ALL Our Traditions

Our Twelfth Tradition states: "Anonymity is the spiritual foundation of all our traditions, ever reminding us to place principles before personalities."

Principle:  A fundamental truth that serves as the foundation for a system of belief or behavior or for a chain of reasoning.

I've looked up anonymity enough times to know that it comes from the Greek root meaning "without a name."  No name known or given.  Something without distinguishing characteristics.  If you think you have a hold on this concept try giving a gift or money to someone without taking credit for it.  Yeah, it's not that easy.

Here's something from the text of Ten: "The spiritual substance of anonymity is sacrifice.  Because A.A.'s Twelve Traditions repeatedly ask us to give up personal desires for the common good, we realize that the sacrificial spirit - well symbolized by anonymity - is the foundation of them all."

Let me repeat: the characteristic of anonymity, expressed is selfless service to others, is the foundation of ALL of our Traditions.  That's a pretty big concept.

So is the precept that it's usually for the best when we give up our fascination with our own personal needs and wants and instead concentrate on what's best for the common good.  We could use some of that in our modern society.  Individualism is all well and good until it becomes nothing more than pure selfishness.

And here's a suggestion for most of us jumpy people - no social media for a half hour after you get up and no social media the half hour before you jump into bed.  Trust me - there's nothing going on that can't wait that half hour and it just might calm your brain down a tad.