When we first became Overeater Anonymous members, little did we think about the inner workings of the program. We did not know that there were twelve traditions that were designed to keep our meetings and service bodies on track. Alcoholic Anonymous went before us to break the ground in creating these traditions and we owe them a debt of thanks for allowing us to adopt them as our own. These traditions can apply effectively to all human relationships inside and outside of OA.
Today I wish to address Tradition One: “Our common welfare should come first; personal recovery depends upon OA unity.”
The Spiritual Principle of Tradition One is ‘Unity’.
Many of us, when we were thick into our disease, isolated. We refused to let others witness our depravity, our insanity, thus the compulsion, being progressive, became more than we could bear, and in the depths of despair, we hit, as they say, BOTTOM!
Through guidance from our Higher Power, we came through the doors of OA. Suddenly, in our brokenness we discovered we were not alone. Others suffered the same compulsions. Others obsessed over overeating, body image, suffered shame every time they overate. Others had obsessive thoughts and character flaws and personality defects. Others had similar warts! When we were in a room with these imperfect brothers and sisters, we felt we finally had found a home. Our disease and insanity were understood. We were welcomed with smiles. There was laughter in these rooms. Most of all we were loved unconditionally. These scenarios, my friends, are the definition of UNITY! ‘All for one and one for all’
OA unity is a matter of life and death to us. OA members come from diverse backgrounds. We encounter brothers and sisters with different approaches to recovery. What is important, however, is keeping the needs of the ‘group’ in mind as we share our experience, strength and hope. It is every member’s duty to protect the spirit of unity and mutual support. If it is our turn to lead a meeting, we need to make certain to remind all in attendance to observe and respect the group conscience if it is being ignored.
Unity does not mean uniformity. We can disagree with others on important issues, that is why we have ‘group consciences’ from time to time, where we listen to others with open minds, and we learn to express ourselves without insisting that everyone must do things our way. It becomes easier to find ways of doing things that meet everybody’s needs.
The First Tradition of unity reminds us of an important truth: we are not alone. We are connected to our fellow human beings. Our emotional and spiritual health depends on the health of our relationships. The disease of compulsive eating which once isolated us, has now led us to OA. Here, in local and virtual groups, sponsorship roles, intergroups and service boards, regional assemblies, and OA Worldwide, we are learning to connect with other people in ways that nurture all of us as we recover together.
Compiled by Avalon M
https://www.oacfi.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/2025-01_newsletter.pdf (p.7) – All pictures used in their newsletter are sourced from Pixabay
Did you enjoy this article? We would encourage our members to use this post, and others like it, at their meetings, or for private reflection. We also encourage you to share this post to other fellows to help the compulsive eater who still suffers. Please let us know if you have an idea for an article or an upcoming theme, or have any questions or suggestions. Email our editorial staff at [email protected].
The experience, strength, and hope expressed in this article, reflect the individual OA members and does not represent OA as a whole. Other OA groups and service bodies are welcome to reprint articles from Experience, Strength & Hope Newsletter without permission. When reprinting from other OA newsletters, be sure to credit the source.
