TRADITION ONE
Jan 30, from “Strengthening My Recovery” daily reader
“Can we even have personal recovery without ACA unity?’ Our First Tradition frankly says ‘No.’ ACA members working the Twelve Steps recognize the need to place the group’s survival ahead of their own selfish needs or their fear-based urge to control others.” BRB p. 492
Our feelings of self-doubt are often revealed by the exchanges we have at a business meeting. They tend to surface in clandestine forms of control and its close cousin, manipulation.
When the group is considering taking an action, we may voice a concern or point out that it may violate a Tradition. If a course of action is taken that we disagree with, our personal program helps us to admit we are powerless and accept the things we cannot change.
We are mindful that unity does not mean complete agreement. Still, we strive for substantial unanimity in making the group’s decisions. We actively seek out the voices of dissent, giving them an opportunity to be heard. This ensures that all sides of a discussion are heard, and perhaps compromises may be reached.
Actively listening to each other is an exercise in inclusivity. Decisions that raise rancor may have to be tabled or revisited when feelings are not running as high. Nonetheless, if the group’s decision is firmly grounded in the ACA Traditions, even if we don’t agree, we are called on to turn over our personal agenda.
On this day I will be mindful that everyone’s voice should be heard on group issues. If I can contribute my experience, strength, and hope, I will do so without expectations. Being open-minded and tolerant is humility in action.”
My Experience:
It is refreshing to know that pure unity can exist. It exists in this program in that everyone has a voice. And the unity comes from a shared goal of the health of the group. The group is there for everyone and anyone to thrive. We are not talking about unanimous decisions, you can still disagree, but ultimately decisions made for the survival of the group are made. What that means to me, is that the group will be there tomorrow, next week, next year, and 10 years from now. How refreshing.