Traditions, Gratitude & Anne Smith's Legacy
Episode Overview
AA's tradition of self-support is crucial for its functioning. Gratitude is emphasized during the holiday season. Ann Smith's contribution to AA's spiritual foundation. Women play a significant role in the recovery community. Future discussions on AA's self-support and general services.
Gratitude is just about the finest attribute we can have, and how deeply we of AA realize this at Christmastime.
In this episode of 'Walking Through The Language of The Heart,' hosts Chris S. and Monty delve into the self-supporting tradition of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), emphasizing its importance for the group's global activities and 12-step work. They discuss how AA's services are essential for its survival and expansion and highlight the varying financial contributions members are encouraged to make. The hosts reflect on the shift in AA's financial dynamics post-COVID and the increasing reliance on individual member support.
The conversation transitions to the holiday season, where Monty and Chris share personal stories and express their love for Christmas, despite past traumas associated with the holiday during their drinking days. They discuss the power of gratitude and service during this time, advocating for a mindset of helping others to enrich the holiday experience. A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to the legacy of Ann Smith, wife of AA co-founder Dr. Bob.
Ann's spiritual contributions were instrumental in shaping the 12-step program, particularly the prayer and meditation aspects. The hosts honor her as a foundational figure in AA, whose influence continues to resonate within the fellowship. The dialogue also underscores the vital role of women in the recovery community, recognizing their often behind-the-scenes work that supports and enriches AA's mission.
Chris and Monty conclude with thoughts on future episodes, hinting at discussions around Bill Wilson's writings on general service, with potential involvement from experienced delegates. Listeners are invited to explore previous episodes for a deeper understanding of AA's teachings, with a promise of continued enlightening discussions in future episodes.