Hugging
…I agree wholeheartedly [with J.L.’s letter regarding hugging in February ESSAY], it’s sad to say, but it’s such a slippery place whenever angels dare tread. Today I know the difference between my old body-grinder hugs and an appropriate lean forward gentle family hug, but how many newcomers know that! I’d be a setup for them, especially if they see men and women hugging or homosexuals hugging. We’re there at the meeting to get better, to encourage one another not hurt one another. Now about this issue we must stay vigilant, and if we err, err on the side of safety for all!
B.C., Bemidji, MN
SA Tapes
…As far as tapes of SA conventions, I think that’s great. It was so good to hear the good old boys, Roy and Jesse, and from our SA sister, Jean, and how I agree with her. Once I started to feel sufficiently grateful, I slipped. I, like her, am forever insufficiently grateful for each and every day of sobriety. What a gift!
B.C., Bemidji, MN
SA and the Twelfth Step
I’m challenged by an article I read (“Let’s Dust Off the Twelfth Step”) and wonder what other members think and feel on the issue. This article has been reprinted and included with ESSAY by permission of AA.
R.K., Simi Valley, CA
Spiritual Growth
The St. Louis Saturday afternoon group is alive and kicking. We’re averaging about 15 people. There are about four or five of us with more than one year of sobriety, and several close to it. There is a group of regulars that haven’t accrued much sobriety and I feel that the group has some responsibility in that. We are not a positive dynamic group and I am at a loss as how to encourage group growth (spiritual growth). I need suggestions on how to encourage a group to move from negative addictive thinking to positive, healthy, recovering thinking. Thanks.
S.L., St. Louis, MO
