Archive for April 2013

In order to keep the focus on principles rather than personalities, personal anonymity should be maintained at all levels of participation in 12 step fellowship -- in meetings, in 12th step work, and even in sponsorship.

Fraser Trevor

Link Author

Title: In order to keep the focus on principles rather than personalities, personal anonymity should be maintained at all levels of participation in 12 step fellowship -- in meetings, in 12th step work, and even in sponsorship.
Author: Fraser Trevor
Rating 5 of 5 Des:

AA Big Book (Photo credit: Wikipedia ) A hallmark of 12 step recovery programs is the offer of anonymity to participants, but the pri...

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A hallmark of 12 step recovery programs is the offer of anonymity to participants, but the principle goes much deeper than just not revealing last names.<br />
In order to keep the focus on principles rather than personalities, personal anonymity should be maintained at all levels of participation in 12 step fellowship -- in meetings, in 12th step work, and even in sponsorship. Anonymity is maintained not so much for the protection of the individual as for the protection of the program.<br />
<br />
<blockquote>
Tradition 12<br />
Anonymity is the spritual foundation of all our Traditions, ever reminding us to place principles above personalities.<br />
</blockquote>
Visitors to the Alcoholism site were asked to share their views on the 12th Tradtion on the bulletin board. Their reflections provide us a glimpse of the underlying principal of this tradition.<br />
<br />
<h3>
No human power...</h3>
I cannot think about this tradition without the words "No human power could have relieved us from our alcoholism". It is the principals of this program that will keep me sober and enable me to have a real life not a person. No guru wheather they mean well or ill can provide the power to prevent me from taking the first drink.<br />
I have seen so many people in AA follow a particular sponsor or counselor as if they were the sole authority on "the way" only to have that person prove all to human and inevitably fail as God.<br />
When we put someone on a pedistal we all know what part we will see! This program is a "we" thing for many reasons. Deifying a person not only harms the followers but the followed, who are then in no position to need anyone themselves.<br />
Maryann<br />
<br />
<h3>
A Genuine Humility</h3>
The twelfth tradition actually reads (long form): "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."<br />
I saw this in action here in Australia years ago at an AA Conference. During a break in the talks, a priest member was standing surrounded by other members in earnest conversation. I was passing by when an old-timer went right up to him pushing through the crowd of admirers.<br />
He fronted him by saying: "Take those crosses off your shirt collar, we have no clergy in AA!" There was stunned shocked silence for a few awkward moments.<br />
Then someone said: "Listen mate, this is Father X, you ought to be treating him with respect." The intruder replied: "We in AA call no one of us 'Father'. We don't call judges in AA 'Your Honour', and we don't wear anything that sets us apart or above anyone else. We are all equal here. Don't big note yourself with us!"<br />
Others were obviously getting angry with this rude member but the priest calmly said: "No, he's right" and started to take the gold crosses off of his shirt. "Just call me by my first name from now on. He's said all that so I don't forget that I'm just another AA member one drink away from being drunk just like the rest of you. Thank you sir. Now what were we talking about?"<br />
The tradition says that we practice this tradition this for three reasons: so we can actually practice genuine humility, so we don't get too up ourselves (spoiled), and so that we can always keep our gratitude in mind. That older member and the priest both showed one aspect of the 12th tradition in action.</div>
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In order to keep the focus on principles rather than personalities, personal anonymity should be maintained at all levels of participation in 12 step fellowship -- in meetings, in 12th step work, and even in sponsorship.

AA Big Book (Photo credit: Wikipedia ) A hallmark of 12 step recovery programs is the offer of anonymity to participants, but the pri...

Tradition Twelve our safety net.

Fraser Trevor

Link Author

Title: Tradition Twelve our safety net.
Author: Fraser Trevor
Rating 5 of 5 Des:

Tradition Twelve reminds us of our need for anonymity. We ask that you do not repeat the names of anyone who has attended this meeting or t...

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<strong style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Times; font-size: medium;">Tradition Twelve reminds us of our need for anonymity. We ask that you do not repeat the names of anyone who has attended this meeting or talk about what has been shared. Only by exercising this tradition can the 12 Step felowships provide a setting where we can feel safe to share in a way that will help our recovery.You are not obligated to share your last name or personal details within the meeting and a polite refusal to inquirys about your marital status, telephone number or home address will surfice. <em>It is and will always be your choice who you give your personal details to and who you trust.</em></strong><br />
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Tradition Twelve our safety net.

Tradition Twelve reminds us of our need for anonymity. We ask that you do not repeat the names of anyone who has attended this meeting or t...

Top Ten recovery books on alcoholism.

Fraser Trevor

Link Author

Title: Top Ten recovery books on alcoholism.
Author: Fraser Trevor
Rating 5 of 5 Des:

AA Big Book (Photo credit: Wikipedia ) Most are best-selling classics in the AA recovery community. Some recovery books are featured i...

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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container zemanta-img" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Big_book_2nd_edition.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: clear:left;"><img alt="AA Big Book" border="0" class="zemanta-img-inserted" height="300" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/1/17/Big_book_2nd_edition.jpg" style="border: none; font-size: 0.8em;" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption zemanta-img-attribution" style="text-align: center; width: 200px;">AA Big Book (Photo credit: <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Big_book_2nd_edition.jpg" target="_blank">Wikipedia</a>)</td></tr>
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 Most are best-selling classics in the AA recovery community. Some recovery books are featured in the Reading Assignments at the Step Workshop. Newcomers will find this top 10 list of AA recovery books particularly useful. :<br />
<ol>
<li>Alcoholics Anonymous: The Big Book, 4th Edition by Anonymous: The primary textbook that started it all and is the model for all the 12 Step fellowship programs. The Big Book has transformed countless lives and has been like a “bible” for the recovery community since it was first published in 1939. The fourth edition contains 24 new personal stories in addition to the stories of AA’s pioneers and the original 164 pages of recovery instructions for alcoholics. It can be read online for free and found here.</li>
<li>Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions by Alcoholics Anonymous: Also known as the “12 and 12” this is a must-have reference book for understanding and working the 12 Steps. The book is helpful to all members of a 12 Step fellowship as it provides an in-depth study of each Step and the Traditions. The 12 and 12 can be read online for free and found here.</li>
<li>The Little Red Book by Anonymous: Excellent reference and study guide of the 12 Steps. Authored by Dr. Bob S., the co-founder of AA, along with early AAer’s from Minneapolis, MN.</li>
<li>Twenty Four Hours a Day by Anonymous and Daily Reflections: A Book of Reflections by A.A.: These are great daily meditations and companion books to the primary texts. Many in the recovery community begin their day with these daily meditation books.</li>
<li>Living Sober by Anonymous: The first recovery book that many of us read. Full of practical suggestions for newcomers or anyone who wants to learn how to live life sober. Highly recommend reading for everyone, especially newcomers.</li>
<li>Came to Believe by A.A. Services: Poignant short stories by numerous AA members of self-discovery in their spiritual journey. This book has become a favorite in the recovery community.</li>
<li>Search for Serenity and How to Achieve It by Lewis F. Presnall: Wonderful book about emotional growth and how to turn misery into serenity. Full of practical guidance to help anyone going thru challenging or painful times in their life.</li>
<li>Sermon on the Mount: The Key to Success in Life by Emmett Fox: Contains powerful and inspirational messages for spiritual and character development.</li>
<li>A Woman’s Guide to Recovery by Brenda Lliff: An excellent guidebook for women or men in recovery. This book will help anyone who wants to better understand everything from the recovery process, to the 12 Step Program with practical suggestions on how to apply the Program in your every day life.</li>
<li>Undrunk: A Skeptics Guide to AA by A.J. Adams: Humorous book that describes the authors’ introduction to the recovery process and his first year of sobriety. Highly recommended for newcomers or anyone who would like to learn about the 12 Step program.</li>
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<li class="zemanta-article-ul-li-image zemanta-article-ul-li" style="background: none; display: block; float: left; font-size: 11px; list-style: none; margin: 2px 10px 10px 2px; padding: 0; text-align: left; vertical-align: top; width: 84px;"><a href="http://galatictours.blogspot.com/2013/05/the-founder-of-aa-bill-w-discovered.html" style="border-radius: 2px; box-shadow: 0px 0px 4px #999; display: block; padding: 2px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><img src="http://i.zemanta.com/171863657_80_80.jpg" style="border: 0; display: block; margin: 0; max-width: 100%; padding: 0; width: 80px;" /></a><a href="http://galatictours.blogspot.com/2013/05/the-founder-of-aa-bill-w-discovered.html" style="display: block; height: 80px; line-height: 12pt; overflow: hidden; padding: 5px 2px 0 2px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">The founder of AA, Bill W, discovered early on that individuals and groups adapted the 12 Steps as found in Alcoholics Anonymous and he encouraged and supported them</a></li>
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Top Ten recovery books on alcoholism.

AA Big Book (Photo credit: Wikipedia ) Most are best-selling classics in the AA recovery community. Some recovery books are featured i...

Spiritual Book Review: The Little Red Book

Fraser Trevor

Link Author

Title: Spiritual Book Review: The Little Red Book
Author: Fraser Trevor
Rating 5 of 5 Des:

Often the truth isn’t where we think it should be. By accident I found a copy of “The Little Red Book” that has a truth one might never ...

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<h2>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 1.4em; text-align: justify;">Often the truth isn’t where we think it should be.  By accident I found a copy of  “The Little Red Book” that has a truth one might never expect to find.  It wasn’t written  by theologians.  Nor was it transcribed by Spanish Monks. Tibetan wise men were not counseled for their views.  Actually the book is the result of two people who struggled with temptations, fear and frustration their whole lives.  These precepts are the life lessons of Bill W. and Doctor Bob, originators of the AA program. The Little Red Book(ISBN number 978-0-89486-985-3 ) is the handheld companion book for the Big Book from Alcoholics Anonymous(AA).  I’m not a member of AA so my finding this book is quite remarkable. I was slightly acquainted with it though because I have acquaintances and friends that are members of AA. I actually found this in the bookstore, picked it up, and immediately recognized it.  As I read the 12 Step Program from the book I thought “what a perfect spiritual outlook.” In the subtext is my spiritual reinterpretation of the 12 Steps that can be used by the rest of us. My apologies to any that I may offend by showing this in a different light, the rest of humanity can really learn from these examples and from the people who have followed them:</span></h2>
<div class="entry" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 1.4em; text-align: justify;">
 Step One: We admitted we were powerless over alcohol – that our lives had become unmanageable.<br />
Sub: We admitted that we were powerless over our lives – that our lives are separated from one another and God.<br />
Step Two:Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to Sanity.<br />
Sub: Came to believe that a Power(God) greater than ourselves could restore us to Sanity(Wholeness).<br />
Step Three: Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood him.<br />
Sub: Same<br />
Step Four: Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.<br />
Sub: Same<br />
Step Five: Admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.<br />
Sub: Same, a Spiritual Confession<br />
Step Six: Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character.<br />
Sub: Same<br />
Step Seven: Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings.<br />
Sub: Same<br />
Step Eight: Made a list of all persons we had harmed, and became willing to make amends to them all.<br />
Sub: Same<br />
Step Nine: Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others.<br />
Sub: Same<br />
Step Ten: Continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong (and)  promptly admitted it.<br />
Sub: Same<br />
Step Eleven: 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.<br />
Sub: Same<br />
Step Twelve: 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.<br />
Sub: Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps, we tried to carry this message to other people, and to practice these principles in all our affairs.<br />
Our eternal thanks to Bill W. and Doctor Bob<br />
<div>
One day at a time</div>
<div>
       – Bill W.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<li class="zemanta-article-ul-li-image zemanta-article-ul-li" style="background: none; display: block; float: left; font-size: 11px; list-style: none; margin: 2px 10px 10px 2px; padding: 0; text-align: left; vertical-align: top; width: 84px;"><a href="http://galatictours.blogspot.com/2013/04/you-will-never-find-one-iota-of-support.html" style="border-radius: 2px; box-shadow: 0px 0px 4px #999; display: block; padding: 2px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><img src="http://i.zemanta.com/noimg_109_80_80.jpg" style="border: 0; display: block; margin: 0; max-width: 100%; padding: 0; width: 80px;" /></a><a href="http://galatictours.blogspot.com/2013/04/you-will-never-find-one-iota-of-support.html" style="display: block; height: 80px; line-height: 12pt; overflow: hidden; padding: 5px 2px 0 2px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">You will never find one iota of support or suggestion in the Big Book for multiple fourth and fifth steps. Not a hint.</a></li>
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Spiritual Book Review: The Little Red Book

Often the truth isn’t where we think it should be. By accident I found a copy of “The Little Red Book” that has a truth one might never ...

The Little Red Book,. Bob thought it was the best description of how to work the steps that had ever been written.

Fraser Trevor

Link Author

Title: The Little Red Book,. Bob thought it was the best description of how to work the steps that had ever been written.
Author: Fraser Trevor
Rating 5 of 5 Des:

ED WEBSTER wrote The Little Red Book, which had a chapter explaining how to work each of the twelve steps. Dr. Bob thought it was the best ...

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ED WEBSTER wrote The Little Red Book, which had a chapter explaining how to work each of the twelve steps. Dr. Bob thought it was the best description of how to work the steps that had ever been written. He sent copies of it all over the U.S. and Canada with his recommendation. Until Dr. Bob's death in 1950, he insisted that the New York A.A. office make copies of this book available for sale through their office.<br />
<br />
The Little Red book went through a series of editions: the most important are the first edition which came out in 1946, followed by the two 1947 editions, a 1948 edition, and a 1949 edition which had two printings. At every step in the process, Dr. Bob was putting handwritten notes on the books and manuscripts, giving Ed his suggestions for changes and revisions, all of which Ed incorporated. Dr. Bob (unlike Bill W.) was not a writer, so The Little Red Book is the closest thing we have to knowing how Dr. Bob taught newcomers, and what he thought they ought to know about the twelve steps and how to work them in order to get sober and stay sober for the rest of your life.<br />
<br />
Ed Webster got sober in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on December 13, 1941. He and his A.A. friend Barry Collins formed their own little A.A. publishing company, called the Coll-Webb Co., where they printed and distributed copies of this book under the sponsorship of the Nicollet Group in Minneapolis until Ed's death in 1971.<br />
<br />
After Dr. Bob's death in 1950, Bill W. wanted to write his own, more highly philosophical discussion of the steps, which would be very different from The Little Red Book (going at it in a way which Dr. Bob would undoubtedly have been suspicious of). Bill W. published this in 1952-3 as the Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions. He had grave difficulties obtaining the money to print that book, and after it was published, he insisted that the New York A.A. office put its full weight into pushing his book over The Little Red Book, so they would not have a warehouse full of his own unsold books.<br />
<br />
Nevertheless, there are many good oldtimers who will tell you that they would never have gotten sober if they had tried to deal with the 12 & 12 right away, when they first came in. It was too complicated, and their minds were still befuddled and confused with the aftereffects of too many years of drinking. They will tell you that they got sober on two books basically -- the Big Book and the 24 Hour book -- followed by a study of the steps in The Little Red Book and the little early A.A. pamphlet called the Tablemate.<br />
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The Little Red Book,. Bob thought it was the best description of how to work the steps that had ever been written.

ED WEBSTER wrote The Little Red Book, which had a chapter explaining how to work each of the twelve steps. Dr. Bob thought it was the best ...

Fear and doubt cannot stand the light of forgiveness and will be a thing of the past for you once you have this experience.

Fraser Trevor

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Title: Fear and doubt cannot stand the light of forgiveness and will be a thing of the past for you once you have this experience.
Author: Fraser Trevor
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Once we are awakened, difficulty arises when ‘thoughts’ containing fear or doubt doubles back and attempts to reclaim the consciousness. Th...

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Once we are awakened, difficulty arises when ‘thoughts’ containing fear or doubt doubles back and attempts to reclaim the consciousness. This is sure to happen.<br /><br />Please consider that it is this very difficulty that makes practicing consciousness effective and why the stresses of life can be so strengthening. Notdebilitating...strengthening!<br /><br />As you meditate you will truly know what forgiveness is. The forgiveness concept will transcend your intellect- what you think you know, what you once believed to the true, will matter less as the forgiveness experience becomes a working part of your being. Then every offensive encounter in the Stream of Life will no longer be an insurmountable obstacle to life to your will, but will be seen as a new opportunity to experience love, patience and endurance bringing God will forth, effortlessly.<br /><br />If you can see this you will have a very productive and blessed life and anyone who encounters you will benefit from your peaceful, healthful lifestyle and easy manner of living. Fear and doubt cannot stand the light of forgiveness and will be a thing of the past for you once you have this experience.<br /><br />Can you imagine raising a family under such conditions? Can you image how your life would be different had you been raised this way? Give it to your children then. I am giving it to mine.<br />
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Fear and doubt cannot stand the light of forgiveness and will be a thing of the past for you once you have this experience.

Once we are awakened, difficulty arises when ‘thoughts’ containing fear or doubt doubles back and attempts to reclaim the consciousness. Th...

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The Little Red Book,. Bob thought it was the best description of how to work the steps that had ever been written.

Fear and doubt cannot stand the light of forgiveness and will be a thing of the past for you once you have this experience.

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