'Our very lives, as ex-problem drinkers, depend upon our constant thought of others and how we may help meet their needs.' (Alcoholics Anonymous, page 20)
'Aside from fellowship and sociability, the prime object was to provide a time and place where new people might bring their problems.' (Alcoholics Anonymous, page 160)
'No matter how far down the scale we have gone, we will see how our experience can benefit others.' (Alcoholics Anonymous, page 84)
'Every day is a day when we must carry the vision of God’s will into all of our activities. "How can I best serve Thee—Thy will (not mine) be done." These are thoughts which must go with us constantly.' (Alcoholics Anonymous, page 85)
'Being wrecked in the same vessel, being restored and united under one God, with hearts and minds attuned to the welfare of others, the things which matter so much to some people no longer signify much to them. How could they?' (Alcoholics Anonymous, page 161)
Fellowship after the meeting is not just dinner with friends. It is dinner with friends. But it's also an opportunity to be a living embodiment of the principles of the programme, an opportunity to practise the virtues of patience, tolerance, kindness, and love. To this end, having a nice time or talking about topics that interest me plays second fiddle to the primary purpose of carrying the vision of God's will into this activity. In particular, I try and avoid topic areas that are controversial, encourage negativity, or divide rather than unite. Fellowship offers an opportunity to unite in a higher purpose and to think about others' needs: Who is suffering? Who is alone? Who is not being included? Who finds life difficult? Who is struggling with the programme? Who has had a difficult week? Who is seeking what, here?
'Aside from fellowship and sociability, the prime object was to provide a time and place where new people might bring their problems.' (Alcoholics Anonymous, page 160)
'No matter how far down the scale we have gone, we will see how our experience can benefit others.' (Alcoholics Anonymous, page 84)
'Every day is a day when we must carry the vision of God’s will into all of our activities. "How can I best serve Thee—Thy will (not mine) be done." These are thoughts which must go with us constantly.' (Alcoholics Anonymous, page 85)
'Being wrecked in the same vessel, being restored and united under one God, with hearts and minds attuned to the welfare of others, the things which matter so much to some people no longer signify much to them. How could they?' (Alcoholics Anonymous, page 161)
Fellowship after the meeting is not just dinner with friends. It is dinner with friends. But it's also an opportunity to be a living embodiment of the principles of the programme, an opportunity to practise the virtues of patience, tolerance, kindness, and love. To this end, having a nice time or talking about topics that interest me plays second fiddle to the primary purpose of carrying the vision of God's will into this activity. In particular, I try and avoid topic areas that are controversial, encourage negativity, or divide rather than unite. Fellowship offers an opportunity to unite in a higher purpose and to think about others' needs: Who is suffering? Who is alone? Who is not being included? Who finds life difficult? Who is struggling with the programme? Who has had a difficult week? Who is seeking what, here?