Monday, November 9, 2009

Symbols...


At a recent Area Assembly, our delegate brought to the floor a discussion of the question: "should we return the circle and triangle to our AA (AAWS published) literature?"

There was some discussion about the difference between symbols and substance.

I've been thinking a lot about this recently.

I have a long history where I have failed miserably in happy sobriety (just short of taking a drink) and noticed that I've filled my life with service and have forgotten to get in integrity with my recovery program. Or, that I try to solve the problem of my misery by focusing more on working a better 4th step instead of finding a drunk to work with.

So, even though our symbol has not been used as an official symbol of AA for a number of years (about 1994), I still have a use for a reminder that this is a 3-legged program – sort of like a 3-legged stool.

Have you tried to sit on a 1-legged stool?

I have.

I need to remember why my life feels out-of-balance.

By the way, support for the question from our Area Assembly failed.  Absent some action from some other part of the fellowship, it won't be on the agenda for the 60th General Service Conference.

3 comments:

steveroni said...

"Official" or not, it is on the front and rear of my scooter (Small decals). I just feel comfortable with them guarding my scooter, and me.

Whether it is an official symbol or not does not bother me much--and maybe not you, either.

Your posts are well-written, informative, and appreciated.

Love and Peace, Ed

Syd said...

I like the circle and triangle. It is an equilateral triangle which has balance.

Mary Christine said...

Well, I guess Steve just told us why no one is willing to discuss this anymore. I wish we could use it again, but it is just mis-used. I love it, I really do.

And I have a lot of respect for what you have done over the years.