Tradition Two 

For our group purpose there is but one authority a loving God as he may express himself in our group conscience our leaders are but trusted servants they do not govern.

Tradition two reminds us that there is only one authority a loving God. In Al-Anon no member is given a position of authority over another and decisions are based on it unanimity after all sides of an issue have been considered. This same principle can be applied in families or workplace.

My share

I love all the Traditions, however this  one is one of my favorites because   it reinforces Al-Anons philosophy that there is a Higher Power in charge, and that no individual has the right to control another.  Al-Anon does  ask us to practice this in our life but it  also suggests we trust our groups to this principle and   run them in the same fashion.

 Again I had doubts that this could work in a group of people but seeing was believing.  As I watched business meetings unfold, with each person  given  a voice  and  the opportunity to explain their position and then a vote taken without anyone pressing  others to agree with them  and vote their way, I was also impressed. There were  no leaders and I  loved that fact because I had a difficult time with leaders as authority figures.

I do believe Al-Anon principles were developed  because members have been so affected by the disease that we needed a safe environment to find our voice and   the confidence to use it. .   I love that we are a fellowship of equals. I know if we had  leaders I would've come in and try to disprove them and engage in this disagreement rather than try to grow and change.

Tradition Two Questions

How does this tradition help me to deal positively with authority at work?

 How does respect for other ideas enhance my environment in business and family?

 How does my relationship with HP help me to read respectful of others?

How does let go and let God apply to tradition two?

Thanks for facilitating this.

My Share: I am new to Al-Anon, and the God speak makes me cringe initially, every time. Not because I do not believe in an HP, and not because I do not identify as a Christian, but because of my own past with my church. (I wanted to go into the ministry, and could not because of who I fell in love with. When she got sick, I had to resign from many volunteer positions at my church, and asked that the prayer groups included her in their prayers. Their rejection of her and me as children of God, and their initial and ongoing silence toward me opened wounds that are still not healed. Amazingly enough, I still get the monthly newsletters, over a decade later!)

I always have to take a step back and let myself feel that before I can move on to hear the actual meaning of what is being said. I like this tradition because it speaks to the inherent worth of all members and acknowledges that we each have different talents and abilities at different times, and that all contributions to the group are valid and valued. No contribution is worth more than another, they are just different. No position carries more importance than any other, again they are just different.

My Questions:
How does this tradition help me to deal positively with authority at work?

This is a tough one for me. I do not deal well with authority in general. However, this tradition helps me to remember that all positions are important for the common goals of the workplace, and that I can have a direct impact on my workplace culture by treating people in "lower positions" (I do not like the term, but I cannot find a better one at the moment) the same as I treat the people in "higher positions." I can also act as an advocate for people who are afraid to speak up for themselves.

How does respect for other ideas enhance my environment in business and family?

Respect for other ideas acknowledges that I do not (and do not have to) have all the answers. It allows me to make bridges to other opinions, and broadens my understanding. In my family, I have found that it is important to recognize my alcoholic wife's opinions and validate her feelings, even though I cannot allow her to participate in decision making right now.

How does my relationship with HP help me to read respectful of others?

Respect is, for me, a requirement for my behavior toward others. Even if I disagree, I strive to remain respectful of the person and their opinion. It also helps me to identify the people that I just need to stay away from. 

For me, the Taoist water analogy fits very well with the second tradition: 

The supreme good is like water,
which nourishes all things without trying to
It is content with the low places that people disdain.
Thus it is like the Tao.

In dwelling, live close to the ground.
In thinking, keep to the simple.
In conflict, be fair and generous.
In governing, don't try to control.
In work, do what you enjoy.
In family life, be completely present.

When you are content to be simply yourself
and don't compare or compete,
everybody will respect you.

Again, for me, this means that my actions are my responsibility. By being myself and keeping things simple, by not entering into competition or comparisons, I have the strength to treat everyone with respect. 

How does let go and let God apply to tradition two?

For me, this means that I do not have to control anything, I do not have to determine anything, and that things will work themselves out if I let them follow their natural path. In meetings, this means that I have to give up the death-grip on control that I have established after years living with a drinking alcoholic. This means that I am freed to focus on myself and my own path, to contribute to the group as I am able, and that the group will take care of itself. 

How does this tradition help me to deal positively with authority at work?

For me, remembering that there is one authority, a loving God, has been hard in my workplace. My authority does not act loving, and in fact, I just recently took the step to obtain a new job, which I start on March 9. But, in the process, I treat others with respect, even if I disagree with the authorities I work with. Remembering that there is a loving God, helps me get through the day until I change.

 How does respect for other ideas enhance my environment in business and family?

Having respect is an important issue. With the difficulties Ive had with watching my AH relapse and struggle through making it a year in sobriety, Ive had a hard time being respectful of him as I believe is only fair. As Ive worked this program, that has become easier to do. Ive come to understand more of how alcoholism is a disease process, and Ive come to understand the struggles he has to deal with. Thus, Ive learned to give him the respect he deserves as a human being. Ive also learned to give my children the respect that they deserve. It has been a growth experience for me to treat others as I would like to be treated, despite my pain and anguish as Ive gone through this process of understanding and acceptance of alcoholism in my life.

 How does my relationship with HP help me to read respectful of others?

By praying for strength and guidance in my thoughts and actions and words. I do that on a daily basis. I also try to reflect on things that I am grateful for, which helps keep me grounded and helps me to be respectful and accepting of others.

How does let go and let God apply to tradition two?

For me, it truly tends to be a surrendering of worry, which is difficult for me. I am a worrier. It is hard to shut off my head. And the best example for me lately was when I accepted my current job for what/how it was, and accepted that I was doing the steps I could to leave, and stopping worrying about when/how that would happen. I got so discouraged about ever finding the right opportunity to grow in a new job. And I prayed a LOT! That was all I could do, is pray and just let it go. Then, opportunities arose, and from those opportunities, I did what I needed to do to move forward, interviews, etc., and after that, I let it go. And the new job just fell into my lap. Literally.