Our Survival

 The survival of AA is our ‘singleness of purpose’. In being neutral on all other (outside) issues, we continue to exist to help those who are still in the grips of this insidious disease.

There is a clarity in that. I know where I stand and what I need to concentrate on. The Traditions, formed through many trials and errors, have simplified the process. Tradition 10 tells us “Alcoholics Anonymous has no opinion on outside issues; hence the A.A. name ought never be drawn into public controversy”. That’s simple and to the point. I can participate all I want in all the issues I find important, outside of the rooms. 

I can utilize the discipline of neutrality outside of the rooms as well. This is where I learn to apply the principles to all areas of my life. On the highway (driving remains my most active classroom), where I don’t have to ascribe possible motivations of other drivers, and at family gatherings, where class is always in session. This principle is important where another’s opinion is cherished as ‘fact’ - nothing I can say will sway them, therefore, I learn to be neutral, and to meditate later on the issue of personal autonomy.

This isn’t an absolute - as I’ve said, sometimes that which I find patently wrong must be addressed in the moment. I have that responsibility to myself, I think. Can I be neutral, then, about the outcome? I have to, for my own peace of mind, take the issue to my Creator. In the rooms, this shows up as a ‘group conscience’.  This process is an example of the directive of Step 12: “…to practice these principles in all our affairs”.

All of the principles are in place to ensure the survival of AA. They can also be a vital part of my own emotional survival.


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