How do you put the spiritual principle of ‘Unity’ into practice?
October’s topic is, “How do you put the spiritual principle of ‘Unity’ into practice?”
As always, you can also write about Al‑Anon’s three Legacies. This month features Step Ten, Tradition Ten, and Concept Ten.
Sharings on the Member Blog may be used in future Al‑Anon publications.
New topics are being added each month!
I have really been feeling a lot of dis-unity in my Area these last fews months, so I decided to sign up to lead a meeting on Tradition One with a focus on “unity.” In preparing for this upcoming meeting, I turned to two pieces of CAL, Reaching for Personal Freedom and Paths to Recovery. I found a lot of useful information there to remind me what unity means and how I can try to demonstrate unity. Some of the gems I found include reminders to practice small acts of kindness, to remember to talk to each other before taking… Read more »
When I think of UNITY I see a picture in my mind of many different people coming together for one purpose. WE are stronger together. I felt this the first time I walked into an Al-Anon meeting. The safety of unity. We put aside the things that would divide us. When we walk in the rooms of Al-Anon, we put aside other affiliations, relie3gions, and politics. We are there for the sole purpose of support in healing from the effects of living with or working with or in a relationship with an alcoholic, and to transform our lives by using… Read more »
Unity to me is wanting to be a part of a greater whole and then taking action to do it. Being willing to “fight” for something that affects others – positively and/or negatively – while also keeping my beliefs strongly within me. Allowing myself to show my emotions to others by not allowing the fear of people, places and things to rule. Unity is also a place to categorize “who I am” as in the unity of Al-Anon.
When I consider Unity, I think of cohesion, working together for an agreed upon goal. Looking within, are my emotions, thoughts, and actions lined up or am I harbouring resentments and saying “yes” when I truly mean “no”? What is the will of my Higher Power? Am I in Unity with this wisdom?
In our group business meetings, we encourage everyone to speak their opinion before making a decision. Minority voices are welcomed. We then vote and move forward in group Unity. I may concede my point of view in lieu of group wisdom.
I put the spiritual principle of “unity” into practice by listening to what the needs my Higher Power gave me are in any given moment as well as others’ needs. Sometimes, I need put my hand on my heart and ask my HP what I need. Sometimes I need time to understand other’s needs or I need to ask questions to clarify. Sometimes what other people need is different than what I need. For example, at work, my boss is leading the organization in a different direction than we were recently going. She has shared with me that she needs… Read more »
I find unity by practicing the slogans “Live and Let Live” and “There but for the Grace of God go I.” In addition, our group always reads the Suggested Closing at our meetings which reminds us “after awhile you’ll discover that although you might not like all of us, you’ll love us in a very special way-the same way we already love you.” The Closing also reminds us that we are not perfect. The entire process of practicing the 12 Steps and living by the Traditions-the group “Obedience to the unenforceable” creates a safe space where everyone can share and… Read more »
Thank you for the topic, interesting. Yes, unity is a spiritual practice. I’m learning how to operate in unity from attending Al-Anon Family Groups. There is the paradox for me, although I wish for unity, I’m accustomed to isolation and may avoid unity. At work I shared about missing sharing lunch with colleagues, and then others created a nicer shared lunch space. I noticed I didn’t want to use it – even though I asked for more unity. I think that’s interesting, I wish for it and am fearful of it at the same time. I’ve made a commitment to… Read more »
Unity means to me that we work together to achieve something, therefore dissension shouldn’t be part of the equation. Dissension was something I liked to find myself into before coming to Al-Anon, because I loved to disagree with the ideas and opinions of others. This way of doing gave me a sense of being important and of being in control. I felt different and I did what I could to fit in! I can see today that my actions were going against the concept of belonging itself. Upon coming to Al-Anon, I started to understand that I could be different… Read more »
Unity really matters to me, because it helps us keep the focus on what is most necessary: recovery and extending a hand to those who need us. I have had the experience (more than once) of being in groups where unity was not a valued principle. Personalities, not principles, caused disunity. One experience, which occurred when I was still going up the learning curve and didn’t understand all the help the Traditions and Concepts offer us for maintaining unity, caused me to leave my then home group because I was attacked. However, I didn’t give up on Al-Anon. Over that… Read more »
Unity! I put the spiritual principle of ‘Unity’ into practice by actively seeking connection and understanding within my relationships. This involves prioritizing open communication and honesty over silence and fear, which were previously barriers in my interactions. I strive to create a supportive environment where everyone feels heard and valued, recognizing that we are all united in our struggles and experiences. In my Al-Anon journey, I have learned that unity flourishes when I share my truth and listen to others without judgment. I engage in group discussions and share my experiences, knowing that vulnerability fosters connection. I also practice acceptance—acknowledging… Read more »
Step Ten reminds me to sweep my own front yard just like Grandma taught us. The mess across the street is none of my business. I have plenty of work at home to keep me busy.
Not too long ago, we celebrated a 4-day holiday with family. Other than my husband’s brother, we all traveled from other states. Someone brought out a 1000-piece puzzle and started piecing it together on a card table in the corner of the room. Some family members were more patient than others, some saw color patterns better, some could find the exact shape that fit in the missing hole in a tree. In other words, we combined our different skills to create something truly remarkable. When we all looked at the finished picture of the puzzle we felt happiness and even… Read more »
In my home group, I practice unity by regularly attending the meetings, following the Traditions, Concepts, and principles of the program to the best of my ability, participating in business meetings and encouraging everyone present to voice their thoughts, abiding by group conscience decisions, accepting and appreciating all members by placing principles above personalities, and focusing on the program rather than the problem in my sharing.
As always, Unity begins with me. Before I can expect or hope for Unity with others, I must find Unity within my shattered, broken self. So I can look for Unity in Soul, Mind, Body and Spirit. While it’s not easy, I know it is possible. Unity is actually a state of healing. As with grief, it’s not linear but has multiple dimensions and facets. So I give myself Grace to explore and experience the smallest, almost invisible shade of unity within myself. Realistically, Unity is not a destination but a journey. I’m ok with that. Until I find Unity… Read more »