something quiet, calm and hidden is happening and certain people are being called by a higher light.

<p> </p><p>On the surface of the Earth exactly now there is war and violence and everything looks horrible.  But, simultaneously, something quiet, calm and hidden is happening and certain people are being called by a higher light. A quiet revolution is settling from the inside out.  From bottom to top. It is a global operation. A spiritual conspiracy. There are cells from this operation in every nation on the planet.  You will not watch us on TV. Or read about us in newspapers.  Or hear our words on radios. We do not seek glory.  We do not use uniforms. We arrive in several different shapes and sizes. We have costumes and different colors. Most work anonymously.  Silently we work out of the scene. In every culture in the world. In large and small cities, in the mountains and valleys. In the farms, villages, tribes and remote islands.   We might cross paths on the streets. And not realize ... We follow in disguise. We are behind the scenes. And we do not care about who wins the gold of the result, and Yes, that the work gets performed. And once in a while we will cross paths on the streets. We exchange looks of recognition and continue following our path. During the day many are disguised in their normal jobs. But at night behind the scenes, the real work begins.    Some call us army of consciousness. Slowly we are building a new world.  With the power of our hearts and minds. We follow with joy and passion. Our orders reach us from the Central Spiritual Intelligence. We're throwing soft bombs of love without anyone noticing; poems, Hugs, songs, photos, movies, fond words, meditations and prayers, dances, social activism, websites, blogs, acts of kindness ...    We express ourselves in a unique and personal way. With our talents and gifts. Being the change we want to see in the world. This is the force that moves our hearts. We know that this is the only way to accomplish the transformation.  We know that with the silence and humbleness we have the power of all oceans together. Our work is slow and meticulous. As in the formation of mountains.    Love will be the religion of the 21 century. Without educational prerequisites. Without ordering an exceptional knowledge for your understanding. Because it is born of the intelligence of the heart. Hidden for eternity in the evolutionary pulse of every human being.    Be the change you want to see happen in the world.  Nobody else can make this work for you.     We're recruiting.  Perhaps you will join us.  Or maybe you have already joined.  All are welcome. The door is open.</p>

something quiet, calm and hidden is happening and certain people are being called by a higher light.

  On the surface of the Earth exactly now there is war and violence and everything looks horrible.  But, simultaneously, something quiet, ca...

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Confessions of a Big Book Sponsor

Posted At : April 24, 2010 2:21 PM | Posted By : Admin<br /> Related Categories: Big Book Sponsorship<br /> <br /> I remember asking someone in the fellowship a few years ago, "Are you working your program?" He replied, "Yes I went to a meeting today." I responded, "No, that's not what I'm talking about. Are you working with someone?" He said, "Yes, I have a sponsor." I replied, "No, that's not what I'm talking about. Are you working with a newcomer?" He said, "I'm just a few months sober. I'm only a newcomer. This is selfish program, I need to work on myself first." I never saw him again.<br /> Who Am I?<br /> I am a Big Book Sponsor. I practice the 12 Step Program as outlined in the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous, the original recipe for recovery as practiced by the original 100 who recovered from a seemingly hopeless state of mind and body.<br /> By working the Twelve Step program as described in the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous, I have had a spiritual awakening. The obsession to drink and use has been removed. My progressive alcoholic/addiction illness has been arrested. My disease has been placed into remission. I have recovered from a seemingly hopeless state of mind and body. As a result, I am able to remain, almost effortlessly, abstinent from alcohol and all mind-altering substances. I have ceased fighting anything or anyone, even alcohol and drugs. My sanity has been returned. I am not fighting temptation, nor am I avoiding people, places and things on a trigger list. I feel as though I had been placed in a position of neutrality safe and protected. I have not even sworn off. Instead, the problem has been removed. It does not exist for me. I am neither cocky nor am I afraid. This is how I react so long as I keep in fit spiritual condition. Furthermore, by living in the disciplines of Steps 10, 11 and 12 everyday, I have a daily program of action that really works in rough going. I have way of living without alcohol or drugs.<br /> You can recognize me at 12 Step meetings because I am the one who brings my own Big Book. To show other alcoholics/addicts precisely how I recovered is the main purpose of this book. I carry a common solution--a way out on which we can absolutely agree and upon which we can join together as brothers and sisters in harmonious action. My deportment shouts that I am a person with a real answer. I carry no attitude of Holier Than Thou. I do not talk down to the alcoholic/addict from any moral or spiritual hilltop. I ask for no payment. I have no axes to grind nor people to please. You can expect to endure no lectures from me. My only desire is to be helpful. I offer friendship and fellowship.<br /> What I do<br /> You will find me at 12 Step meetings armed with the facts about myself. As an ex-problem drinker/user, you will see me making an approach to the newcomer--looking for someone who needs and wants hear about our common solution--someone with an honest desire to stop drinking or using--someone who wants what I have and is willing to follow the instructions as outlined in the Big Book--someone who wants to be joyous and free of active alcoholism and or addiction.<br /> When I find someone who really wants to stop drinking or using, we go to a coffee shop and, together we read and study the first 164 pages of the Big Book. When we come to a Step instruction, we take the Step together as instructed in the Big Book. I practice co-sponsorship--two addicts, working one-on-one, seeking a Higher Power. Because lack of power is our dilemma, we meet three to four times a week, working quickly, all 12 Steps in 30 days or less. My purpose for sponsorship is to teach others how to teach others how to work the 12 Step program as outlined in the Big Book of A.A. Therefore, once the new person has learned and worked all 12 Steps and is living in the disciplines of Steps 10 and 11 on a daily basis, I help my sponsee find a qualified addict who wants to stop and get them working together on their 12 Step journey. Thus, I conclude my formal sponsorship with my sponsee, knowing that they have a dependence, not on me, but upon their Higher Power. Moreover, I rest easy, knowing that the fellowship has one more teacher amongst its members, freeing me to commence looking for another willing, honest and open-minded addict to instruct and repeat the process.<br /> Working with other alcoholics/addicts<br /> I have carried the message of the Big Book to many alcoholics and addicts and rarely have I seen a person fail who thoroughly follows our path.<br /> Untreated alcoholic/addicts are unlovely people. My struggles with them are strenuous, comic and tragic. Those who could not or would not see our way of life are often consumed by their temptations which leads them to the gates of insanity or death. Helping other addicts is the foundation stone of my recovery. A kindly act once in a while isn't enough for me. I have shared time, energy and money. My business and personal life has been interrupted by the telephone ringing at any time of the day or night. My spouse sometimes feels neglected. I have made innumerable trips to police courts, detox centers, hospitals, jails and asylums. I have counseled frantic spouses and relatives. Occasionally I have to meet such conditions.<br /> I have worked hard with many alcoholics/addicts on the idea that only an addict can help another addict. I have had many failures. I once asked another Big Book Sponsor about their success rates and she replied, "I am 100% successful". Astounded, I asked how is that possible? She replied, "I'm still sober". That to me is one of the best kept secrets in our fellowship today. I often hear that this is a "selfish program", but whenever I put my sobriety first I could never stay sober. When I started showing the newcomer how to stay sober, I have found no trouble staying sober. As Doctor Bob once remarked, "strenuous work one alcoholic with another was vital to permanent recovery".<br /> Love and tolerance of others is my code<br /> In the 12 Step rooms I have been accused of being a Step Nazi, Big Book Thumper, a Holy Roller, a Zealot, and most recently I was called a "Steptard". I have been thrown out of groups and asked not to come back. I have been asked not to bring my Big Book into some A.A. meetings. I have been physically and verbally threatened by members of the fellowship for teaching that our 12 Step Program can be learned in an afternoon. I have been blamed for killing people with the Big Book.<br /> When confronted with such animosity, my program tells me I have to look at my part. Have I been crusading, righteous, or critical? Have I been engaging in frothy debates or windy arguments? Have I been demonstrating an attitude of intolerance? Yes, there have been times when I have been all these things, but I claim spiritual progress not perfection and I am no saint.<br /> I confess that I am a Big Book fundamentalist. I work my Big Book like a recipe for recovery. When I follow the 12 Step instructions as outlined in the book, it awakens my mind and I make conscious contact with my Higher Power. I must remember that when I focus my mind on what is wrong with the fellowship and the meetings today, the more I become restless, irritable and discontented. I must remember that the meetings are filled with many suffering and untreated addicts. Therefore, I practice acceptance and focus on what is good about the meetings and the fellowship. I try to see what I can positively add to the meeting--my only desire is to be helpful. Sometimes I have charged the "meeting makers" of killing people with their, "Don't drink and go to meetings" mantra. In return, they, the "Meeting Makers Make It" sect, have accused me of killing people with my Big Book thumping attitude. What I have learned is this: it is not the "Meeting Makers" that are killing people nor is it the "Big Book thumpers", it's the 20 to 30 years of abusive drinking and using that kills the alcoholic/addict. I must remember that I have no monopoly on recovery, but I do know that the Big Book solution works.<br /> Why do I continue to work with other alcoholic/addicts?<br /> Having had a spiritual experience, I try to practice the 12 Step principles in all my affairs. First, I take care of family, for sobriety is not enough and I am a long way from making good to my spouse, parents and children whom for years I have so shockingly treated. Second, I take care of my business, for there can be no family if I am not self-supporting. And third, in my spare time, I carry this message to other alcoholic addicts. For me, this approach, in this order, is a balanced program.<br /> Over the years I have witnessed a fellowship grow up about me. I have watched the spirit grow in the eyes of a suffering individual and seen them recover from a seemingly hopeless state of mind and body. I have seen them make a 180 degree turn in life, only to help some other suffering addict do the same. This is the experience I would not miss. I know you will not want to miss it either. Frequent contact with newcomers and other Big Book sponsors is a bright spot in my day.<br /> My life has taken on a new meaning and I seem to be of benefit to others. I have found a new freedom and happiness. I know serenity and peace. I continue to lose interest in selfish things and gain interest in the people in my life. My attitude and outlook on life has changed. Fear and economic insecurity is down and I know how to intuitively handle situations which use to baffle me. I realize that my Higher Power does for me what I could not do for myself alone.<br /> A Vision For You<br /> Thus I grow spiritually and so can you with a Big Book in your hand. It contains all you will need to begin working with the addict who still suffers. I know what you are thinking, "I'm a newcomer myself and I do not have enough sobriety time to be of use to anyone. What could I possibly offer another newcomer? Maybe I should wait a year or two." Rubbish! By working the Big Book solution, you will tap a source of power greater than yourself. To duplicate, with such backing, what I have accomplished is only a matter of willingness, patience and labour. Remember your reliance is always upon your Higher Power. It will show you how to create the fellowship you crave. Ask in morning mediation what you can do for the addict who still suffers. The answers will come if you work your program. But if you are shaky you had better work with another alcoholic/addict instead. Remember you have recovered and have been given the power to help others. You will soon find out that when all other measures fail, work with another alcoholic/addict will save the day. Give freely of what you have been shown and join us on the Broad Highway of the Fellowship of the Spirit. You will surely meet some of us as you trudge the Road of Happy Destiny.<br /> Trust God, Clean House, Help Others.<br /> Cameron F.<br /> Toronto, ONDISCLAIMER:Text may be subject to copyright.This blog does not claim copyright to any such text. Copyright remains with the original copyright holder.

Confessions of a Big Book Sponsor

Posted At : April 24, 2010 2:21 PM | Posted By : Admin Related Categories: Big Book Sponsorship I remember asking someone in the fellowsh...

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Take 5 seconds just to be quiet.

<p> </p><blockquote><img alt="" height="480" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-A_D7BjU09JE/TsO8RuS0t7I/AAAAAAAAJ_M/ImXK__cXTRU/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" style="float: left;" width="348" />Take 5 seconds just to be quiet. Everything that disappeared in those 5 seconds for you, that’s what’s not real. So when you are not thinking, everything that disappears… that’s what’s not real. For most people, that’s about 99% of their whole experience of life… their whole world.</blockquote>

Take 5 seconds just to be quiet.

  Take 5 seconds just to be quiet. Everything that disappeared in those 5 seconds for you, that’s what’s not real. So when you are not think...

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Take 5 seconds just to be quiet.

<p> </p><blockquote><img alt="" height="465" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-_NKVe93ufjo/TsO7cvE6X9I/AAAAAAAAJ_E/TENPO7RLlPg/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" style="float: left;" width="640" />Everything that disappeared in those 5 seconds for you, that’s what’s not real. So when you are not thinking, everything that disappears… that’s what’s not real. For most people, that’s about 99% of their whole experience of life… their whole world.</blockquote>

Take 5 seconds just to be quiet.

  Everything that disappeared in those 5 seconds for you, that’s what’s not real. So when you are not thinking, everything that disappears… ...

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If Life has no interest in the past, why should you?

<p> </p><blockquote>If Life has no interest in the past, why should you? –Michael Jeffreys</blockquote>

If Life has no interest in the past, why should you?

  If Life has no interest in the past, why should you? –Michael Jeffreys

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It doesn't matter what it is--an atom, a thought, a sound, a situation, a body, a mental state, a plant a storm, a mountain, or a galaxy--everything that we know of is changing

<p> </p><blockquote>It doesn't matter what it is--an atom, a thought, a sound, a situation, a body, a mental state, a plant a storm, a mountain, or a galaxy--everything that we know of is changing, either quickly or slowly. Inward and outward, big or small, there is only this shift and flux. If this is fully acknowledged, it may be realized that this is all that actually exists. No object or "thing" is ever truly formed anywhere. Nothing is ever established or defined. No thing ever comes to stay, to exist, to "be."</blockquote>

It doesn't matter what it is--an atom, a thought, a sound, a situation, a body, a mental state, a plant a storm, a mountain, or a galaxy--everything that we know of is changing

  It doesn't matter what it is--an atom, a thought, a sound, a situation, a body, a mental state, a plant a storm, a mountain, or a gala...

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What we think, we become

<p> </p><blockquote>“What we think, we become.”   There would have been a time when I would have really resonated with this quote and no doubt have even said it! However, when the wisdom of clarity begins to shine thru, you suddenly find that you see “the world” quite a bit differently.   So today, my response would be: "Well, yes and no!"   It all comes down to what you know yourself to be at your essence. If you think you are your mind, then yes, your thoughts are constantly creating your “reality” because thoughts are all the mind has to work with. However, the problem with this is that like everything else in life, your thoughts are constantly changing (as you may have noticed!). And so, this explains the nagging feeling of instability you feel (even unconsciously) when you think you are your thoughts. One moment a thought can say, “I like this,” and at a later moment it can "change its mind" and say, “I don’t like this.” This being the case, it begs the question: which thought are you?   The answer is neither! Your true nature is like a mirror… it will reflect whatever you put in front of it (believe), yet it itself, the mirror, NEVER changes. And just as no reflection can ever harm a mirror, so too it is impossible for anything that happens in the “world” to harm your essential, timeless, formless nature.</blockquote>

What we think, we become

  “What we think, we become.”   There would have been a time when I would have really resonated with this quote and no doubt have even said ...

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DREAMWARRIOR teaches how to become fundamentally present and how to arise in mastery of your mind and ego

<p>DREAMWARRIOR teaches how to become fundamentally present and how to arise in mastery of your mind and ego, so that you are no longer involuntarily pulled out of Presence. teaches that the fully awakened state of consciousness is available now. It is not something that occurs in the future. It is already here, waiting to be revealed. As you awaken into the present moment, your thoughts will stop, your mind will fall silent, and you will awaken to an inner silence and peace that is beyond understanding. You will begin to encounter what the mystics and Masters have been speaking of for centuries.</p>

DREAMWARRIOR teaches how to become fundamentally present and how to arise in mastery of your mind and ego

DREAMWARRIOR teaches how to become fundamentally present and how to arise in mastery of your mind and ego, so that you are no longer involun...

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The world we see merely reflects our own internal frame of reference

<p> </p><blockquote>The world we see merely reflects our own internal frame of reference--the dominant ideas, wishes and emotions in our minds. We look inside first, decide the kind of world we want to see and then project that world outside, making it the truth as we see it. We make it true by our interpretations of what it is we are seeing. -A Course in Miracles</blockquote>

The world we see merely reflects our own internal frame of reference

  The world we see merely reflects our own internal frame of reference--the dominant ideas, wishes and emotions in our minds. We look inside...

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As Bill Sees It-Selfish? - SoberRecovery : Alcoholism Drug Addiction Help and Information

<p> </p><blockquote>" I can see why you are disturbed to hear some A.A. speakers say, 'A.A. is a selfish program.' The word 'selfish' ordinarily implies that one is acquisitive, demanding, and thoughtless of the welfare of others. Of course, the A.A. way of life does not at all imply such undesirable traits. "What do these speakers mean? Well, any theologian will tell you that the salvation of his own soul is the highest vocation that a man can have. Without salvation--however we may define this--he will have little or nothing. For us of A.A., there is even more urgency. "If we cannot or will not achieve sobriety, then we become truly lost, right in the here and now. We are of no value to anyone, including ourselves, until we find salvation from alcohol. Therefore, our own recovery and spiritual growth have to come first--a right and necessary kind of self-concern."</blockquote>

As Bill Sees It-Selfish? - SoberRecovery : Alcoholism Drug Addiction Help and Information

  " I can see why you are disturbed to hear some A.A. speakers say, 'A.A. is a selfish program.' The word 'selfish' ord...

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AA First and the “Selfish” Program « Don't Drink and Don't Die

<p> </p><blockquote>AA First and the “Selfish” Program I shudder, shudder, shudder when I hear someone say AA is a selfish program.  Back to the dictionary and the meaning of words. Selfish, the way it’s commonly used, means taking care of oneself only and without regard for others or to the detriment of others.  The word selfish is used many times in the Big Book to mean just that, and it is presented as a bad thing.  Not a good thing. It’s in As Bill Sees It and certainly elsewhere that Bill W said AA is a selfish program.  He said that it’s selfish in the same way that a person cannot enlighten someone else while the person himself is not enlightened.  You can’t make someone believe in something you don’t believe in (or rarely).  You can’t give away what you haven’t got. If an alcoholic is not sober, she is a danger and detriment to herself and everyone else.  This alcoholic must first set about achieving sobriety.  When a new person comes into the rooms and is told what a commitment AA needs to be in the beginning, sometimes the person protests.  People feel they cannot neglect or leave their children or parents or jobs or what have you in order to go to meetings or to rehab.  The point is, this person may actually lose all those things and much more if she doesn’t attain sobriety.  In that way, sobriety has to come first. Rarely, but unfortunately sometimes, I hear a newcomer say that his family or friends are actually against his attendance in AA.  There are lots of reasons for that.  The family or friends may not want to stop drinking, may  be dependent on that person and fear a change, or may have a bad opinion of AA.   In those cases, the newcomer has to defy the people who don’t want him in AA and attend, and hopefully most of them will come around to realize that is best. Usually, though, I hear the “selfish” program phrase thrown around when someone is considering giving less than is appropriate to some other area of life.  We are not encouraged to neglect our families, careers, or other responsibilities in order to devote time to AA or our other spiritual quests.  It is plainly written again and again that we are to rejoin society and serve and contribute, not crawl away into an AA insulated cave where we selfishly look after our own needs and fulfillment. It’s a pet peeve and a prejudice of mine that I see lots of “therapy” and pop psychology as being too introspective  and  selfish to do good for anyone besides the therapist or book author.  And I’m NOT commenting on all therapy and all books.  I know that people have real needs and realize real benefits every day.   Still, for many of us, I do believe that the AA program well worked gives us a good balance of introspection and encouragement to take care of our own – our own being this place and all the people here with us at this time.</blockquote>

AA First and the “Selfish” Program « Don't Drink and Don't Die

  AA First and the “Selfish” Program I shudder, shudder, shudder when I hear someone say AA is a selfish program.  Back to the dictionary an...

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A Selfish Program?

<p> </p><blockquote>"A Selfish Program?" I can see why you are disturbed to hear some A.A. speakers say, "A.A. is a selfish program."  The word 'selfish' ordinarily implies that one is acquisitive, demanding, and thoughtless of the welfare of others.  Of course, the A.A. way of life does not at all imply such undesirable traits.  What do these speakers mean?  Well, any theologian will tell you that the salvation of his own soul is the highest vocation that a man can have.  Without salvation-however we may define this-he will have little or nothing.  For us of A.A., there is even more urgency.  If we cannot or will not achieve sobriety, then we become truly lost, right in the here and now.  We are of no value to anyone, including ourselves, until we find salvation from alcohol.  Therefore, our own recovery and spiritual growth have to come first-a right and necessary kind of self-concern.  From As Bill Sees It</blockquote>

A Selfish Program?

  "A Selfish Program?" I can see why you are disturbed to hear some A.A. speakers say, "A.A. is a selfish program."  Th...

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the Internet has many of us on a very short leash – an addictive one.

<p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; font-size: 12px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #aaaaaa; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; padding: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;">Whether you’re mid-bite, mid-sentence or perhaps mid-sleep, do you react to that ‘bing’ from your smartphone? Or, is it the flashing red light that gets you?</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; font-size: 12px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #aaaaaa; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; padding: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;">You’ve programmed your phone to alert you to messages, or has it programmed you to respond?</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; font-size: 12px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #aaaaaa; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; padding: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;">From the constant smartphone companion to the laptop replacing the lapdog, the Internet has many of us on a very short leash – an addictive one.</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; font-size: 12px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #aaaaaa; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; padding: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;">The consumer research firm Intersperience surveyed more than 1,000 people in Britain and found quitting the Internet is as hard for some as quitting drinking or smoking.</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; font-size: 12px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #aaaaaa; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; padding: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;">Without the Internet, 40% said they felt lonely. Ironically, it’s fathomable that 40% of those living with Internet addicts probably feel lonely too.</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; font-size: 12px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #aaaaaa; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; padding: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;">Laurie Tamblyn, an addictions counsellor in special programs at Toronto’s Bellwood Health Services, says there are many types of Internet addiction, including gambling, gaming, pornography and social networking.</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; font-size: 12px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #aaaaaa; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; padding: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;">“We’re just beginning to treat this. It is a big problem and it is going to become bigger before people start recognizing that they need to do something about it,” Tamblyn says.</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; font-size: 12px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #aaaaaa; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; padding: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;">“Some of us believe there is a tsunami coming because we haven’t fully recognized the problem yet.”</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; font-size: 12px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #aaaaaa; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; padding: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;">Part of that problem is the generation gap. Children today are children of technology – dependent on the social web and its tools.</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; font-size: 12px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #aaaaaa; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; padding: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;">Addiction is a progressive illness that ends up in isolation, Tamblyn says, so Internet use can be a slippery slope, and can have devastating effects on relationships.</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; font-size: 12px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #aaaaaa; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; padding: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;">“The amount of time people spend lost in their behaviours is comparable to a drinker spending time at the bar instead of with his family or friends,” Tamblyn says.</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; font-size: 12px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #aaaaaa; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; padding: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;">“The addiction becomes the focus of the addict’s life. The focus is to interact with the addiction before anything else. If this doesn’t happen, it results in mood swings and irritability.”</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; font-size: 12px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #aaaaaa; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; padding: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;">Internet addiction can be difficult to diagnose, says Dr. Greg Dubord, who teaches in the psychiatry department at the University of Toronto.</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; font-size: 12px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #aaaaaa; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; padding: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;">“Drawing the line between normal Internet use and Internet addiction is often difficult, because no set criteria for diagnosing the disorder have been established by the American Psychiatric Association.”</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; font-size: 12px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #aaaaaa; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; padding: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;">What is easy to recognize, however, is the impact of web overuse on our relationships.</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; font-size: 12px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #aaaaaa; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; padding: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;">Though social networking allows us to communicate with people all over the world, at times it seems to segregate us more than ever. Real-life interaction is often interrupted by bings and beeps. Thoughts become tweets and e-mails. Our fingers do the walking and the talking now.</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; font-size: 12px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #aaaaaa; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; padding: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;">From neglecting friends and family members to creating severe relationship problems, the Internet and our attachment to it can consume our lives.</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; font-size: 12px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #aaaaaa; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; padding: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;">One study documents 396 negative effects of the web on social involvement, including significant family problems, Dubord says.</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; font-size: 12px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #aaaaaa; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; padding: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;">“Reports have shown that excessive use of the Internet resulted in personal and family problems, with 53% of test-takers reporting severe relationship problems,” he says.</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; font-size: 12px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #aaaaaa; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; padding: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;">“Personal and family concerns extended to marriages, dating relationships, parent-child relationships, and close friendships.”</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; font-size: 12px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #aaaaaa; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; padding: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;">Dubord notes one case where a New York woman divorced her husband due to Internet overuse, and an extreme case involving a Korean couple so addicted to virtual games they let their three-month-old daughter starve to death.</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; font-size: 12px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #aaaaaa; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; padding: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;">If you think you may have a problem, Tamblyn says the best thing to do is ask for help.</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; font-size: 12px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #aaaaaa; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; padding: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;">“You can get an assessment at any treatment centre, or do it online and it’s anonymous. There are a lot of people struggling, and there’s a lot of help.”</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; font-size: 12px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #aaaaaa; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; padding: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;"><strong style="outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; padding: 0px; margin: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;">Too e-dependent? Greg Dubord points out some general warning signs:</strong></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; font-size: 12px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #aaaaaa; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; padding: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;"><strong style="outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; padding: 0px; margin: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;">1.</strong> Lose track of time online.</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; font-size: 12px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #aaaaaa; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; padding: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;"><strong style="outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; padding: 0px; margin: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;">2.</strong> Failed attempts at moderating Internet behaviour.</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; font-size: 12px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #aaaaaa; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; padding: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;"><strong style="outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; padding: 0px; margin: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;">3. </strong>Neglecting work, sleep, friends and/or family to spend time online.</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; font-size: 12px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #aaaaaa; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; padding: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;"><strong style="outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; padding: 0px; margin: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;">4. </strong>Turning to the Internet in times of stress or sadness to feel better.</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; font-size: 12px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #aaaaaa; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; padding: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;"><strong style="outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; padding: 0px; margin: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;">How to cut down, according to Laurie Tamblyn:</strong></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; font-size: 12px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #aaaaaa; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; padding: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;"><strong style="outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; padding: 0px; margin: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;">1.</strong> Give yourself short breaks throughout the day when you can’t check your messages. Try going for a walk without your smartphone.</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; font-size: 12px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #aaaaaa; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; padding: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;"><strong style="outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; padding: 0px; margin: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;">2. </strong>Put your iPad to bed. Set a bedtime for your Internet devices.</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; font-size: 12px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #aaaaaa; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; padding: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;"><strong style="outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; padding: 0px; margin: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;">3.</strong> Wi-Fi-free meals. Wash your hands of wireless devices before eating.</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; font-size: 12px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #aaaaaa; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; padding: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;"><strong style="outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; padding: 0px; margin: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;">4.</strong> Put your computer in a high-traffic area to stay accountable to those around you.</p></p>

the Internet has many of us on a very short leash – an addictive one.

Whether you’re mid-bite, mid-sentence or perhaps mid-sleep, do you react to that ‘bing’ from your smartphone? Or, is it the flashing red lig...

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Vision is, I think, the ability to make good estimates,

<p> </p><blockquote><img alt="" height="480" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-NpXr8U51Bnw/TrFYzI6qg3I/AAAAAAAAJ90/PY57w4Ma98U/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" style="vertical-align: text-top;" width="348" />Vision is, I think, the ability to make good estimates, both for the immediate and for the more distant future. Some might feel this sort of striving to be heresy against "One day at a time". But that valuable principle really refers to our mental and emotional lives and means chiefly that we are not foolishly to repine over the past nor wishfully to daydream about the future.     As individuals and as a fellowship, we shall surely suffer if we cast the whole job of planning for tomorrow onto a fatuous idea of providence. God's real providence has endowed us human beings with a considerable capability for foresight, and He evidently expects us to use it. Of course, we shall often miscalculate the future in whole or in part, but that is better than to refuse to think at all.</blockquote>

Vision is, I think, the ability to make good estimates,

  Vision is, I think, the ability to make good estimates, both for the immediate and for the more distant future. Some might feel this sort ...

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Step Three opens the door.

<p> </p><blockquote><img alt="" height="480" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-hLBclPAkkcM/TrFWbVYuGPI/AAAAAAAAJ9o/wRSGCmQ3oI4/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" style="vertical-align: text-top;" width="640" />Then it is explained that other Steps of the A.A. program can be practiced with success only when Step Three is given a determined and persistent trial. This statement may surprise newcomers who have experienced nothing but constant deflation and a growing conviction that human will is of no value whatever. They have become persuaded, and rightly so, that many problems besides alcohol will not yield to a headlong assault powered by the individual alone. But now it appears that there are certain things which only the individual can do. All by himself, and in the light of his own circumstances, he needs to develop the quality of willingness. When he acquires willingness, he is the only one who can make the decision to exert himself. Trying to do this is an act of his own will. All of the Twelve Steps require sustained and personal exertion to conform to their principles and so, we trust, to God's will.     It is when we try to make our will conform with God's that we begin to use it rightly. To all of us, this was a most wonderful revelation. Our whole trouble had been the misuse of willpower. We had tried to bombard our problems with it instead of attempting to bring it into agreement with God's intention for us. To make this increasingly possible is the purpose of A.A.'s Twelve Steps, and Step Three opens the door.</blockquote>

Step Three opens the door.

  Then it is explained that other Steps of the A.A. program can be practiced with success only when Step Three is given a determined and per...

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spiritual principles would solve all my problems.

<p> </p><blockquote>Then they outlined the spiritual answer and program of action which a hundred of them had followed successfully. Though I had <img alt="" height="232" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Nx89xUP80wI/TrFVq60NKZI/AAAAAAAAJ9c/vZcuxp81lIM/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" style="vertical-align: text-bottom;" width="640" />been only a nominal churchman, their proposals were not, intellectually, hard to swallow. But the program of action, though entirely sensible, was pretty drastic. It meant I would have to throw several lifelong conceptions out of the window. That was not easy. But the moment I made up my mind to go through with the process, I had the curious feeling that my alcoholic condition was relieved, as in fact it proved to be.     Quite as important was the discovery that spiritual principles would solve all my problems. I have since been brought into a way of living infinitely more satisfying and, I hope, more useful than the life I lived before. My old manner of life was by no means a bad one, but I would not exchange its best moments for the worst I have now. I would not go back to it even if I could.</blockquote>

spiritual principles would solve all my problems.

  Then they outlined the spiritual answer and program of action which a hundred of them had followed successfully. Though I had been only a ...

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The Ninth Step Promises

<p> </p><blockquote><img alt="" height="348" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-E0zavIuDhtg/TrFUD-POadI/AAAAAAAAJ9I/eRMd3XQ70Js/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" style="vertical-align: text-top;" width="480" />The Ninth Step Promises Copyright © Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc. The choice is ours... Do we want more of what brought us to AA ...     We were having trouble with personal relationships, we couldn’t control our emotional natures, we were a prey to misery and depression, we couldn’t make a living, we had a feeling of uselessness, we were full of fear, we were unhappy, we couldn’t seem to be of real help to other people—was not a basic solution of these bedevilments more important ... ? 3rd ed. Big Book pg. 52    ... or do we want what practicing the principles of AA promises?     If we are painstaking about this phase of our development, we will be amazed before we are half way through.     We are going to know a new freedom and a new happiness.     We will not regret the past nor wish to shut the door on it.     We will comprehend the word serenity and we will know peace.     No matter how far down the scale we have gone, we will see how our experience can benefit others.     That feeling of uselessness and self pity will disappear.     We will lose interest in selfish things and gain interest in our fellows.     Self-seeking will slip away.     Our whole attitude and outlook upon life will change.     Fear of people and of economic insecurity will leave us.     We will intuitively know how to handle situations which used to baffle us.     We will suddenly realize that God is doing for us what we could not do for ourselves.     Are these extravagant promises? We think not. They are being fulfilled among us—sometimes quickly, sometimes slowly. They will always materialize if we work for them. 3rd ed. Big Book pg. 83 & 84</blockquote>

The Ninth Step Promises

  The Ninth Step Promises Copyright © Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc. The choice is ours... Do we want more of what brought us t...

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Reason, Season, And A Lifetime

<p style="text-align: -webkit-center; background-color: #ffffff;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: medium;"><img alt="" height="232" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-xQKYF1coPjY/TrFTV5yqB1I/AAAAAAAAJ9A/NmLCe5_2XcM/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" style="vertical-align: text-top;" width="640" /><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; text-align: -webkit-center; background-color: #ffffff; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">People come into your life for a reason, a season, or a lifetime. When you figure out which it is, you will know exactly what to do.</span></p><p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; text-align: -webkit-center; background-color: #ffffff; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Some people come into our lives and quickly go..</span></p><p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; text-align: -webkit-center; background-color: #ffffff; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Some people become friends and stay awhile...</span></p><p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; text-align: -webkit-center; background-color: #ffffff; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">leaving beautiful footprints on our hearts...</span></p><p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; text-align: -webkit-center; background-color: #ffffff; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">and we are never quite the same because we have made a good friend!!!</span></p><p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; background-color: #ffffff; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">When someone is in your life for a REASON, it is usually to meet a need you have expressed outwardly or inwardly. They have come to assist you through a difficulty, to provide you with guidance and support, to aid you physically, emotionally, or spiritually. They may seem like a godsend, and they are. They are there for the reason you need them to be. Then, without any wrong doing on your part or at an inconvenient time, this person will say or do something to bring the relationship to an end. Sometimes they die. Sometimes they walk away. Sometimes they act up or out and force you to take a stand. What we must realize is that our need has been met, our desire fulfilled; their work is done. The prayer you sent up has been answered and it is now time to move on.</span></p><p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; background-color: #ffffff; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">When people come into your life for a SEASON, it is because your turn has come to share, grow, or learn. They may bring you an experience of peace or make you laugh. They may teach you something you have never done. They usually give you an unbelievable amount of joy. Believe it! It is real! But, only for a season.</span></p><p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; background-color: #ffffff; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">LIFETIME relationships teach you lifetime lessons; those things you must build upon in order to have a solid emotional foundation. Your job is to accept the lesson, love the person or people involved; and put what you have learned to use in all other relationships, and areas of your life. It is said that love is blind but friendship is clairvoyant.</span></p><p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; text-align: -webkit-center; background-color: #ffffff; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">When you read this, just recite the following prayer.<br />That's all you have to do. There is nothing else attached.<br />This is the power of prayer at work.</span></p><p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; text-align: -webkit-center; background-color: #ffffff; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">May today there be peace within you.<br />May you trust God that you are exactly where you are meant to be.<br />May you not forget the infinite possibilities<br />that are born of faith.<br />May you use those gifts that you have received,<br />and pass on the love that has been given to you.<br />May you be content knowing that you are a child of God.<br />Let His presence settle into your bones,<br />and allow your soul the freedom to sing,<br />dance, and to bask in the sun.<br />It is there for each and every one of you.</span></p><p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; text-align: -webkit-center; background-color: #ffffff; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Send this to the people in your life<br />and witness...</span></p><p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; text-align: -webkit-center; background-color: #ffffff; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><strong>The Awesome Power of Prayer</strong></span></p>

Reason, Season, And A Lifetime

People come into your life for a reason, a season, or a lifetime. When you figure out which it is, you will know exactly what to do. Some pe...

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PRAYER OF ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI

<p> </p><blockquote><img alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-7AIzdvwELI8/TrFSz-itTvI/AAAAAAAAJ84/6K32O6pLoi8/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" style="float: left;" /> Lord, make me a channel of thy peace, that where there is hatred, I may bring love; that where there is wrong, I may bring the spirit of forgiveness; that where there is discord, I may bring harmony; that where there is error, I may bring truth; that where there is doubt, I may bring faith; that where there is despair, I may bring hope; that where there are shadows, I may bring light; that where there is sadness, I may bring joy. Lord, grant that I may seek rather to comfort than to be comforted; to understand, than to be understood; to love, than to be loved. For it is by self-forgetting that one finds. It is by forgiving that one is forgiven. It is by dying that one awakens to Eternal Life.</blockquote>

PRAYER OF ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI

   Lord, make me a channel of thy peace, that where there is hatred, I may bring love; that where there is wrong, I may bring the spirit of ...

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MORNING PRAYER

<p> </p><blockquote><img alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-DIIUKeT0LXk/TrFSNYRki6I/AAAAAAAAJ8w/6yZ9n7tAUd8/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" style="float: left;" />God direct my thinking today so that it be divorced of self pity, dishonesty, self-will, self-seeking and fear. God inspire my thinking, decisions and intuitions. Help me to relax and take it easy. Free me from doubt and indecision. Guide me through this day and show me my next step. God give me what I need to take care of any problems. I ask all these things that I may be of maximum service to you and my fellow man in the name of the Steps I pray. AMEN (p. 86 BB)</blockquote>

MORNING PRAYER

  God direct my thinking today so that it be divorced of self pity, dishonesty, self-will, self-seeking and fear. God inspire my thinking, d...

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NIGHT PRAYER

<p> </p><p> God forgive me where I have been resentful, selfish, dishonest or afraid today. Help me to not keep anything to myself but to discuss it all openly with another person - show me where I owe an apology and help me make it. Help me to be kind and loving to all people. Use me in the mainstream of life God. Remove worry, remorse or morbid (sick) reflections that I may be of usefulness to others. AMEN (p. 86 BB)</p>

NIGHT PRAYER

   God forgive me where I have been resentful, selfish, dishonest or afraid today. Help me to not keep anything to myself but to discuss it ...

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SUGGESTIONS ABOUT PRAYER AND MEDITATION FROM BB:

<p><span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><strong><br /></strong><img alt="" height="348" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-tlXv92_cTVA/TrFRjWhv5RI/AAAAAAAAJ8o/wchQtRb72bw/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" style="float: left;" width="480" /><br /></span></p><table style="width: 409px;" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tbody><tr><td><p><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">(1) Make no requests in prayer for yourself only.<br /><br />(2) Never prayer for your own selfish ends.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">(3) Select and memorize a few set prayers that emphasize the principles of the Steps.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">(4) Ask a priest, minister or rabbi about helpful books and prayers that emphasize the principles of the Steps.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">(5) Be quick to see where religious people are right.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">(6) Make use of what religious people have to offer.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">(p. 87 BB)</span></p><div><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div></td></tr></tbody></table>

SUGGESTIONS ABOUT PRAYER AND MEDITATION FROM BB:

(1) Make no requests in prayer for yourself only. (2) Never prayer for your own selfish ends. (3) Select and memorize a few set prayers that...

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PRAYERS OF THE STEPS

<p><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; background-color: #ffffff; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><strong>1ST STEP</strong></span></p><p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; background-color: #ffffff; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">God, Creative Intelligence, Universal Mind, Spirit of Nature or Spirit of the Universe my name is ______, And I'm a real alcoholic ... and I need your help today.<br />(pg.. 10-2, 46, & Chp. 3 BB)</span></p><p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; background-color: #ffffff; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><strong>2nd STEP</strong></span></p><p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; background-color: #ffffff; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">God, I'm standing at the turning point right now. Give me your protection and care as I abandon myself to you and give up my old ways and my old ideas just for today.<br />AMEN<br />(p. 59 BB)</span></p><p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; background-color: #ffffff; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><strong>3rd STEP</strong></span></p><p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; background-color: #ffffff; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">"God, I offer myself to Thee—to build with me and to do with me as Thou wilt. Relieve me of the bondage of self, that I may better do Thy will. Take away my difficulties, that victory over them may bear witness to those I would help of Thy Power, Thy Love, and Thy Way of life. May I do Thy will always!" (p. 63 BB) God, Take my will and my life. Guide me in my recovery. Show me how to live. AMEN<br />(the step on p. 59 BB)</span></p><p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; background-color: #ffffff; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><strong>4th STEP</strong></span></p><p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; background-color: #ffffff; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">WHEN IN DOUBT<br />"I was to sit quietly when in doubt, asking only for direction and strength to meet my problems as He would have me. Never was I to pray for myself, except as my requests bore on my usefulness to others. Then only might I expect to receive. But that would be in great measure."<br />(p.13)<br /><br />WHEN I AM DISTURBED BY THE CONDUCT (SYMPTOMS) OF OTHERS<br />"This is a sick man. How can I be helpful to him? God save me from being angry. Thy will be done."<br />(p. 67 BB)<br /><br />God help me to show this person the same tolerance, pity and patience that I would Cheerfully grant a sick friend. This is a sick person, how can I be helpful to him? God save me from being angry. Thy will be done.<br />(see above and p. 141 of 12&12)<br /><br />WHEN I AM AFRAID<br />"We ask Him to remove our fear and direct our attention to what He would have us be."<br />(p. 68 BB)<br /><br />God, relieve me of this fear and direct my attention to what you would have me be. AMEN<br />(see above)<br /><br />WHEN I AM AWARE OF MY OWN DEFECTS AND SEEKING GOD'S HELP TO CHANGE<br />"We asked God to mold our ideals and help us to live up to them. . . we ask God what we should do about each specific matter."<br />(p. 69 BB)<br /><br />God mold my ideals in this particular area of my life and help me to live up to them. What should I do in each specific matter? Guide me God and give me strength to do right. AMEN<br />(see above)</span></p><p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; background-color: #ffffff; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><strong>5th STEP</strong></span></p><p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; background-color: #ffffff; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">God I thank you from the bottom of my heart that I know you better. Help me become aware of anything I have omitted discussing with another person. Help me to do what is necessary to walk a free man at last. AMEN<br />(p. 75 BB)</span></p><p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; background-color: #ffffff; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><strong>6th STEP</strong></span></p><p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; background-color: #ffffff; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">God help me become willing to let go of all the things to which I still cling. Help me to be ready to let You remove all of these defects, that Your will and purpose may take their place. AMEN<br />(p. 76 BB)</span></p><p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; background-color: #ffffff; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><strong>7th STEP</strong></span></p><p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; background-color: #ffffff; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">"I humbly offered myself to God, as I then understood Him, to do with me as He would. I placed myself unreservedly under His care and direction. I admitted for the first time that of myself I was nothing; that without Him I was lost. I ruthlessly faced my sins and became willing to have my new-found Friend take them away, root and branch."<br />(p. 13)<br /><br />"My Creator, I am now willing that you should have all of me, good and bad. I pray that you now remove from me every single defect of character which stands in the way of my usefulness to you and my fellows. Grant me strength, as I go out from here, to do your bidding. Amen." <span style="color: #ffcc99;"><br /></span>(p. 76 BB)</span></p><p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; background-color: #ffffff; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><strong>8th STEP</strong></span></p><p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; background-color: #ffffff; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">"We attempt to sweep away the debris which has accumulated out of our effort to live on self-will and run the show ourselves. If we haven’t the will to do this, we ask until it comes."<br />(p. 76 BB)<br /><br />God help me to become willing to sweep away the debris of self will and self reliant living. Thy will be done for this person as well as for me. AMEN<br />(see above)</span></p><p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; background-color: #ffffff; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><strong>9th STEP</strong></span></p><p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; background-color: #ffffff; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">God give me the strength and direction to do the right thing no matter what the consequences may be. Help me to consider others and not harm them in any way. Help me to consult with others before I take any actions that would cause me to be sorry. Help me to not repeat such behaviors. Show me the way of Patience, Tolerance, Kindliness, and Love and help me live the spiritual life. AMEN<br />(p. 78-80 BB)</span></p><p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; background-color: #ffffff; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><strong>10th STEP</strong></span></p><p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; background-color: #ffffff; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">God remove the Selfishness, dishonesty, resentment and fear that has cropped up in my life right now. Help me to discuss this with someone immediately and make amends quickly if I have harmed anyone. Help me to cease fight anything and anyone. Show me where I may be helpful to someone else. Help me react sanely; not cocky or afraid. How can I best serve You - Your will, not mine be done. AMEN<br />(p. 84-5 BB)<br /><br />"How can I best serve Thee—Thy will (not mine) be done."<br />(p. 85 BB)</span></p><p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; background-color: #ffffff; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><strong>11th STEP</strong></span></p><p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; background-color: #ffffff; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">"As we go through the day we pause, when agitated or doubtful, and ask for the right thought or action. We constantly remind ourselves we are no longer running the show, humbly saying to ourselves many times each day 'Thy will be done.' "<br />(p. 87-8 BB)<br /><br />God, I'm agitated and doubtful right now. Help me to stop and remember that I've made a decision to let You be my God. Give me the right thoughts and actions. God save me from fear, anger, worry, self-pity or foolish decisions that Your will not mine be done. AMEN<br />(see above)<br /><br />(Prayer of St Francis of Assisi) —"Lord, make me a channel of thy peace - that where there is hatred, I may bring love - that where there is wrong, I may bring the spirit of forgiveness - that where there is discord, I may bring harmony - that where there is error, I may bring truth - that where there is doubt, I may bring faith - that where there is despair, I may bring hope - that where there are shadows, I may bring light - that where there is sadness, I may bring joy. Lord, grant that I may seek rather to comfort than to be comforted - to understand, than to be understood - to love, than to be loved. For it is by self-forgetting that one finds. It is by forgiving that one is forgiven. It is by dying that one awakens to Eternal Life. Amen."<br />(p. 99 12&12)</span></p>

PRAYERS OF THE STEPS

1ST STEP God, Creative Intelligence, Universal Mind, Spirit of Nature or Spirit of the Universe my name is ______, And I'm a real alcoho...

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SERENITY PRAYER (long version)

<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #ffffff;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br />God, grant me the Serenity</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">to accept the things</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I cannot change Courage to change the</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">things I can, and the</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Wisdom to know the difference.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Living one day at a time;</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Enjoying one moment at a time;</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Accepting hardship as the</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">pathway to peace.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Taking, as He did, this</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">sinful world as it is,</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">not as I would have it.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Trusting that He will make</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">all things right if I</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">surrender to His Will;</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">That I may be reasonably happy</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">in this life, and supremely</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">happy with Him forever in</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">the next.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Amen</span></span></p>

SERENITY PRAYER (long version)

God, grant me the Serenity to accept the things I cannot change Courage to change the things I can, and the Wisdom to know the difference. L...

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We will lose interest in selfish things and gain interest in our fellows. Self-seeking will slip away. Our whole attitude and outlook upon life will change

<p> </p><blockquote>The unselfishness of these men as we have come to know them, the entire absence of profit motive, and their community spirit, is indeed inspiring to one who has labored long and wearily in this alcoholic field. — The Big Book, 3rd Edition, The Doctor's Opinion, page XXV. "Selfishness, self-centeredness! That, we think, is the root of our troubles." "Above everything, we alcoholics must be rid of this selfishness. We must, or it kills us!" — The Big Book, 3rd Edition, Chapter 5, page 62. "We will lose interest in selfish things and gain interest in our fellows. Self-seeking will slip away. Our whole attitude and outlook upon life will change." — The Promises, in The Big Book, 3rd Edition, Chapter 6, page 84. "On awakening let us think about the twenty-four hours ahead. We consider our plans for the day. Before we begin, we ask God to direct our thinking, especially asking that it be divorced from self-pity, dishonest or self-seeking motives." — The Big Book, 3rd Edition, Chapter 6, page 86. "To be vital, faith must be accompanied by self sacrifice and unselfish, constructive action." — The Big Book, 3rd Edition, Chapter 7, page 93.</blockquote>

We will lose interest in selfish things and gain interest in our fellows. Self-seeking will slip away. Our whole attitude and outlook upon life will change

  The unselfishness of these men as we have come to know them, the entire absence of profit motive, and their community spirit, is indeed in...

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Birth of BigBook

<p> </p><blockquote>Losing a copyright is like losing your virginity. Once you lose it, it's gone, and you can't get it back</blockquote>

Birth of BigBook

  Losing a copyright is like losing your virginity. Once you lose it, it's gone, and you can't get it back

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Threats by Alcoholics Anonymous World Services Attempt Cutting Off a Member's Right To Communicate with the Fellowship.

<p><div id="abw" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12px; font-style: inherit; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 0.75em; margin-left: auto; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 15px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 15px; text-decoration: inherit; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #ffffff; border-top-width: 3px; border-top-style: solid; border-top-color: #ff3300; position: relative; text-align: left; width: 930px;"><div id="abm" class="clear" style="font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; text-decoration: inherit; zoom: 1; position: relative; padding: 0px; margin: 0px;"><div id="abc" style="font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: -336px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; text-decoration: inherit; position: relative; width: 930px; padding: 0px;"><div id="articlebody" style="font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin-top: 1.5em; margin-right: 351px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-left: 0px; text-decoration: inherit; position: static; padding: 0px;"><h1 style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 22px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; text-decoration: inherit; color: #3e3e3e; font: normal normal normal 22px/1.2 Georgia; padding: 0px; margin: 0px;"></h1>Even though AA's GSO in Germany lost part of the case relating to translations other than German, they continue to harass and threaten not only the AA member there and the group he belongs to (AA Big Book Study Group - BBSG), AAeV (the German GSO) and AAWS have successfully threatened outside enterprises in their attempt to bankrupt and destroy this AA member.<p style="font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin-top: 1.5em; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-left: 0px; text-decoration: inherit; padding: 0px;">The Big Book Study Group in Germany had a web site located on the German subsidiary of America On-Line (AOL); they also had their e-mail address there as well. In a letter dated August 12, 1999, from the German GSO's lawyer (Frieder Roth) to AOL Bertlsmann Online, Ltd. & Co. (German AOL) he stated the following:</p><p style="font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin-top: 1.5em; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-left: 0px; text-decoration: inherit; padding: 0px;">"We represent Anonymous Alcoholics Interest Society, Inc., Munich (AAeV). Additionally we are empowered by Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc. (AAWS) in New York." This means that this lawyer is acting on behalf of, and with full permission of, both the German GSO and AAWS in New York. The letter continues:</p><p style="font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin-top: 1.5em; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-left: 0px; text-decoration: inherit; padding: 0px;">"Our clients (AAeV and AAWS) are owners of exclusive rights in the literary work ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, and its author is Bill Wilson."</p><h3 style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12px; font-style: inherit; margin-top: 1.5em; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-left: 0px; text-decoration: inherit; color: inherit; padding: 0px;">Is the Copyright Valid?</h3>The Big Book was copyrighted on April 10, 1939 by Bill and registered with the US Copyright Office in Washington, DC. April 19, 1939. The validity of this copyright is currently in question and until now has never been challenged in a court of law. This may change.<p style="font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin-top: 1.5em; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-left: 0px; text-decoration: inherit; padding: 0px;">When the pre-publication manuscript (or so-called Multilith) was published in February 1939 it contained the following statement on the bottom of the Foreword page:</p><p style="font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin-top: 1.5em; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-left: 0px; text-decoration: inherit; padding: 0px;">""This multilith volume will be sent upon receipt of $3.50, and the printed book will be mailed, at no additional cost, as soon as the book is published."</p><p style="font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin-top: 1.5em; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-left: 0px; text-decoration: inherit; padding: 0px;">This statement shows that the Multilith was sold to the general public without any statement of copyright or copyright intent. It also had no statement that the Multilith was a loan copy. According to a prominent copyright attorney who was consulted in this matter, this means that there was no legal copyright in effect and that the book was in the public domain since February 1939. His legal opinion follows:</p><h3 style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12px; font-style: inherit; margin-top: 1.5em; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-left: 0px; text-decoration: inherit; color: inherit; padding: 0px;">A Legal Opinion</h3>"In response to your question regarding publication of a work in the United States under the 1909 Copyright Act without notice, please be advised that this would inject the work into the public domain. Affixation of the notice to publicly distribute copies was a condition to copyright protection under the 1909 Copyright Act and also under the 1976 Copyright Act prior to March 1, 1989 when amendments became effective to conform to the Berne Convention. As a general rule, copyright protection was forfeited if the notice was not affixed."<p style="font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin-top: 1.5em; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-left: 0px; text-decoration: inherit; padding: 0px;">Even if there was a valid and legal copyright on the AA book, AAWS allowed the 1st Edition copyright to lapse in 1967 and the copyright on the 2nd Edition lapsed in 1983. Thus placing both editions in the public domain forever.</p><p style="font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin-top: 1.5em; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-left: 0px; text-decoration: inherit; padding: 0px;">AAWS has always stated that their primary interest was in the preservation of the integrity of the text. Despite the fact that the translations and English version published by BBSG for free distribution worldwide held to the original text and there was no loss of integrity, AAWS continues to litigate against BBSG.</p><h3 style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12px; font-style: inherit; margin-top: 1.5em; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-left: 0px; text-decoration: inherit; color: inherit; padding: 0px;">Property Rights</h3>It has been proven that the current litigation is not about the integrity of the text, but about the financial interests of AAWS. Frieder Roth's letter to AOL continues:<p style="font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin-top: 1.5em; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-left: 0px; text-decoration: inherit; padding: 0px;">"For our clients, that book is of enormous importance for business (note: economic value). Considerable parts of financial resources, which are at the command of ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS for the good of alcoholic addicts, come from sales revenues."</p><p style="font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin-top: 1.5em; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-left: 0px; text-decoration: inherit; padding: 0px;">AAWS is threatened by the free worldwide distribution of the Big Book to those alcoholics who cannot afford to purchase them (including those in European countries where their GSO's charge upwards of almost $50 - US for each copy). Again, it is not about the integrity of the text - it is about money and property.</p><p style="font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin-top: 1.5em; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-left: 0px; text-decoration: inherit; padding: 0px;">According to the book, TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS (12&12), "Then our Trustees wrote a bright page of A.A. History. They declared for the principle that A.A. must always stay poor." (Page 165)</p><h3 style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12px; font-style: inherit; margin-top: 1.5em; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-left: 0px; text-decoration: inherit; color: inherit; padding: 0px;">Read the Manual</h3>Despite its declaration of poverty, AAWS maintains an $11 million dollar reserve and has probably over a million dollars in legal fees fighting to maintain money and property. AA's Service Manual and Concepts for World Service is perfectly clear in relation to litigation issues. It states in the Twelfth Concept, Warranty Five the following:<p style="font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin-top: 1.5em; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-left: 0px; text-decoration: inherit; padding: 0px;">"To the minds of some AA's, 'guardianship' of the AA Traditions implies the right and the duty on the part of the Conference to publicly punish or sue every willful violator. But we could not adopt worse policy; indeed such aggressive public acts would place the Conference in the position of having violated one AA Tradition in order to defend another. Therefore aggressive or punitive action, even in this area, must be omitted."</p><p style="font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin-top: 1.5em; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-left: 0px; text-decoration: inherit; padding: 0px;">AAWS states that Bill Wilson was the sole author of the Big Book. How could this be possible when even Bill stated in AA Comes of Age that he was more of an umpire than an author? It is widely accepted that Hank P. was the author of the chapter, TO EMPLOYERS, and that the early fellowship edited and changed the text both in New York and Akron. It was more of a group effort than of any individual member - including Bill.</p><h3 style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12px; font-style: inherit; margin-top: 1.5em; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-left: 0px; text-decoration: inherit; color: inherit; padding: 0px;">Printing Company Threatened</h3>In order to gain a legal copyright in Mexico, AAWS had to submit documentation proving authorship of the Big Book. Mexican law states that in order to have a valid copyright of a work, there must be a living author. To circumvent this legality, AAWS' documents show that Wayne Parks (then General Manager of AAWS) was reported to be the sole author of the Big Book. How could this be when they had already falsely stated that Bill was the sole author? How could there be two sole authors even though Wayne was not a part of AA in 1939?<p style="font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin-top: 1.5em; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-left: 0px; text-decoration: inherit; padding: 0px;">Getting back to Frieder Roth's letter to AOL comes the worst part of this tragedy. In it he states:</p><p style="font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin-top: 1.5em; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-left: 0px; text-decoration: inherit; padding: 0px;">"The requests of my clients because of copyright infringement are also directed against your company (AOL) as a provider of net services. You must be seen as an interfering disturber, and therefore you are subject to claims of my clients�026you are assured that our clients will immediately take legal action�026" if AOL fails to remove all of BBSG's web sites and e-mail accounts.</p><p style="font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin-top: 1.5em; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-left: 0px; text-decoration: inherit; padding: 0px;">AOL capitulated to the legal threat by AAWS and on Wednesday, August 18, 1999, they dropped the BBSG accounts and they are no longer available on the Internet through AOL. A similar letter by Frieder Roth was sent to the printing company who printed the translations of the Big Book by BBSG. They too capitulated and ceased printing the books scheduled for free distribution. Thus for now, AAWS has succeeded in silencing BBSG and removing them from carrying the message of recovery as does any other AA Group - unless of course they choose to purchase high priced AA literature (at a much higher price than is charged in the US).</p><h3 style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12px; font-style: inherit; margin-top: 1.5em; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-left: 0px; text-decoration: inherit; color: inherit; padding: 0px;">Primary Target</h3>If the litigation now in appeal is lost, they won't even be able to purchase AA literature even at the higher price. One of the stipulations is that they cannot purchase any AA or recovery literature, sell any AA or recovery literature or give away any AA or recovery related literature. This will effectively stop this AA group from carrying the message of recovery and therefore, cease to exist.<p style="font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin-top: 1.5em; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-left: 0px; text-decoration: inherit; padding: 0px;">AAWS' primary target is to stop the free distribution of literature to those who cannot afford it. Frieder Roth's letter states that:</p><p style="font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin-top: 1.5em; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-left: 0px; text-decoration: inherit; padding: 0px;">"Everybody can download the text of the work to his computer. Besides this, people interested in the printed book are offered the possibility to order it and get it via post office mail free of charge."</p><p style="font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin-top: 1.5em; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-left: 0px; text-decoration: inherit; padding: 0px;">AAWS did not - YET - go after any of the other sites on the Internet who offers downloadable versions of the Big Book. They only, for now, attempt to destroy this one site. Eventually, for purposes of money, property and prestige, they will go after all Internet sites related to recovery that threaten their financial and business entity. The availability of reading the Big Book on-line is in jeopardy even as you read this.</p><h3 style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12px; font-style: inherit; margin-top: 1.5em; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-left: 0px; text-decoration: inherit; color: inherit; padding: 0px;">Profit Motive</h3>They have stopped AOL from hosting web sites, they have stopped a printer from printing free books financed by 7th Tradition member contributions and they will continue until they have control of everything AA members read and/or see on the Internet and elsewhere. If these are not the actions of a dictatorial government rather than a spiritual entity I don't know what is!<p style="font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin-top: 1.5em; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-left: 0px; text-decoration: inherit; padding: 0px;">AAWS has proven by their actions that they are not attempting to save the integrity of the basic text. They have proven that they are all about money and property. They have proven that they are against carrying the message of recovery to the still sick and suffering alcoholic unless they can make money off of it.</p><p style="font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin-top: 1.5em; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-left: 0px; text-decoration: inherit; padding: 0px;">I, for one, do not wish to make money off of AA or the sick and suffering alcoholic. I also feel just as strongly that AAWS should not be about making money off of the still sick and suffering alcoholic. AA should be self-supporting through member contributions and NOT literature sales. AA should be a spiritual entity, founded upon spiritual principles and not a business continued upon a profit motive. A profit motive at the expense of the fellowship of AA in its attempt to carry the message of recovery based upon the basic text.</p><h3 style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12px; font-style: inherit; margin-top: 1.5em; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-left: 0px; text-decoration: inherit; color: inherit; padding: 0px;">Give it Away</h3>Even Ruth Hock, AA's first secretary stated in PASS IT ON (Bill's biography published by AAWS) that the book was always intended to be given away free of charge after the initial expenses were paid off.<p style="font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin-top: 1.5em; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-left: 0px; text-decoration: inherit; padding: 0px;">BBSG was just fulfilling that intent and has been stopped (for now) by a business intent on profit and control. Others will take up the printing and distribution of free literature to those who seek recovery. When they are forced into bankruptcy by AAWS, others will take their place.</p><p style="font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin-top: 1.5em; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-left: 0px; text-decoration: inherit; padding: 0px;">There are those in AA who still believe that profit should never be a motive in AA recovery despite the fact that AAWS is only interested in profit and that the integrity of the text is not in question in this case. Our way of life should be available to ALL who seek it, not only those who can afford to buy books.</p></div></div></div></div></p>

Threats by Alcoholics Anonymous World Services Attempt Cutting Off a Member's Right To Communicate with the Fellowship.

Even though AA's GSO in Germany lost part of the case relating to translations other than German, they continue to harass and threaten n...

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The Big Book is Published

<p><div id="abw" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12px; font-style: inherit; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 0.75em; margin-left: auto; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 15px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 15px; text-decoration: inherit; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #ffffff; border-top-width: 3px; border-top-style: solid; border-top-color: #ff3300; position: relative; text-align: left; width: 930px;"><div id="abm" class="clear" style="font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; text-decoration: inherit; zoom: 1; position: relative; padding: 0px; margin: 0px;"><div id="abc" style="font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: -336px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; text-decoration: inherit; position: relative; width: 930px; padding: 0px;"><div id="articlebody" style="font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin-top: 1.5em; margin-right: 351px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-left: 0px; text-decoration: inherit; position: static; padding: 0px;"><h3 style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12px; font-style: inherit; margin-top: 1.5em; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-left: 0px; text-decoration: inherit; color: inherit; padding: 0px;">The Big Book is Published</h3>The official publication date of the Big Book according to the United States Copyright Office was April 10, 1939. There were 4,730 books printed with red cloth binding, wide columns, thick paper, a red, yellow, black and white dust jacket. There was the program of recovery outlined and the personal testimonies of those who had recovered.</div></div></div></div></p><table style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12px; font-style: inherit; text-decoration: inherit; border-collapse: separate; empty-cells: show; width: 200px; padding: 0px; margin: 0px;" cellpadding="5" align="RIGHT" bgcolor="#E3E3E3"><tbody><tr><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="middle"><p style="font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin-top: 1.5em; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-left: 0px; text-decoration: inherit; padding: 0px;"><br /><strong style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica;"><span>Other than a slight trickle, the expected orders didn't materialize. Once again, they were dejected. </span></span></strong></p></td></tr></tbody></table><p><div id="abw" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12px; font-style: inherit; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 0.75em; margin-left: auto; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 15px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 15px; text-decoration: inherit; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #ffffff; border-top-width: 3px; border-top-style: solid; border-top-color: #ff3300; position: relative; text-align: left; width: 930px;"><div id="abm" class="clear" style="font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; text-decoration: inherit; zoom: 1; position: relative; padding: 0px; margin: 0px;"><div id="abc" style="font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: -336px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; text-decoration: inherit; position: relative; width: 930px; padding: 0px;"><div id="articlebody" style="font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin-top: 1.5em; margin-right: 351px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-left: 0px; text-decoration: inherit; position: static; padding: 0px;">Several dozen books which had been pre-paid were shipped out. AA members got their copies and some were given away. The boxes of books still being held at the Cornwall Press probably were piled high to the ceiling. Letters were sent out, a small ad was placed and Bill, Ruth and Hank waited for the orders to pile in.<p style="font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin-top: 1.5em; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-left: 0px; text-decoration: inherit; padding: 0px;">Every day the went to the Post Office box expecting to be flooded with requests for the book. Other than a slight trickle, the expected orders didn't materialize. Once again, they were dejected. They needed a boost.</p><p style="font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin-top: 1.5em; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-left: 0px; text-decoration: inherit; padding: 0px;">In September 1939, Liberty Magazine ran an article entitled "Alcoholics and God" by Morris Markey. It briefly told about Alcoholics Anonymous. This was the first national publicity AA received.</p><h3 style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12px; font-style: inherit; margin-top: 1.5em; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-left: 0px; text-decoration: inherit; color: inherit; padding: 0px;">Missing Pieces of History</h3>There was another article reportedly printed in a religious magazine called FAITH. The article was written by Dr. Bob who had supposedly used his full name as the author of that article.</div></div></div></div></p><table style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12px; font-style: inherit; text-decoration: inherit; border-collapse: separate; empty-cells: show; width: 200px; padding: 0px; margin: 0px;" cellpadding="5" align="RIGHT" bgcolor="#E3E3E3"><tbody><tr><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="middle"><p style="font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin-top: 1.5em; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-left: 0px; text-decoration: inherit; padding: 0px;"><br /><strong style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica;"><span>...during a relapse, out of anger, he threw out the plates and they were lost forever. </span></span></strong></p></td></tr></tbody></table><p><div id="abw" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12px; font-style: inherit; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 0.75em; margin-left: auto; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 15px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 15px; text-decoration: inherit; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #ffffff; border-top-width: 3px; border-top-style: solid; border-top-color: #ff3300; position: relative; text-align: left; width: 930px;"><div id="abm" class="clear" style="font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; text-decoration: inherit; zoom: 1; position: relative; padding: 0px; margin: 0px;"><div id="abc" style="font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: -336px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; text-decoration: inherit; position: relative; width: 930px; padding: 0px;"><div id="articlebody" style="font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin-top: 1.5em; margin-right: 351px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-left: 0px; text-decoration: inherit; position: static; padding: 0px;">This writer has attempted to track down a copy of the article for several years. The AA Archives in New York City claims they do not have a copy and even the Library of Congress no longer have copies of that magazine. It appears that the Library of Congress "dumped" their microfiche files for the only two magazines called FAITH from that era in the 1970's.<p style="font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin-top: 1.5em; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-left: 0px; text-decoration: inherit; padding: 0px;">Another heartbreaking "dumping" occurred several years ago. A long-term AA member living locally in this writer's vicinity stated that he once had the original printing plates for the Big Book from the Cornwall Press. The Cornwall Press once was located near this writer's home. This long-term member stated that during a relapse, out of anger, he threw out the plates and they were lost forever.</p><h3 style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12px; font-style: inherit; margin-top: 1.5em; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-left: 0px; text-decoration: inherit; color: inherit; padding: 0px;">The Rockefeller Dinner</h3>Bill W. once again went to Willard Richardson for financial help. Willard helped put together the original Rockefeller meeting. Bill explained that the meetings were growing but there was no income coming in from book sales. He had over 4,000 copies in storage which wouldn't be released until paid for.<p style="font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin-top: 1.5em; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-left: 0px; text-decoration: inherit; padding: 0px;">Willard convinced John D. Rockefeller, Jr. to help out. Rockefeller arranged for a dinner for all his friends to hear about this wonderful new movement. One Hundred and Eighty Seven engraved invitations were sent out to some of the richest and most powerful men in the United States.</p><blockquote style="font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin-top: 1.5em; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-left: 3em; text-decoration: inherit; quotes: ''; padding: 0px;"><em>Mr. John D. Rockefeller, Jr.<br />requests the pleasure of your company<br />at dinner<br />on Thursday, the eighth of February<br />at seven o'clock<br />THE UNION CLUB<br />Park Avenue and 69th Street<br />Mr. William G. Wilson, author of "Alcoholics Anonymous"<br />and Dr. Harry Emerson Fosdick<br />will speak on an effective control of alcoholism<br /></em></blockquote>Of the 187 Invitations that were sent, 127 were sent back with regrets. Among those who responded in the affirmative were included several of the invited AA members. Among the 60 people who actually attended this dinner there was Bill, Dr. Bob, Clarence S., Fitz M., Bert T., and Bill R. on the AA side. Others included members of Rockefeller's staff, Frank Amos, Gordon Auchincloss, Dr. Russell E. Blaisdell, Horace Crystal, A. Leroy Chipman, Leonard V. Harrison, Dr. Foster Kennedy, Dr. William Duncan Silkworth, Dr. Leonard V. Strong, Jr. and Wendell L. Wilkie. Many of these men went on to be great friends of AA.<p style="font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin-top: 1.5em; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-left: 0px; text-decoration: inherit; padding: 0px;">John D. Rockefeller, Jr. could not attend the dinner due to illness so his son, Nelson Rockefeller took over. There were several speakers including Bill W. who spoke about the movement. The final speaker was the Reverend Dr. Harry Emerson Fosdick who ended his talk with the following remarks:</p><blockquote style="font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin-top: 1.5em; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-left: 3em; text-decoration: inherit; quotes: ''; padding: 0px;">"Last of all, I admire the quietness, the anonymity which this movement is carried on. Very small overhead financially, no big organization, nobody making anything out of it, no high salaried staff, people for the love of it sharing with others the experience that has meant life to them - that is good work. No one is a prophet, but I suspect that there is a long road ahead of this movement."</blockquote>One long-term member who was at this dinner once remarked to this writer that looking back on those remarks AA is now a far cry from back then. He stated that there now was a very large overhead with high rentals and expensive, well appointed offices, a large multi-million dollar organization, millions in royalty payments and a high salaried staff. The long-term member longed for the simpler days when the primary purpose was to carry the message and remain as a spiritual entity rather than a publishing empire and big business.</div></div></div></div></p><table style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12px; font-style: inherit; text-decoration: inherit; border-collapse: separate; empty-cells: show; width: 200px; padding: 0px; margin: 0px;" cellpadding="5" align="RIGHT" bgcolor="#E3E3E3"><tbody><tr><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="middle"><p style="font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin-top: 1.5em; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-left: 0px; text-decoration: inherit; padding: 0px;"><br /><strong style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica;"><span>Unfortunately, there wasn't a need for a second printing of the Big Book until March 1941. </span></span></strong></p></td></tr></tbody></table><p><div id="abw" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12px; font-style: inherit; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 0.75em; margin-left: auto; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 15px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 15px; text-decoration: inherit; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #ffffff; border-top-width: 3px; border-top-style: solid; border-top-color: #ff3300; position: relative; text-align: left; width: 930px;"><div id="abm" class="clear" style="font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; text-decoration: inherit; zoom: 1; position: relative; padding: 0px; margin: 0px;"><div id="abc" style="font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: -336px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; text-decoration: inherit; position: relative; width: 930px; padding: 0px;"><div id="articlebody" style="font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin-top: 1.5em; margin-right: 351px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-left: 0px; text-decoration: inherit; position: static; padding: 0px;">Mr. Rockefeller ordered copies of the Big Book for all those who were invited and gave an additional $1,000 to the movement. Rockefeller still held on to the belief that a lot of money would spoil the movement. He sent out letters extolling the virtues of AA to those he sent books to and through that "hint," an additional $2,000 was donated.<p style="font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin-top: 1.5em; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-left: 0px; text-decoration: inherit; padding: 0px;">Bill once again felt that AA was on its way. He felt that more books would be sold and that the movement would take off like a rocket. Unfortunately, there wasn't a need for a second printing of the Big Book until March 1941, just over a year after the Rockefeller Dinner.</p><p style="font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin-top: 1.5em; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-left: 0px; text-decoration: inherit; padding: 0px;">The reason for this need for a second printing of almost 5,000 more copies was due to a momentous event in AA history.</p></div></div></div></div></p>

The Big Book is Published

The Big Book is Published The official publication date of the Big Book according to the United States Copyright Office was April 10, 1939. ...

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