Alternate Format – 2 Welcome
to the circle of the _____Group. (Chairperson introduces himself or herself.) There
is a place in our circle for all who are seeking sobriety. All are equal in the
circle – in our alcoholism and in our sobriety. There is no beginning and no
end – only the opportunity for continuous sobriety. It is believed that through
the circle of life we are connected to all things. The circle connects us to
each other and the fire connects us all to the Creator. The
burning of sage is called smudging. It is traditionally used to prepare and
purify a person, place, or thing for a time of openness and truth in the
presence of our Creator. Prior to the meeting, the room has been smudged and
each of you has had the opportunity to be smudged as you have joined our
circle.. For
the Native American the holy silence is the voice of The Creator. Silence
is the absolute balance of body, mind, and spirit. The fruits of silence are
self-control, true courage or endurance, patience, dignity, and reverence.. Silence
is the cornerstone of character. Note*
The Center of the circle belongs to the Creator; please observe the stretching
of your legs and feet as to not disrupt the center. We
welcome all visitors to our circle. Is there anyone here for their very first
A.A. meeting? Welcome. This is not a typical A.A. meeting. If you have any
questions please stay after the meeting and we will answer any that you might
have. Open
the meeting We
will now observe a period of silence for the sick and suffering alcoholics Preamble:
Alcoholics Anonymous is a fellowship of men and women who share their
experience, strength, and hope with others so they may solve their common
problems and help others to recover from alcoholism. The only requirement for
membership is a desire to stop drinking. There are no dues or fees for A.A.
membership; we are self-supporting through our own contributions. A.A. is not
allied with any sect, denomination, politics, organization or institution; does
not wish to engage in any controversy; neither endorses nor opposes any causes.
Our primary purpose is to stay sober and help others recover from
alcoholism. I
have asked a friend to read the “Twelve Steps around the Medicine Wheel”. Now
the “The Red Road” will be read. Now,
The Power of the Circle This
is an open meeting of Alcoholics Anonymous. Please keep your comments brief so
that everyone will have a chance to share because our time is limited. Sharing
will proceed around the circle in a clockwise manner we will use a talking
stick. Only the person holding the stick may speak until he/she is done.. IN my
Tradition-Native active listening means that we do not look at the person
speaking, but rather keep or heads down as the stick is passed from one to
another. If you identify with what is being said, you may grunt, hum etc. when
the speaker is finished they will pass the stick saying A-HO, which we repeat (sort
of like an amen ) Introduce
the topic, sometimes we tell/or read a story, or mediation from an Elder
(naigso-aa or white bison) and corresponding passage from the Big Book. The
talking stick is then passed from East gate clockwise. In
accordance with the Seventh Tradition, the basket will be passed for expenses
and support of this meeting and Alcoholics Anonymous unity. Briefly,
are there any announcements? At
8:30 P.M., if it is apparent that the meeting will run late announce,
"It's about 8:30 The meeting will continue until the complete circle has
shared. If you have to leave, we understand - thanks for coming and keep coming
back." We
hold hands so that spirit may move freely among us. The “Indian Prayer” O Great
Spirit- will be read. We
close with a tobacco prayer. Pass the bowl around clockwise, each person take a
pinch. Then in turn from east gate, walks to face the east- stating prayer
(silent or aloud), putting their tobacco into the fire, to be burned later in
sacred fire (fire dept. regs) returns to their seat having complete the circle
in clockwise manner. The
leader for the evening meeting breaks the circle in a clockwise direction,
greeting each one in turn with handshake or hug. Others, in like manner,
follow. Then we eat/Fellowship
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