Category Archives: Domination

Dangers of Dogma – Bill W July 1965

Below are some powerful paragraphs from a July 1965 Grapevine article written by Bill W. This article was entitled ‘Responsibility Is Our Theme’. I find it a useful warning when I think I’ve found something that demands something from others. It also a warning of how difficult willingness to grow is when I find myselfContinue reading “Dangers of Dogma – Bill W July 1965”

Responsibility Is Our Theme – Grapevine Article July 1965 by Bill W

MARKING AA’s thirtieth year we shall, in this month of July, 1965, hold our International Convention at Toronto. It is most fitting that the chosen keynote for this gala occasion will be “AA’s Responsibility.” There we shall review the three decades of AA life that are now history. Stirred by gratitude beyond expression, we shallContinue reading “Responsibility Is Our Theme – Grapevine Article July 1965 by Bill W”

A New Take On Acceptance – Grapevine Article January 2002 by Don P.

My daughter, Elena was at the tender age of five and a half when her mom and I started attending AA and Al-Anon meetings. Because we weren’t able to afford child-sitters when we both attended the same meeting, Elena came along and sat off to the side with her coloring books and sketch pads. AndContinue reading “A New Take On Acceptance – Grapevine Article January 2002 by Don P.”

Character Building – Daily Reflection April 2nd

Character Building Demand made upon other people for too much attention, protection , and love can only invite domination or revulsion…TWELVE STEPS&TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 44 When I uncovered my need for approval in the Fourth Step, I didn’t think it should rank as a character defect. I wanted to think of it more as anContinue reading “Character Building – Daily Reflection April 2nd”

Making Room To Grow – Grapevine Article June 1997 by Ron D.

“Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character.” So reads Step Six. After the guilt and remorse of my last drunk had faded, I didn’t think this Step had any application in my life. Now that I was no longer drinking I wasn’t a bad person. Character defects? I couldn’t seeContinue reading “Making Room To Grow – Grapevine Article June 1997 by Ron D.”

Knowing It’s Not Personal – 12 Essential Insights for Emotional Sobriety – Dr. Allen Berger

Stop for a moment and think about all the things that upset you during the day. A friend says you’re not being attentive enough. Your partner seems to be ignoring you. The auto repair service implies you’re stupid for not knowing it was time to change the oil. A driver swerves in front of youContinue reading “Knowing It’s Not Personal – 12 Essential Insights for Emotional Sobriety – Dr. Allen Berger”

When Our Instincts Tyrannize Us – Twelve & Twelve / Step 4 pg 42

Creation gave us instincts for a purpose. Without them we wouldn’t be complete human beings. If men and women didn’t exert themselves to be secure in their persons, made no effort to harvest food or construct shelter, there would be no survival. If they didn’t reproduce, the earth wouldn’t be populated. If there were noContinue reading “When Our Instincts Tyrannize Us – Twelve & Twelve / Step 4 pg 42”

Facing Criticism – As Bill Sees It #56

Sometimes, we register surprise, shock, and anger when people find fault with A.A. We are apt to be disturbed to such an extent that wecannot benefit by constructive criticism. This sort of resentment makes no friends and achieves no constructive purpose. Certainly, this is an area in which we can improve. << << << >>Continue reading “Facing Criticism – As Bill Sees It #56”

Seeing & Accepting Our Reality – 12 & 12 pages 122 -125

This extract from Step 12 can be thought of as a high level roadmap for helping us understand our ongoing journey toward emotional sobriety as we grow in maturity and balance. This journey has no ceiling ; we can always be in a mode of expansion. Bill W more deeply explored these themes in hisContinue reading “Seeing & Accepting Our Reality – 12 & 12 pages 122 -125”

The Harmony of Service – Grapevine Article January 1984 by W.C.

WHILE LISTENING to a fine choral group, I was greatly impressed by the beauty of their singing. My heart was thrilled as the sopranos, altos, tenors, and basses–all in unison–joined in one powerful voice. But then, on the chorus, they sang their individual parts, and the harmony was enrapturing. It made the rendition of theContinue reading “The Harmony of Service – Grapevine Article January 1984 by W.C.”