Anonymity is the spiritual foundation of 12 Step Programs. It provides a restraint that upholds the principles of the programs over personalities. It ensures that no one person is seen as representing a particular 12 Step Program as a whole.
These are the reasons that, at the public level, I don’t say what specific 12 Step Program has made the difference for me. It’s very tempting to promote my 12 Step food program because I love it. It has changed my life. However, it’s been proven to me that these are meant to be programs of attraction not promotion; and when a food addict is ready, the program will appear.
Anonymity is also great way to reduce comparing. If I’m talking about someone else in the program, I am very likely comparing. If I’m saying that this person is so great, then I’m making myself less than. If I’m saying this person is having trouble, then I’m making myself better than. Not good. Anonymity also protects me from telling someone else’s story and getting it wrong. Each person’s story is his or hers to tell.
In private conversations, if asked, I definitely name the program and invite anyone who is curious to come to a meeting. If you are curious about 12 Step Programs for food, please see the links to the left. They are there for anyone to explore. And please know that my recovery is one day at a time. I’m a food addict like any other food addict. I’m not the poster child for the Program.
I set my intentions and make the effort to match my actions to my intentions. I work at staying conscious. However, there are times that my attention drifts and the habits I’ve cultivated begin to get sloppy. That’s one reason I stay in Program. If I were perfect I wouldn’t need it. It’s about progress not perfection. So, I’ll keep coming back.
Love & Light,
Valerie
… image from Kara Rosenlund
Dear Valerie,
Anonymity is key, and creates for us a safety zone in which our program can thrive. We have to live this daily. When I was writing my 4th Step, one of things that came up for me was a new level of awareness of my tendency towards discussion of others. There is a fine line between discussing something beneficial about another, and malicious gossip. Engagement in the first happens daily for most, but can easily slip into the latter catagory if we lack awareness. I am working on keep my awareness high and my mouth shut! Remembering our creed of anonymity being the spiritual foundation of our program helps ensure successes.
EnJOY and blessings,
Francesca
Blog at: http://www.blountyandbliss.com
Dear Francesca, You are so wise. Thank you for your share. Love & Light, Valerie
dear Valerie,
beautiful image
clear message
Am re reading a book called
Emotional Alchemy
How the mind can heal the heart
by <Tara Bennett-Coleman
thought of you when I read the part about mindful eating practice.
Good fun.
Have a healing fall season
Will you come visit?
nicola
Hi Nicola, We would love to come for a visit! We are leaving for Nova Scotia and Maine on Monday. Shall we call you on our return? Love & Light, Valerie
important clarity – thanks , mom
Glad you like it, Mom. Love & Light, Valerie