Caring

“We believe in sincerely caring about others and helping them to the best of our ability.”

Empathy in action.  A listening ear.  An understanding look.  Postponing a bit of business to spend time with a sponsee.  Recognizing that confusion has within it the potential for healing.  Stating with clarity a hard reality that is being avoided.  Offering to cover a chore for another who is feeling overwhelmed by circumstances.

Our commitment to caring for others stems from the recognition that no matter how far down the scale we have gone, we believe our stories can be of use to others.  Experience has also taught us how at times, the most useful response is simply being present, fully present.  Let’s call it attentive empathy.  Yes, I understand, for I was that way too.

As a community, both students and staff, we learn that living in a posture that is always willing to lend a helping hand also means recognizing that there is no garuntee that our efforts will be accepted or even effective.  Often times it calls for the insight to recognize that now is not the time, or that the best we can do in a certain situation is to get someone else involved.

We also remain attentive to the first attempts of a newcomer to show any level of concern for others.  Remembering to make a phone call that has been forgotten repeatedly.  Following through with a responsibility the first time after it has been blown off a dozen times.   Making a special request to speak with an ailing grandparent on their birthday, even though previous years the same celebration was ignored.  Progress along these spiritual lines is the awakening to our full humanity.

Clearly, this simple attitude helps us overcome the selfish self-centeredness that brought many of us to the doors of recovery.