Tradition 1 – Sue N. – New England Big Book Workshop Weekend – 2020

About This Speaker Tape

Sue N. maps out the mechanics of Tradition One, framing acceptance as the fuel for unity. She dismantles the ego's desire to run the show, recalling a temp job where she was fired for trying to do everyone else's job the way she thought it should be done.

Sue argues that the fellowship is a 'sandbox' where members must learn to play well with others, even those they dislike, to ensure the collective survival of the group. The conversation shifts to the friction of 'Zoom land,' where the lack of physical presence complicates group consensus and the handling of dissenting opinions. Through a series of shares, the group explores the tension between personal preference and the common welfare, concluding that service—especially in the contentious arena of district or area committees—is the ultimate litmus test for emotional sobriety.

Topics

Timestamps

• 0:00 Eduardo introduces the session: 'Acceptance Fuels Unity'.
• 1:30 Sue reads the short and long forms of Tradition One.
• 4:15 Sue discusses the 'sandbox' metaphor and the need to play well with others.
• 7:45 Sue recounts being fired from a temp job due to her ego and trying to run everyone's life.
• 10:20 Laughter: Sue's sponsor shuts down her attempt to change the home group after five months sober.
• 14:30 Discussion on the differences of unity and vibe in 'Zoom land' versus in-person meetings.
• 18:15 Karen shares her struggle with a dominant, disagreeing member in a Zoom recovery group.
• 22:40 Thais shares a story about a drunk driver at an art fair and the power of inclusion.
• 26:10 Joanne discusses a sponsee's unwillingness to make amends after a group conflict.
• 28:30 The 'emotional sobriety test': getting involved in higher-level service.