Solidarity
by Fran Dancing Feather
Solidarity is a “solid” concept, usually referring to unity among a group or community of people based on common interests, objectives and standards. Our whole self-perception or identity is based on a solidarity that is either strongly intact or haphazardly scattered. Who am I? The answer to this question has much to define about our own personal solidarity and self-esteem. At this time of advanced worldwide communication and social networking our personal solidarity can influence positive change one day at a time. Most native peoples share within our own communities, a sense of Tribal solidarity. Members of various churches, clubs and recovery groups share a common solidarity. If we follow a set of organized principles outlined by any culture, tradition, country, genealogy or geography there is a sense of solidarity within us. If we live in the United States we share the common solidarity of being known as “Americans”, even though we may differ radically on ideas of politics, personal values, religion or national origin. However we perceive, judge or evaluate ourselves defines our personal solidarity. Do we see ourselves as victims or do we feel confident and strong? Are we powerless or powerful, young and strong or old and weak? Or are we older and stronger then ever? Perhaps we are young and filled with hope and enthusiasm as we face an exciting future.
Dignity, respect and a confident outlook on life characterize strong positive personal solidarity. In recovery, we learn that an attitude of gratitude changes everything for us. At first we have to practice making gratitude lists as we learn to grow into strong positive healed humans. Faith grows with the constant stream of miracles among us. As we help others, we begin to realize our own strengths and weaknesses. The steps heal our frailties and carrying the message helps us to discover our primary purpose. We don’t shoot our wounded. Instead we try to help and nurture them into lasting recovery. If they need additional help beyond what is available in meetings, we offer to help creatively search for resources, continuously increasing our own level of knowledge and wisdom. As sober humans, we find our place in this world through various means of experimentation and listening to and sharing with others. Fellowship is as vital as following the guidelines in the book and attending meetings. Remaining teachable is our greatest asset and sensible discernment, our greatest protection.
Solidarity is a dignified sense of maturity. After some time in recovery we have learned to stand tall and self-assured even in the face of conflict because we have learned to respond to the challenges in our lives rather then react to them. As the book says, we “meet calamity with serenity”. In that response, we find we have become dignified and solid self-actualizing adults. We have achieved solidarity within our recovery. As a group of recovering people, we have no opinion on outside issues. As individuals we surely do. We make informed decisions on our personal issues in regards to politics, religion or spirituality, culture and things like parenting and relationship values. Our personal views on subjects outside recovery are not appropriate to be expressed in meetings but they do form our individual solidarity and identity.
The most respected elders in Indian country are people of dignity who lead others to cultural solidarity and sovereignty that will provide not only survival as a race but nobility and respect for generations to come. Respected elders in recovery are much the same. They lead by example, strength and spiritual principles. In their eyes we see hope and courageous perseverance that promises us a better life than we have ever known. We do well to follow their lead by developing our own sacred values and principles that will hold strong and solid and lead others into the sunlight of the Spirit of Creation. A-Ho!
Website: http://frandancingfeather.com/