Daily Reprieve

From the Daily Reflections of October 31;

All history affords us the spectacle of striving nations and groups finally torn asunder because they were designed for, or tempted into, controversy. Others fell apart because of sheer self-righteousness while trying to enforce upon the rest of mankind some millennium of their own specification.   (Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions, page 176)

As an A.A. member and sponsor, I know I can cause real damage if I yield to temptation and give opinions and advice on another’s medical, marital, or religious problems. I am not a doctor, counselor, or lawyer. I cannot tell anyone how he or she should live; however, I can share how I came through similar situations without drinking, and how A.A.’s Steps and Traditions help me in dealing with my life.

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For me, as an individual alcoholic and as a member of the AA Fellowship, avoiding controversy is going to be the best way to travel.  I must contribute to the protection of the community that helps ensure my own survival.  If I am considering the possibility of entering into controversy outside of my support network, I must consider carefully the wisdom of that approach.  There may be times when I have to confront, but it should not be impulsive.  I need to pause and connect within the group, and then make a careful plan for my own participation.

From the Daily Reflections of October 30;

Never since it began has Alcoholics Anonymous been divided by a major controversial issue. Nor has our Fellowship ever publicly taken sides on any question in an embattled world. This, however, has been no earned virtue. It could almost be said that we were born with it. . . . “So long as we don’t argue these matters privately, it’s a cinch we never shall publicly.”   (Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions, page 176)

Do I remember that I have a right to my opinion but that others don’t have to share it? That’s the spirit of “Live and Let Live.” The Serenity Prayer reminds me, with God’s help, to “Accept the things I cannot change.” Am I still trying to change others? When it comes to “Courage to change the things I can,” do I remember that my opinions are mine, and yours are yours? Am I still afraid to be me? When it comes to “Wisdom to know the difference,” do I remember that my opinions come from my experience? If I have a know-it-all attitude, aren’t I being deliberately controversial?

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Tradition Ten:  Alcoholics Anonymous has no opinion on outside issues; hence the A.A. name ought never be drawn into public controversy.

This concept is AA’s own little piece of the Tao.  I quote the following from an article by Michael Vlach:

Daoism (or Taoism) is a Chinese philosophical system that began around the 6th century B.C with the life and teachings of the founder of Daoism—Laozi (or Lao Tzu). Laozi allegedly wrote the Tao Te Ching (“The Way and Its Power”) which explains basic Daoist beliefs.

According to Daoism the absolute concept in the universe is Dao. The Dao is a mysterious, cosmic power that is present in all experiences. It is an impersonal and invisible way that the universe follows. Indescribable in nature, the Dao is a natural force that makes the universe the way it is.

With Daoism, the universe is neither good nor evil—it is beyond good and evil. The universe just is. The secret to living a good and harmonious life is through inactivity. One of the key concepts of Daoism is wuwei which is the accomplishing of tasks without assertion or aggression. According to Daoism, active attempts to conquer nature or improve society are futile and only make things worse. Thus, Daoism is often against education, rituals, and participation in social and political institutions. These things are artificial structures that draw people away from the peace and harmony that come through inaction. Trouble and suffering come when people are too active.

According to Daoism the best life is the simple life of inactivity and attention to the basic needs of yourself and your family. A motto of Daoism could be “Live and let live.” By doing nothing, humans can exist in harmony with nature. A long life is often viewed as the reward for those who live in harmony with the Dao.

From the Daily Reflections of October 29;

Since recovery from alcoholism is life itself to us, it is imperative that we preserve in full strength our means of survival.  (Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions, page 177)

The honesty expressed by the members of A.A. in meetings has the power to open my mind. Nothing can block the flow of energy that honesty carries with it. The only obstacle to this flow of energy is inebriation, but even then, no one will find a closed door if he or she has left and chooses to return. Once he or she has received the gift of sobriety, each A.A. member is challenged on a daily basis to accept a program of honesty.

My Higher Power created me for a purpose in life. I ask Him to accept my honest efforts to continue on my journey in the spiritual way of life. I call on Him for strength to know and seek His will.

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Is it possible to speak thoughts with words we believe to be honest, because they are spoken with great emotion?  Sometimes expressing myself is the venting of swirling emotions that are wrapped around narratives in my life that I have constructed.  The justifying fantasies of an alcoholic can be quite potent.  It feels genuine, but impulsive and reactive communication rarely helps me to be honest, that is, to be truthful.  My alcoholic denial uses intense emotions as a weapon, conducting drive-by shootings of the truth about me.  I need a safe place where I can foster my serenity.  That is what, for the most part, I gain from attending meetings and connecting with others.  In this serenity, I can coax the truth out into the open.  This life devoted to honesty is a key to my sanity and one of the best gifts I can return to the Fellowship.