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.
The ODAT Reading for today, December 18 speaks about sharing at an Al-Anon meeting. The reading suggests that before we go to the meeting that we make a determination that when we speak we will share something helpful and constructive so that everybody that is. attending can benefit. It suggests that this meaningful message will benefit us as well because we are not making the meeting place an audience for our problems,
The reading goes on to state when we are attending a meeting we should listen for everything that is said. because, some constructive ideas might be offered and when a problem is shared we must be sure that the advice given is in terms of Al-Anon tools and not suggest any action to be taken.
The meeting is essentially therapy in which each person should drive maximum benefit so if I have personal problems to discuss. I should talk it over. My sponsor on the telephone.
Good morning, MIP!
Thanks for your service today, Betty!
This is a lovely topic. I think ti goes hand-in-hand with the Al-Anon approach of keeping my focus on myself. I've found that when I share about an issue or problem in a meeting, I'm really sharing about one of my character defects and hoping that I will find in the AlAnon program a way to handle that defect. and, because my focus is on myself and what I am doing, the details of whatever is bothering me are less important and my approach to dealing with the issue is what I discuss.
When I have a hard time thinking clearly about something, then speaking with a sponsor or trusted friend about the specifics is more useful for me, and doesn't derail the entire meeting for others. I often even get a useful perspective, and can approach my problem with a fresh view, if I am open to the wisdom in the meeting.
__________________
Skorpi
If you are depressed, you are living in the past. If you are anxious, you are living in the future. If you are at peace, you are living in the present. - Lao Tzu
Thank you Betty for the daily and your service. Thank you also and Skorpi for your shares/ESH. I love this reading as it's a reminder how recovery works. When we keep the focus on self, and share your ESH, the magic happens. It took me a while to learn how to listen actively vs. have my mind float back to my world, my issues, etc. but when I was able to settle in, focus on the topic/messages/ESH, I gained so much.
I am now and will always be grateful for the miracle of meetings. I do believe HP speaks through and to all of us when we gather. Happy Tuesday to all - as I am trying to wrap up for my momma's visit, the vacuum died and her flight is delayed - perfect as it gives me time to get a new one...
Enjoy the day and the season!
__________________
Practice the PAUSE...Pause before judging. Pause before assuming. Pause before accusing. Pause whenever you are about to react harshly and you will avoid doing and saying things you will later regret. ~~~~ Lori Deschene
Thank you Betty for your service and yeah when I go to meetings sometimes I like to just sit and absorb all the wisdom and shares and all the love. I dont share in every single meeting because there are times when my higher voice inside of me wants me to shut up and listen and that is exactly what I do
when I do share, I take it slowly and thoughtfully because I want to be sure I keep the focus on me and if I am sharing about a problem I like to get into possible solutions I am thinking about. Its been a while since I went to a face-to-face meeting but online is the same thing: courtesy, respect, keeping the focus on me, not hogging the room with the long share, just your basic respecting others and their boundaries.
Thank you for this reminder how vital and important it is for us all to share with each other and to share the love and acceptance, unconditional that we have for each other
