Every OA group ought to be fully self-supporting, declining outside contributions. 
    -Tradition Seven

In the past week, three of the people closest to me all experienced some stage of grief from death of people close to them. This morning, I zoomed into the last few minutes of my home group OA meeting (after a very good night’s sleep and morning meditation) where I heard a share on Tradition Seven.  In the few minutes I attended, I had a spiritual awakening.    

In the chapter Working With Others, we learn that intensive work with another compulsive eater is immunity against destructive behaviors with food. There are many other places in our literature that address the concept of getting out of ourselves and being of service to others as an imperative part of our healing. Yet, I have also learned that I need to have something to give in order to “give it away.”  This is where Tradition Seven comes in. By incorporating Tradition Seven into my daily spiritual practices, this week I was able to take care of myself AND be present to the people in my life who were experiencing pain and loss.  I was able to be of service in ways that were meaningful to each of them.
I cannot give from an empty well. You all have taught me how to take care of myself so that I can then give care to those around me.  Thank you for teaching me how to be!  

Atiya M.Durham, NC, USA919-302-1030 (no text messages, please)myserenitymypeace@hotmail.com