Archive for January 14, 2015

Endigar 623 ~ Protection for All

Posted in Uncategorized with tags , , , , , , , on January 14, 2015 by endigar

From the Daily Reflections of November 30;

At the personal level, anonymity provides protection for all members from identification as alcoholics, a safeguard often of special importance to newcomers. At the level of press, radio, TV, and films, anonymity stresses the equality in the Fellowship of all members by putting the brake on those who might otherwise exploit their A.A. affiliation to achieve recognition, power, or personal gain.   (“Understanding Anonymity, page 5)

Attraction is the main force in the Fellowship of A.A. The miracle of continuous sobriety of alcoholics within A.A. confirms this fact every day. It would be harmful if the Fellowship promoted itself by publicizing, through the media of radio and TV, the sobriety of well-known public personalities who became members of A.A. If these personalities happened to have slips, outsiders would think our movement is not strong and they might question the veracity of the miracle of the century. Alcoholics Anonymous is not anonymous, but its members should be.

END OF QUOTE

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When I saw anonymity as a benefit to me, a cover for my refuge as I struggled for recovery, I could not imagine ever wanting to break it.  As I have recovered from a hopeless state of mind and body and do not feel the fear of being discovered, I desire to speak openly.  I equate self-revelation with truthfulness.  Is it an act of honesty or isolating pride? I welcome being hidden away when I am struggling, and then desire more recognition when I am doing well.  I might rob newcomers of their own refuge as I out them by association and thus would be demonstrating selfish disregard.  I need to keep a safe place intact even if I am not personally feeling threatened.  The wolf den is for the protection of the entire pack.

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Endigar 622 ~ “Active Guardians”

Posted in Uncategorized with tags , , , , , , on January 14, 2015 by endigar

From the Daily Reflections of November 29;

To us, however, it represents far more than a sound public relations policy. It is more than a denial of self-seeking. This Tradition is a constant and practical reminder that personal ambition has no place in A.A. In it, each member becomes an active guardian of our Fellowship.   (Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions, page 183)

The basic concept of humility is expressed in the Eleventh Tradition: it allows me to participate completely in the program in such a simple, yet profound, manner; it fulfills my need to be an integral part of a significant whole. Humility brings me closer to the actual spirit of togetherness and oneness, without which I could not stay sober. In remembering that every member is an example of sobriety, each one living the Eleventh Tradition, I am able to experience freedom because each one of us is anonymous.

 

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So there is another power for anonymity.  It makes me a part of the group, and thus a protector of it.

I heard three things in the meeting this morning;

“You are never too dumb for this program, but sometimes you can be too smart.”

“When you are reading the Big Book, don’t read the white parts, read the black.”

“Alcoholism is a disease that demands to be treated, either with alcohol or with meetings.”

These are protective words reinforcing humility and saving me from terminal uniqueness.  Anonymity is surprisingly powerful.

 

 

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