Endigar 452 ~ A Fellowship of Freedom
From Today’s Daily Reflections;
. . . if only men were granted absolute liberty, and were compelled to obey no one, they would then voluntarily associate themselves in the common interest. (As Bill Sees It, page 50)
When I no longer live under the dictates of another or of alcohol, I live in a new freedom. When I release the past and all the excess baggage I have carried for so very long, I come to know freedom. I have been introduced into a life and a fellowship of freedom. The Steps are a “recommended” way of finding a new life, there are no commands or dictates in A.A. I am free to serve from desire rather than decree. There is the understanding that I will benefit from the growth of other members and I take what I learn and bring it back to the group. The “common welfare” finds room to grow in the society of personal freedom.
END OF QUOTE
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The ideals of a benign anarchy have been achieved in A.A. because of the threat of an alcoholic tyranny ready to recapture its former citizens. There may be no dictates or commands in A.A., but there are plenty of life and death scenarios that keep our wagons circled. The recommendations are not just good ideas, they are tips for survival. The paradox of keeping only what I am able to give away is the initial shove to help others. We are not naturally altruistic.
The magic comes when this community of anarchist refugees connect to a Power greater than themselves and we are transformed. Individual freedom becomes a channel for connection and personal empowerment. I then begin to reach out to others because its what I want to do. My life can then be apart of bringing the Benign to whatever governing structure I find myself in; anarchy, democracy, or tyranny.
The goal is not improved government, but transformation that makes government obsolete.
Daily Reprieve 
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