TRADITION TWELVE

Dec 30, from “Strengthening My Recovery” daily reader

“Anonymity is the spiritual foundation of all our Traditions, ever reminding us to place principles before personalities.” BRB p. 549

The Traditions are guidelines that help our meetings run smoothly and remain safe.  If something goes off course, it’s usually because one or more of the Traditions are not being followed.

Reminding ourselves to place principles before personalities is a healthy choice that keeps us individually and collectively grounded. When we forget this concept, some of us can slip into practicing old behaviors, such as allowing ourselves to become offended by or irritated with what another ACA says or does. Whatever the trigger is, we can build resentments and even become paranoid or blind to the reality of the situation. This can subtly or overtly infect our meetings. Strong, Tradition-focused meetings can help us uncover the truth and remain open to the differences among us.

The Serenity Prayer can also keep us in tune with Tradition Twelve.  When we ask to accept what we cannot change and the courage to change what we can, we are above all asking our Higher Power for the wisdom to know the difference. This helps us stay centered on ourselves instead of others.

On this day I will ask myself what I am doing to contribute to the safety of my meeting. In doing so, I remind myself that I am choosing a healthier way to live my life.   

My experience:

There have been times during meetings that someone had, what I felt, complained too much and there have been people with high anxiety, always moving about and appearing helpful.  I had to really look as to why these behaviors irritated me.  I was placing personality (mine) over the principles of the meeting.  You see, the meeting is a safe place for people to express themselves how they need to.  We constantly get judged harshly, by ourselves and others, outside of the meeting.  This is a place for everyone to be safe.  So once I was able to wrap my mind around the concept of me not being bigger than the meeting I can sit and empathize with those people and enjoy them for who they are and what they need.  Because what if my behavior irritates them?  Mind blown!!  Join me and be safe.