The meetings vary in tone, intensity, and content. Some are more socially oriented, like lunch meetings. Its best to listen (not just with your ears) at first, it helps to pick up the emphasis.
Some people call "the rooms" their god, relying on the meeting's feel or presense. Others call the People who attend the rooms their god, and find their synchronistic 'messages' through the spoken portion of the meetings.
"Good Orderly Direction" is acceptable terminology at most 12 step meetings. The Serenity prayer can be said without the word God, the emphasis being on the wisdom, peace and quiet.
With the Lord's Prayer, I believe "give us our daily bread" is changed to "give us our daily strength"-- this is said at Gay AA often.
AA is typically more religious-toned than NA. At both, people are generally understanding of beginners and not wanting to go monotheistic, but that varies by meeting and group.
"the moment"
"simplicity"
"progress, not perfection"
are common themes for discussion, these are more spiritual to me than religious.
There are "home groups"-- where one finds enough common bond to stick with the group 3 days per week. Each meeting type and group has its own tone, which is made by the people getting together.
Hope it works with you, not for you. |