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From: Gayle H.
Category: Category 1
Date: 18 Aug 1999
Time: 12:04:55
Remote Name: host-216-78-37-104.ath.bellsouth.net
Hi Folks,
I have read the posts on this topic with some amusement and a lot of interest. I got clean during the Purist Movement and have done the things that any self-respecting NA Nazi is supposed to do. The struggle between practicing principles and observing the Traditions and enforcing those same Traditions at times drifts between 'silly and feeble' to 'controlling and manipulative.'
I have attended meetings that are held on the premises of "treatment centers" and have witnessed a statement very similar to the one that was proposed last year in the CAR. During those meetings, "clients" would react on the scale from docility to hostility.
I have attended meetings that emphasize the importance of identification as an addict to maintain the unity called for in the Traditions at the beginning of the meeting. The same group violated the Traditions near the end of the meeting by asking for non-NA announcements (clearly endorsing something other than NA).
In my home area, most of the meetings have gone to the explanation of what is an open meeting while emphasizing that all NA meetings are for "addicts only" to participate in. We also take the time to allow everyone to introduce and identify himself or herself at the beginning of the meeting so that everyone is aware of who is or is not an addict.
This has seemed to be working quite efficiently. I attended a birthday meeting recently at which the sponsor of the person celebrating - identified himself as an addict, went on to talk of attending meetings with his sponsee at a clubhouse of another fellowship (at which no NA meetings are held), and then upon presenting the medallion - praised her on staying sober for a year.
I was struck so hard by the ego-driven dishonesty. I attend another meeting which is quite strict on the participation by non-addicts. A few days after the other meeting, we had a person who talked with us before the meeting, was quite during the meeting, and talked with us some more after the meeting. He was a little confused because he had never attended a meeting in which the members had the commitment to maintaining a clear message.
In talking with him afterward, it was clear that he has not experienced the concept that "it's NOT ALL THE SAME." I don't have any answers for the situations that I have recounted - but I am sure that we can and must find a loving way to practice our principles. I can no longer violate principles by screaming at you and demanding that you observe those same principles.
In closing, I shared with the individual above that maybe he just needed to take the time to figure out just who and what he was and in the meantime, it was okay just to visit with us and experience our fellowship.
Because I was lucky enough to have people who took the time to answer questions and not 'slam me' every time I messed-up - today I know that I am an addict. I can respect and find comfort and identification with others in recovery wherever I find myself but if I'm not in NA, I am but a visitor. This is my HOME.
In Loving Service, Gayle