - off to golf early in the AM...(((Hugs)))
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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
Good Morning IAH I too love the principles expressed in the traditions. Th e wisdom of our founding members certainly took into consideration our**my character defects) and established traditions to circumvent the most difficult. A "fellowshipof equals" wow who would have thought that could work but it does.
It is apparant that the Traditions, are guidelines that help us interact in a healthy manner. Like the slogans and Steps I do try to bring them out into my daily interactions and they help Thanks for your service and have a great day
Thank you IAH for your service and ESH. Thanks to Betty as well!
It is an interesting post. Certainly good. I used this when I first went into the physical rooms of Al-Anon. I actually had to try a few to find "my" group... that was b/c one of the groups did not follow this Tradition all that well, & it showed with their meetings. As a newbie, this Tradition was good to know b/c I was able to see that aspect of that group pretty quickly and knew to move on... my brain was too chaotic, I was in need of so much help to have wasted time there. Now I am still grateful that this Tradition is embraced!
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"The wolf that thrives, is the one you feed." - Cherokee legend
"Hello, sun in my face. Hello you who made the morning and spread it over the fields... Watch, now, how I start the day in happiness, in kindness." Mary Oliver
