DreamCatcher17

Hey Ya'll,

I was pondering something last night and I was wondering if you wonderful SR's had some good wisdom to share on this topic as I am really not sure how to...

I am not sure what it really means
How I can relate it
How to move forward with it
How to really understand it...

Principles over personalities?

What principles? Like, my morals and values?

Are there written principles? AA?

How does 1 apply this?

I am confused on this

Thanks!

tomsteve

i think what youre referring to is AA's 12th tradition, which other 12 step recovery programs have used the same traditions. tradition 12:
Anonymity is the spiritual foundation of all our traditions, ever reminding us to place principles before personalities.

long form:
And finally, we of Alcoholics Anonymous believe that the principle of anonymity has an immense spiritual significance. It reminds us that we are to place principles before personalities; that we are actually to practice a genuine humility. This to the end that our great blessings may never spoil us; that we shall forever live in thankful contemplation of Him who presides over us all.

its referring to the principle of anonymity. to not break anyone elses anonymity( to tell people who is and isnt in AA) and also not stand on a rooftop shouting to the world we are in AA.

heres a PDf of the 12&12 book with a longer description of all of the traditions

http://www.portlandeyeopener.com/AA-...Traditions.pdf

DreamCatcher17

Thank you.
I was thinking there were principles we should put before the personalities of others, in our day to day life. HA!

Thank you for the clarification

entropy1964

I also apply it day to day in the program in a more personal way. I meet tons of people in AA. People I probably would never know were it not for our common condition of addiction. So no matter where someone is from, what color they are, what religion they are, what sex they are, economic status, career choice, sexual orientation or identity......etc etc. Makes no difference. Even that one person who shares way too much for way too long, about the same stuff everyday (come on, we all know him/her) we are all the same. One of many. Just trying to live a sober and better life. Compassion. Acceptance. Not sure if that's 'right' per the program but that works for me.

DreamCatcher17

That is great! Thank you

entropy1964

I was just going to add, but you were so quick! That's a great question. I realized I wasn't totally sure what the answer was. Now I know. Tomsteve is kinda the 411 on the program!!! He da man.