January 21, 2011

January 20: Safe and Sound: Anonymity

(This excellent reading is only slightly adapted from January 20th's, Courage to Change in Alanon.)

"Anonymity is the spiritual foundation of all our Traditions." Anonymity allows us to leave not only our last names but all the labels and expectations with which we have been burdened, outside our meeting rooms.

Through our commitment to anonymity we can put aside what we are and begin to know who we are.

Anonymity teaches me humility. Anonymity is a spiritual principle that reminds me to protect the confidentiality of others. True healing comes as I learn to guard the anonymity of my family member, who may be a source of the emotional wounds that first brought me here. If I want the benefits of this program, I have an obligation to extend to others the same respect and courtesy that keeps me feeling safe, free from labels, and free to be myself.

Let me take my place among the many who have sought sanctuary in our fellowship, knowing  I never need be alone. I won't jeopardize this valuable resource by violating its most fundamental principle.

Each of us needs to be able to leave a meeting or online 12-step forum, secure in the knowledge that what is said here, who we see here, is left here.

1 comment:

  1. Anonymity is such an important concept. It makes the rooms a safe place to be and assures us that our egos are left out of meetings.

    ReplyDelete

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