Interesting. Someone brought up the topic “self esteem”. If anything it’s just a demonstration of ego maniacal thinking. Not what I came here for. Someone did bring up staying sober, as another topic. This is what can happen in “discussion” meetings. The group’s primary purpose, the Fifth Tradition gets lost.
However someone did discuss that, trying to get back on track. Carrying the AA message to the alcoholic, who still suffers. I always think it could be a newcomer or someone like me. The need for the spiritual solution, which, if I want to get sober, is what I and everyone else needs.
When we turn the meeting over to “new people”, anything can happen. That’s why l loved those meetings back when I came in. The Twelve Steps and the Traditions were what we talked about. It was about getting sober and staying sober. Learning to do what is necessary to get us on the right path. Getting an open mind and listening to those, who were sober and practicing this program.
Too many times I have seen newcomers take over a meeting. Dumping their junk on the tables and either stop listening or leave right after they do. But there are those, who don’t care and want to hear that stuff. My guess is that it allows them to think whatever they want to. Often they never appear again. The “dumpers” that is. And, if they do, they believe they can take over and talk about anything they want to.
If someone like me or others insist we talk about what works they get angry. Again some of them walk out. My thought is that I’m sorry, but I want to hear what it is that works. Like, rarely have we seen a person fail, who has thoroughly followed our path.
I know I need to go to meetings to help me stay sober. I know a lot of people like me. Sober, trying to live this program and following the path laid out for us. I need to hear the AA message and be reminded of what it is I need to do to stay sober. To practice these principles in all of my affairs.
Imagine being asked to practice mental and emotional therapy in the meetings. That’s not why I’m here. What do “We” know about that? There are therapists outside the rooms, who do that kind of stuff, if it’s really needed. Who would be crazy enough to ask a roomful of alcoholics to help them fix their relationships. Alcoholics, who ruined almost every relationship they had. Now, if they asked us how to ruin a relationship…
Anyway I’m just reminding myself of why I came here and why I want to go to meetings. For one thing I need others like myself to stay sober. I know I can’t do this on my own. I’d never want to take that chance. I’ve seen what it’s done to others. Not a pretty picture, dying from alcoholism. I came close enough as it was.
The Fifth Tradition tells us what it’s all about, when it says the group ought to be spiritual entity, who has one primary purpose, to carry the AA message to the alcoholic who still suffers. The long form. Spiritual entity, is having a real spiritual existence. That’s what we need to be at each meeting. How do I know that? I looked the definition up, as I’m sure the authors of the Traditions did the same thing, when composing them.
I guess it’s about the group practicing the spiritual life, maintaining our spiritual condition. Our primary purpose as a group. Like I said, just thinking about sobriety.