The material presented
here is not Al-Anon Conference Approved Literature. It is a method
to exchange
information, ideas, feelings, problems and solutions on a personal
level.
I led a group one Saturday morning, had never done so, only knew to start with the serenity prayer and asked every one what to talk about. it went smoothly and when I had to leave an hour later, someone volunteered to take over. It works when we work it, in all our affairs....
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You yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection. -Buddha
The past has flown away. The coming month and year do not exsist. Ours only is the present's tiny point. -Mahmud Shabistanri
Thank you for hosting, Data. I was not at the online meeting, as I had other commitments this morning.
However, your post does bring to light a different etiquette. I was raised where only the leader spoke 'amen', which I was taught covers everyone participating. I am surprised that my educational and religious differences would offend others. Without engaging in a debate if I am right or wrong- I will say that I understand things differently and mean no harm.
-- Edited by bud on Thursday 30th of December 2010 08:51:00 AM
I have chaired many a meetings in our chat room. I have even been an OP in there...I know how much work it is to chair with newcomers needing greetings, topics posted, thanking and greeting sharers....it's time consuming and not as easy as it seems.
I do know that some people silently say 'amen', some type it, some do not share the same spiritual or religious views as others in any support room. It is to ones own discretion what makes them comfortable.
When an OPerator is not available to chair a complete meeting with opening and closing scripts...anyone who is willing to do a 12 step can 'jump in' to start a meeting...at any time. A meeting can be held with only 2 people in a room...or 200! Generally someone will open up the meeting with the Serenity Prayer or some other opening. I have even seen someone open up the meeting with 'MEETING IN SESSION' and end it with "MEETING NOW CLOSED, ROOM OPEN FOR CHAT!" If it works, awesome! It is wonderful that someone will take on the opportunity!
The good part about recovery is those who are 'different' than us, are also on their own road to recovery. If we were all the same....we would not have recovery programs and 12 step programs! :o)
What makes these programs work is the reminder that the first step is 'acceptance'....and can pertain as willing to accept that not everyone shares our views, feels like us, might have a similar or very different story, might have a different HP, may be afraid, may have more experience or even may have less....but that we are all here for the same reasons...and we can grow and learn and experience it together! There is much to be said about 'strength in numbers' and while here, we might even find lots of valued friendships in our recovery process - this is a bonus!
I love it when I am able to step up to chair a meeting if an operator is not available - its a great feeling to offer my 12 step in any way I can. I may not be perfect...but that is one of the reasons why I am here! :o)
I hope that you find recovery in our rooms, and Friendships! - keep coming back, you are never alone in alanon! Welcome to the Message Board!
~!~
-- Edited by lacewing on Thursday 30th of December 2010 01:27:10 AM
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...He compared his weathered hand to mine and said, ... GROWTH OF THE MIND AND HEART are the best offers you can give.my Grandfather (Keeper of Stories), to me
