I went to a random meeting today, where everyone was very kind and pleasant. The usual accoutrements of an AA meeting were there: strong format, readings, Step Three Prayer, pleasantries, slogans, clichés, etc. But the sharing barely mentioned anything to do with Steps, Traditions, Concepts, Sponsorship, Service, or God. The sharing at the meeting was mostly about other people at the meeting, about attending meetings, and about 'staying close to the programme'. However, programme, as usual, was being used metonymically for meetings (metonymy is where you refer not to the thing itself but to something associated with it, e.g. saying White House when you mean The President). It's almost chilling: We go to meetings to talk about going to meetings. But nothing actually happens in them, except sufficient reprieve from drinking for 24 hours to get to the next meeting. The meeting is one of a sequence of barren rocks that people clamber on to get out of the water for an hour before launching back into the waves.
Meetings should not be or become a substitute for the programme.
What should staying close to the programme really mean?
Solid Step Eleven in the morning, including daily review to stop build-up
Practising Step Ten during the day to stay on beam and not get lost in self
Retaining the internal link to God 24 hours a day
Turning round incoming requests for help / input from sponsees and others promptly
Being present for others generally and fulfilling obligations
Otherwise making the most of the day and thus of life