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.
....how, way back in time those founders got this together. I mean this philosophy is based many different philosophies. I don't know them all but I have read quotes from Buddhism, Hinduism, Christianity, many ancient philosophers and general wise folks like Abraham Lincoln. What kind of educated people were these? What degree gives you so much insight and knowledge? And what kind of magic gave these people the will and the know how? Did they have a clue of the impact? was it luck or the coming together of certain people. It just amazes me that this program is here, they never had the internet or apps on their phones to search up information. It is truly awesome to me. Thanks for listening to my ramblings.x
It amazes me too and I am forever grateful to Bill Wilson and Dr. Bob along with all the others who's wisdom benefit us all today.
My Name is Bill W. is a good movie that shows some of the founding moments. I also got a lot out of a book about Lois Wilson "When Love is Not Enough".
I know there is loads and loads of information out there, but those are the two that popped out at me right away.
Yours in recovery,
Mandy
__________________
"We are not punished for our unforgiveness, we are punished by it" Jim Stovall
I believe that the AA Big Book, the Steps, Traditions and Concepts were all Divinely inspired . Bill W and the early AA members worked tirelessly in order to develop the concepts and principles of the program. Bill W had some college education however since he' suffered from panic attacks and depression he was away from school often. . His wife, Lois, was from a well-to-do family whose father was a physician. She was educated at private schools and graduated as an interior decorator.
Neither she Nor Bill where overly religious however the influence of the 'Oxford Group' on their thinking has been recognized.
As I understand the Oxford Group was an early Christian group founded on many of the same principles and philosophies that Al-Anon and AA adapted. This group had concepts and philosophies that they believed would help people change their lives. They were right.
I am grateful that Lois W felt the need for recovery and saw that her disease mirrored the alcoholic accept that she did not drink. Her wisdom in adopting the AA program to a program for families of alcoholics was and is inspiring.
I'm sure others will add their thoughts to this interesting topic.
-- Edited by hotrod on Monday 3rd of February 2014 04:30:38 PM
I've wondered that myself el-cee an d arrived at solution a while back from many different sources and directions. When I first entered the rooms I heard "we are not a religion but if you work the steps religiously..." along with "this is a spiritually based program" which for me became how I intentioned my life to be, my spirit was to find and maintain peace of mind and serenity (peace of soul) which I could and would have by giving up self control and turning myself over to the wisdom of the rooms thru the Experiences Strengths and Hopes of the fellowship. Also as David mentioned the program opened the doors to the ancients...those who came before us and I came to accept that "they" also looked for and found what we have. Additionally the personal guidance from my Higher Power which has been soooo wide has helped me to "come to understand". Like the "tools" from the past you are now a tool in the present. Pass it on so that others may also come to understand. great post. ((((hugs))))
Hi el-cee
I recently read ' when love is not enough, the Lois Wilson story'. It is a very interesting story of how Lois created Al Anon after her husbands success with AA. I agree, this program is divinely inspired. Have a lovely day
