One of the principles of the Steps is ‘repeated rigorous and demanding investigation and experimentation’ with life. We rigorously examine our lives and actions in inventories and then try out actions to amend our attitudes and perceptions of life. We experiment and then with sponsors and inventories we track the results of our experiments. Even when we make amends we are, in part, looking for information about the reality of our lives and attitudes by studying the reflection of our actions, this sounds like a scientific process.
Workshop on Long-Term Sobriety Nov 2018
Andy C and Mike C conduct a workshop on long-term emotional sobriety and working the steps.
Normal is a setting
One of the shares at the Welcome Group meeting was, “Normal is a setting on the dryer, not a way to measure life.”
We are promised sober living, not normal living. That distinction has avoided decades of discussion around the meaning of the word ‘normal.’ Normal is a community standard, sobriety is an individual standard. And this is key. It is part of our Third Tradition, the only requirement for membership is a subjective standard, and a big part of what keeps us together.
Membership is not free
There are no free memberships in AA.
The MasterCard commercials of past years had a series of items with a price for each articulated. Supper, $150, flowers $35, a great movie $16; then it wraps up with a summation “great memories with someone special… priceless.” The parts can be priced, but the experience is priceless.
Origin of the Third Tradition
This recording from 1985 in Montreal is a beautiful and short story of our Tradition #3, how it came to be, and the pivotal role played by Dr. Bob and the first homosexual to join our Fellowship. It is a marvelous story of the hand of God working through our Founders. A story with humour, and with great import. In this 30 minute talk are lessons that I can take into my life. I hope that you enjoy it as much as I did.
Gratitude Roundup, Calgary, June 2018
Listen to Andy C’s talks at the Calgary Gratitude Roundup