For 2024: Writings on the Steps 

 

While the Twelve Traditions guide us in the primary purpose of A.R.T.S. Anonymous, the Twelve Steps guide us to recover our inspiration and joy in expressing our creativity. What better way to celebrate 2024 than with a focus on the Steps that corresponds with each of the twelve months. Below in this February newsletter is one member’s contribution on Step Two. 

February’s Newsletter welcomes your response to Step 3: Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.   

The following series of questions are suggested as a guide when writing a response.  

• What does Step 3 mean to you? 
• How do you feel about Step 3? 
• How might Step 3 help your creative expression? 

It will be wonderful to receive your thoughts, feelings, and application of Step 3. Please send your response to the editors at newsletter@artsanonymous.org for possible publication. 

 

 

Step Two – A Personal Response 

Step 2: Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity. 

Sanity? Whatever could that even be?!? Well, after years of recovery, I will define it as solvency, an easily regained equilibrium, curiosity about people and their people-y ways, and a hefty dose of inner peace. Webster’s says that sanity is defined as being of sound mind and body.  

My family is quite people-y, and when I entered recovery, I didn’t quite GET “restore to sanity”, and then a fellow traveler suggested I substitute the word “clarity”. Yes, I wanted clarity and felt it coming into focus, caused by the higher power of a recovery fellowship and the process of step working etc. 

In A.R.T.S., we commit to bottom line sobriety of doing art for at least 5 minutes a day...

Click here for the complete essay

 

 

Help Wanted: A.R.T.S. Concept of Service 4 states in part that “Participation is the key to harmony.” From the “long form” of Concept 4: Member participation with A.R.T.S. Anonymous is inclusive and it is valued. Participation through service positions assist the growth and development of the trusted servant and A.R.T.S. Anonymous as a whole. When participation is lacking it affects the spirit of the group and it affects the balance of shared responsibility for the group to work effectively. What ensures harmonious relations will happen on the extent to which each service player understands and carries his or her proportion of the work. In A.R.T.S. leaders are but trusted servants. 

There are a number of ways to serve, including support for World Services. Perhaps there is something here that fits your talents and skills.

Click here for the list and descriptions

 

 

Self-Supporting Through our Own Contributions...

You might remember the good old days, before COVID. We passed the basket at our meetings. That money went for rent and to contribute to Inter-groups and World Service. Meetings bought and sold literature. 

Now that most meetings are on the phone or online platforms, it’s “free”, right? There’s “no need” to contribute to the meeting? But then how to pay fees for Meeting Delegates attending the World Service Conference. How to maintain a prudent reserve for the continued health of the meeting, and how to support A.R.T.S. World Services? 

If one member contributes their personal Zoom account on a consistent basis, the meeting is no longer self-supporting. Such an arrangement is also counter to the principle of rotation of leadership that makes service something we all engage in. It is the group that provides the safe, neutral place for those who seek to recover their creative expression. 
 

Click here for Guidance for Meetings and Treasurers