Traditions were designed by the original 12 steppers (AA) to help the groups get along and grow toward common ends. Something was needed that provided a loose structure/framework that would be consistent with the original 12 step philosophy and remain consistent and recognizable wherever a member found a meeting.
Much of this had to do with people working together to get well, while reaching out to others in need at the same time. In my life, the Traditions of 12 step programs have drastically improved my ability to undertake projects with others and to move away from my natural bent toward isolation (I am a loner at heart). Emotional coping started with the 12 steps while relationship building had far more to do with the skills picked up naturally in doing service-especially service that required teamwork as all committees do. Being sometimes a leader and sometimes not with no
management in either scenario, has taught me how to function at home and in the world at large and in business. Being a leader without being a boss is a wonderful and I believe Spiritual experience.
In my last post I said I would respond to the following:
"I am pondering the 9
th Tradition now too. Here we are told we must never be organized as a group, yet we can design boards/committees to serve our needs. For the co-dependant who is generally a control freak, the teachings here may go a long way. Loose structure (unconditional) vs tight structure (not so flexible). Where do you think the most recovery would be found?? I will respond next time?"
Well first off I must state that as a human I can only share me no matter what I am saying. So as is said in some 12 step work "take what you like and leave the rest!
For me, rules, structure, programming, rigidity and many more similar words suggest authority. Whenever adherence to a way becomes foremost, I find the program itself diminishes. Healing
seems to happen as expression becomes more free and wider. In other words, the greater the relaxed and serene a group of people are at any given time, the more sincere, truthful and complete will be the expression. Healing will thrive. The tighter the framework, the less apt are people to express. Unexpressed feelings may leave many less-healed than was possible. So how to run a recovery type meeting "not organized fashion" as this
tradition teaches? Very prayerfully, because every meeting is different and must be run by the Spiritual Power that oversees all. Seems the single most important thing is provision of equal sharing time for all who would speak, with minimal distraction and NO COMMENTS or REFERENCES to the
sharings, during or after the meeting. Leaders and more experienced members lead by example and refer to traditional values as needed (hopefully never to single someone out or damage expression as it happens). Bad vibes are felt strongly by the sensitive hurting puppy! Gentleness in our ways as leaders is of utmost importance; any new person feeling controlled or pressured, will suffer.
I like to share right at the beginning of my turn, exposing my condition (emotional),
whenever I am in a difficult place; so that others will understand that anything of a negative nature that comes from me, has zero to do with my trying to control or manipulate them. My sense is that those who require the stronger, more structured type meeting need simply be aware that healing or growth does not have a polished exacting look about it and seems to happen in the relaxed environments often totally unsought and many times, unnoticed. Think of the atmosphere in the shrinks office (good ones of course) where nothing seems to happen yet you go away lifted. Why? Does it matter? Same with 12 step meetings; people cannot go away feeling that they are being pressured to do, say, participate or anything else. There will be damage done! Love them and lead as leaders, God will do the rest!!
Step 10-We continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong promptly admitted it. 
