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Posted in General, Uncategorized. Tagged with , , , , .

By admin
December 10, 2008

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Step 12

Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps, we tried to carry this message to alcoholics, and to practice these principles in all our affairs.

  1. Primary principle(s): service, love, sobriety, sacrifice, helpfulness, responsibility
  2. Other principles: self-discovery, self-sacrifice, humility, spirituality,  generosity, good nature, willingness, open mindedness, integrity

Readings:

  • Big Book - pp. 89-103
  • Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions - pp.

  • “Editorial:” - October, 1946 AA Grapevine

People often confuse that the work of the program of AA is contained in the 12 Steps of recovery.  In my opinion, the  12 steps of our program of recovery are what prepare us for a life of usefulness doing the work of AA: carrying this message to alcoholics and practicing these principles in all our affairs.

Posted in Steps. Tagged with , , , , .

By edg
December 3, 2009

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Tradition 12

(short) Anonymity is the spiritual foundation of all our Traditions, ever reminding us to place principles before personalities.
(long) And finally, we of Alcoholics Anonymous believe that the principle of Anonymity has an immense spiritual significance. It reminds us that we are to place principles before personalities; that we are actually to practice a genuine humility. This to the end that our great blessings may never spoil us; that we shall forever live in thankful contemplation of Him who presides over us all.

  1. Primary principle(s): humility, anonymity, sacrifice
  2. Other principles: acceptance, consideration, courage, faith, forgiveness, generosity, good nature, grace, helpfulness, honesty, hope, integrity, kindness, love, open-mindedness, patience, compassion, reflection, self-sacrifice, selflessness, surrender, tolerance, trust, understanding, prayer

Readings:

  • AA Comes of Age - pp. 131-137
  • 12 Steps & 12 Traditions - pp.184-187
  • Lanquage of the Heart - pp. 209-218
  • The Twelve Traditions Illustrated - AAWS Pamphlet
  • “AA in the 21st century”, April 1995 AA Grapevine

As the “spiritual foundation of all our Traditions”, just how important is anonymity?

I get that it has the most to do with our first Tradition (Unity) and here we are wrapping up with it in number 12.

My own struggles around this deal are certainly paramount in what I think I need to be about.  If I’m ever doing something to get the credit for having done it, well, we know about that alcoholic ego.  In fact, it feels as if I am going to die when I make that sacrifice.

And, amazingly, that’s when I’ve truly come to life.

Grapevine traditions checklist:

  1. Why is it good idea for me to place the common welfare of all AA members before individual welfare? What would happen to me if AA as a whole disappeared?
    • Principles: unselfishness, strength in numbers, sacrifice, surrender, mutual trust, unity
  2. When I do not trust AA’s current servants, who do I wish had the authority to straighten them out?
    • Principles: trust, group conscience
  3. In my opinions of and remarks about other AAs, am I implying membership requirements other than a desire to stay sober?
    • Principles: primary purpose, sacrifice, surrender, open mindedness, egalitarianism
  4. Do I ever try to get a certain AA group to conform to my standards, not its own?
    • Principles: humility, surrender, inclusion, informed group conscience
  5. Have I a personal responsibility in helping an AA group fulfill its primary purpose? What is my part?
    • Principles: primary purpose, acceptance
  6. Does my personal behavior reflect the Sixth Tradition—or belie it?
    • Principles: honesty, integrity, humility
  7. Do I do all I can do to support AA financially? When is the last time I anonymously gave away a Grapevine subscription?
    • Principles: generosity, self-support, responsibility, ownership, participation, sacrifice, giving back
  8. Do I complain about certain AAs’ behavior—especially if they are paid to work for AA? Who made me so smart?
    • Principles: tolerance, open mindedness, humility, sacrifice, generosity, restraint, responsibility, discernment
  9. Do I fulfill all AA responsibilities in such a way as to please privately even my own conscience? Really?
    • Principles: honesty, integrity, responsibility, sacrifice, accountability
  10. Do my utterances always reflect the Tenth Tradition, or do I give AA critics real ammunition?
    • Principles: common welfare, humility, responsibility, ownership
  11. Should I keep my AA membership a secret, or reveal it in private conversation when that may help another alcoholic (and therefore me)? Is my brand of AA so attractive that other drunks want it?
    • Principles: humility, intuitive response, sacrifice, willingness, open mindedness
  12. What is the real importance of me among more than a million AAs?
    • Principles: anonymity, humility, full membership, acceptance, responsibility

Posted in Traditions. Tagged with , , , , , , , , , , .

By edg
November 23, 2009

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Concept 12

(short & long) General Warranties of  the Conference: in all its proceedings, the Conference shall observe the spirit of A.A. tradition, taking care that it never becomes the seat of perilous wealth or power; that sufficient operating funds and reserve be its prudent financial principle; that it place none of its members in a position of unqualified authority over others; that it reach all important decisions by discussion, vote, and whenever possible, substantial unanimity; that its actions never be personally punitive nor an incitement to public controversy; that it never perform acts of government; that, like the Society it serves, it will always remain democratic in thought and action.

  1. Primary principle(s): trust, generosity
  2. Other principles: faith,

Readings:

  • Twelve Concepts for World Service - pp. 62-75
  • “The Incredible Tapestry” - February 1993 AA Grapevine

(The Warranties are addressed individually in separate articles)

The 12 Concepts Checklist (a service piece from the General Service Office), asks these questions about Concept 12:

  • How do we guard against becoming a “seat of perilous wealth or power?”
    • Principles:
  • How do we practice prudent use of our Seventh Tradition contributions and literature revenue?
    • Principles:
  • Do we insure the spiritual liberties of all A.A. members by not placing any member in the position of absolute authority over others?
    • Principles:
  • Do we try to reach important decisions by thorough discussion, vote and, where possible, substantial unanimity?
    • Principles:
  • As guardians of A.A.’s traditions, are we ever justified in being personally punitive?
    • Principles:
  • Are we careful to avoid public controversy?
    • Principles:
  • Do we always try to treat each other with mutual respect and love?
    • Principles:

Posted in Concepts, Warranties. Tagged with , , , .

By edg
November 18, 2009

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Step 11

Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God, as we understood Him, praying only for knowledge of His will for us and the power to carry that out.

  1. Primary principle(s): prayer, surrender, acceptance, willingness, discipline
  2. Other principles: service, tolerance, peace, generosity, good nature, patience, faith

Readings:

  • Big Book- pp. 85-88
  • Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions - pp. 96-105
  • The Language of the Heart - pp 239-242
  • “The Need for Prayer Is Great”, April 1950AA Grapevine
  • “Step Eleven: the Answer to My Prayers”, November 2005 AA Grapevine
  • “We Are Not a Bunch of Religious Fanatics!”, November 1995 AA Grapevine

About 10 years ago, I’d been beaten into such a state of reasonableness by life’s circumstances that, with some 15 years of sobriety, I followed my sponsor’s advice and redoubled my efforts at the 11th step.

I read exactly the paragraph starting “When we retire at night…” (BB p. 86) in the evening and reflected on each of the questions and sentences carefully.

In the morning, before starting my day I read the 4-5 paragraphs starting with “On awakening…” and followed the suggestions outlined there.

It was a magical time.  Nothing I’ve done in our program of recovery before or since has provided such and immediate relief my the daily problems and given me such a profound sense of connectedness with my spiritual path.  I was on fire anew in AA.  It lasted nearly a year.

Then, I woke up one morning, and it didn’t work.  I did the same thing I’d been doing and I just felt flat and defeated.

I thought for months that it was just a matter of trying harder, of saying something slightly different.  Of taking more time.  As I remember, I tried everything that was suggested to me and, struggle though I might, the magic just seemed to be gone.

And then I realized that there was a lesson in this.  God had graciously given me a time in his presence but this moment was not that moment.  What I needed to do was to be open and willing to seek God in his way - not presume that he would always bless me how I wanted, when I wanted, based on my own habits and rituals.

Since then, the feelings of inspiration and closeness have come and gone.  My habits and practices have varied from time to time and that seems to be appropriate - it’s been my experience.

Today, my practice is to pray the 3rd and 7th step prayers every morning before I get up.  I try to apply my best thoughts toward thinking through the day ahead.  Is it my will or God’s will?  I find the prayer of St. Francis that’s excerpted in the 11th step chapter in the 12 Steps and 12 Traditions useful in focusing my meditation and keeping my perspective in a better place as well.

At night, I still go through the review.  At least once a week, I read the paragraph verbatim.  Every night I try to close my mind and open for sleep by asking “…God’s forgiveness and inquire what corrective measures should be taken…”

Then, I sleep.

Posted in Steps. Tagged with , , .

By edg
November 16, 2009

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Concept 11

(short) The trustees should always have the best possible committees, corporate service directors, executives, staffs, and consultants. Composition, qualifications, induction procedures, and rights and duties will always be matters of serious concern.
(long) While the Trustees hold final responsibility for A.A.’s world service administration, they should always have the assistance of the best possible standing committees, corporate service directors, executives, staffs, and consultants. Therefore the composition of these underlying committees and service boards, the personal qualifications of their members, the manner of their induction into service, the systems of their rotation, the way in which they are related to each other, the special rights and duties of our executives, staffs, and consultants, together with a proper basis for the financial compensation of these special workers, will always be matters for serious care and concern.

  1. Primary principle(s): trust, right of decision, rotation, responsibility matching authority, generosity
  2. Other principles: acceptance, willingness, activity, consideration, constructiveness, faith, good nature, helpfulness, honesty, humility, financial prudence,  patience, perseverance, responsibility, simplicity, straightforwardness, tactfulness, understanding, unity, democracy,

Readings:

  • Twelve Concepts for World Service pp. 48-61
  • Twelve Concepts Illustrated
  • “How It Was. . . Grapevine’s 35th Anniversary - A visit with Bill’s “little sister” - June 1979 AA Grapevine
  • “The Incredible Tapestry” - February 1993 AA Grapevine

The 12 Concepts Checklist (a service piece from the General Service Office), asks these questions about Concept 11:

  • Do we understand how the roles of nontrustee directors and nontrustee appointed committee members help serve and strengthen the committee system?
    • Principles:
  • How do we encourage our special paid workers to exercise their traditional “Right of Participation?”
    • Principles:
  • Do we practice rotation in all our service positions?
    • Principles:

Posted in Concepts. Tagged with , , , , , , , .

By edg
November 9, 2009

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Tradition 11

(short) Our public relations policy is based on attraction rather than promotion; we need always maintain personal anonymity at the level of press, radio, and films.
(long) Our relations with the general public should be characterized by personal anonymity. We think A.A. ought to avoid sensational advertising. Our names and pictures as A.A. members ought not be broadcast, filmed, or publicly printed. Our public relations should be guided by the principle of attraction rather than promotion. There is never need to praise ourselves. We feel it better to let our friends recommend us.

  1. Primary principle(s): anonymity, attraction, humility, surrender, self-sacrifice, responsibility
  2. Other principles: acceptance, consideration, constructiveness, generosity, high-mindedness, recovery, self-control, self-sacrifice, selflessness, spirituality, surrender, unity, modesty

Readings:

  • Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions pp. 180-3
  • AA Comes of Age pp. 128-31
  • Dr. Bob and the Good Oldtimers pp. 264-265
  • As Bill Sees It pp. 43, 160, 241, 255, 316
  • The Language of the Heart pp. 205-218
  • “Dr. Bob on Tradition Eleven”, February, 1969 AA Grapevine
  • “AA in the 21st century”, April, 1995 AA Grapevine

At most recent conventions and forums I’ve been to recently, either in the PI statement read before the beginning of each public session or in the program, this tradition has been updated to include “television and new media technologies such as the internet” as part of where we protect our anonymity.  I think this perspective (that we just tack on a few extra words years after it’s relevant) might be indicative of a fundamental problem in our fellowship.  It seems to me, as a fellowship, we are never responding to our opportunities and threats in a timely manner.

In my opinion, people often confuse this tradition on “public relations” with our 12th tradition which is about Anonymity.  One of the things I believe we must do better in this generation of AA is distinguish between promotion, participation and invisibility.

Many would have us be invisible in the complicated and fast-changing world of the internet.  Others would have us sell out not only our anonymity but our privacy and decency in the name of helping people in the new age.

It seems likely that there is support for long and healthy discussion and debate about all these matters.

Grapevine traditions checklist:

  1. Do I sometimes promote AA so fanatically that I make it seem unattractive?
    • Principles: Humility, honesty, responsibility
  2. Am I always careful to keep the confidences reposed in me as an AA member?
    • Principles: integrity. anonymity, trust, respect, responsibility, intimacy. accountability, generosity, discretion
  3. Am I careful about throwing AA names around—even within the Fellowship?
    • Principles: anonymity, humility, egalitarianism, respect
  4. Am I ashamed of being a recovered, or recovering, alcoholic?
    • Principles: balance, humility, discernment, self-respect, acceptance
  5. What would AA be like if we were not guided by the ideas in Tradition Eleven? Where would I be?
    • Principles: principles instead of money or personality, poor in spirit, humility, grace
  6. Is my AA sobriety attractive enough that a sick drunk would want such a quality for himself?
    • Principles: humility, attraction, self-inventory, sober deportment

Posted in Traditions. Tagged with , , , , .

By edg
November 2, 2009

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Step 10

Continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong promptly admitted it.

  1. Primary principle(s): confession, constructiveness, integrity, willingness, open-mindedness, persistence, perseverance
  2. Other principles: courage, helpfulness, honesty, humility, self-sacrifice, tolerance, surrender, discipline, self-disclosure, restraint, expediency, immediacy

Readings:

  • Big Book pp. 84-85
  • Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions pp. 88-95
  • “10th Step” - November, 1979 AA Grapevine
  • “Garden Hose Sobriety” - October, 2006 AA Grapevine
  • “Step Ten:up Close And Personal:Spiritual, mental, emotional, and physical inventories” - October, 2007 AA Grapevine

I love that Step 10 has some of the most explicit instructions in the Big Book. It suggest that we continue to watch for “…selfishness, dishonesty, resentment and fear…” and “…when these crop up…” (it doesn’t say “if” these crop up - they know those things will crop up for all of us), it gives us clear, direct instruction using completely unambiguous time frames (like “immediately”, and “at once”).

I once had a sponsor who had a very strict, proscribed method for doing the 10th step.  He nagged and cajoled me toward doing this step in his way until I’d reached the ultimate surrender - I decided I had to find a new sponsor.

I was “shopping” for who my next sponsor was to be for a number of weeks when, out of the blue, I had this incredible thought: “Why don’t you try doing a 10th step in the way your sponsor suggests for a while?”  It was such an incredible revelation to me, I couldn’t understand why when I presented it to others they laughed.  Probably like you are now…

Anyway, it started one of the most incredible experiences  I’ve had in recovery.  On a daily basis I did exactly what our Big Book suggests, exactly as my sponsor proscribed.  It was amazing.

Years later, when that sponsor fired me, I felt an amazing freedom and have never since been without a sponsor who I am accountable to.  I am more accountable to a sponsor today than I was in my first years of sobriety.

And, on a good day, the several 10th steps I do keep me clear with God, also.

Posted in Steps. Tagged with , , , , , .

By edg
October 26, 2009

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Concept 10

(short) Every service responsibility should be matched by an equal service authority, with the scope of such authority well defined.
(long) Every service responsibility should be matched by an equal service authority - the scope of such authority to be always well defined whether by tradition, by resolution, by specific job description or by appropriate charters and bylaws.

  1. Primary principle(s): responsibility matching authority, humility, integrity
  2. Other principles: acceptance, consideration, courage, faith, forgiveness, good nature, generosity, helpfulness, integrity, kindness, open-mindedness, patience, optimism, perseverance, service, spirituality, tolerance, trust, understanding, unity, willingness, commitment, honesty

Readings:

  • Twelve Concepts for World Service - “pp 43-47″
  • The Twelve Concepts Illustrated
  • “The Incredible Tapestry” - February 1993 AA Grapevine

For decades, I’ve heard the mantra at the various levels of service, whether from the coffee maker or the Convention Program Chair, from the Grapevine Chair or the Treasurer: “Where is my job description?”, or “It’s not my job!”

The genius of this Concept is not only what it does and doesn’t say, but how it says it.

First, responsibility comes before authority.  We accept the responsibility, then we are granted the commensurate authority.

Then, the tools for defining the scope of that authority is articulated.  We get authority based on: tradition, resolution, job description or charters and bylaws.  Since we’ve accepted the responsibility, the authority will be matched to it but we may or may not have a given job description.  Instead, we often only have tradition.  This bodes well for keeping AA alive and adaptable.

The 12 Concepts Checklist (a service piece from the General Service Office), asks these questions about Concept 10:

  • Do we understand “authority” and “responsibility” as they relate to group conscience decisions by G.S.R.s, D.C.M.s and our area delegates?
    • Principles:
  • Why is delegation of “authority” so important to the overall effectiveness of A.A.? Do we use this concept to define the scope of “authority?”
    • Principles:

Posted in Concepts. Tagged with , , , , , , , .

By edg
October 19, 2009

No comments

Tradition 10

(short) Alcoholics Anonymous has no opinion on outside issues; hence the A.A. name ought never be drawn into public controversy.
(long) No A.A. group or member should ever, in such a way as to implicate A.A., express any opinion on outside controversial issues-particularly those of politics, alcohol reform, or sectarian religion. The Alcoholics Anonymous groups oppose no one. Concerning such matters they can express no views whatever.

  1. Primary principle(s): autonomous, indifference, non-affiliation, understanding,humility, freedom, respect, responsibility, singleness of purpose, unity
  2. Other principles: acceptance, compassion, consideration, generosity, tolerance, tactfulness, trust, spirituality, self-control, group conscience, democracy, open-mindedness, honesty, discretion, anonymity, faith

Readings:

  • Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions pp. 176-9
  • AA Comes of Age pp. 123-8
  • “Is Public Controversy Ever Justified?”, January, 1977 AA Grapevine
  • “Let’s Give Each Other the Respect We Deserve”, May, 1996 AA Grapevine
  • “Medication? It’s a Matter of Tradition”, October, 2002 AA Grapevine

Grapevine traditions checklist:

  1. Do I ever give the impression that there really is an “AA opinion” on Antabuse? Tranquilizers? Doctors? Psychiatrists? Churches? Hospitals? Jails? Alcohol? The federal or state government? Legalizing marijuana? Vitamins? Al-Anon? Alateen?
    • Principles:
  2. Can I honestly share my own personal experience concerning any of those without giving the impression I am stating the “AA opinion”?
    • Principles:
  3. What in AA history gave rise to our Tenth Tradition?
    • Principles:
  4. Have I had a similar experience in my own AA life?
    • Principles:
  5. What would AA be without this Tradition? Where would I be?
    • Principles:
  6. Do I breach this or any of its supporting Traditions in subtle, perhaps unconscious, ways?
    • Principles:
  7. How can I manifest the spirit of this Tradition in my personal life outside AA? Inside AA?
    • Principles:

Posted in Traditions. Tagged with , , .

By edg
October 12, 2009

1 comment

Step 09

Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others.

  1. Primary principle(s): humility, forgiveness, restitution, confession, patience, honesty, truthfulness, willingness
  2. Other principles: courage, faith, generosity, good nature, grace, peace, love

Readings:

  • Big Book pp. 76-84
  • Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions pp. 83-87
  • “The Luckiest Mom” - February 2006AA Grapevine
  • “Left-handed” - April 2007AA Grapevine
  • “Obsession Progression” - June 2007AA Grapevine
  • “We Are Not a Bunch of Religious Fanatics!”, November 1995 AA Grapevine

I personally think that the 9th step in the program of Alcoholics Anonymous is our most “spiritual” step.

Sounds sort of funny since the whole program is spiritual and step nine is, by most, either the most dreaded or the one sort of ignored in our recovery process.

For me, it was the step that afforded me the freedom to walk down the street without fear or dread.  It gave me the freedom to look someone, anyone, in the eye and be at peace and ease.

It offered me the skills and the willingness to become a man among men - a station in life that I’d never even aspired to since I was absolutely sure I could never measure up to that lofty goal.

Posted in Steps. Tagged with , , , , .

By edg
October 5, 2009

No comments