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Our First Tradition reminds us that we are One, and that our common welfare takes precedence over everything else regarding our fellowship. We recognize the equality of all individuals and honor the unique contribution of each person as essential to the functioning of the Whole. Affirming our interdependence, we balance self-interest with common good.
Our Traditions serve as a useful and practical guide on how to conduct the affairs of Benestrophe groups (as well as our individual lives) in a manner that reflects the greatest possible integrity and reverence for all Life. At all times, Sacred Relationship guides us toward our goal of Unity, Freedom, and Bliss.
A Benestrophe group is formed by a sponsor who determines the time and location of meetings. Groups may be of any size, either open to the public or private. Groups may meet for any length of time and any number of times. In some groups the sponsor conducts the meetings and performs the related tasks. In other groups the sponsor appoints someone to chair the meetings, facilitate group processes, or serve the group in other capacities.
All members of a Benestrophe group are equal. The sponsor assumes no authority to impose his or her personal views on anyone. The function of the sponsor is to serve, not to control or govern. Group sponsors have broad latitude in determining the size, orientation, format, and activities. The sponsor is a trusted servant, with a largely administrative role. As we come together in community, everyone supports everyone else. Sponsors never have the right to discipline anyone or insist that anyone participate in any particular way.
Benestrophe has no hierarchy of control. No matter how strongly anyone feels about what is the right way to do anything, they have no authority to impose their views on anyone else. When conflicts arise, we honor the Wholeness of Relationship and seek a win-win situation. Ultimate authority always rests in the power of Love as expressed by the consciousness of the group.
There is no such thing as individual authority in Benestrophe. Group decisions are arrived at through mutual agreement, reached after all elements of a problem
have been considered. The fact that we are equals encourages us to take an active part in the activities of our fellowship, always with the purpose of serving and helping, never of controlling.
The Twelve Steps of Benestrophe are a simple yet dependable process for healing relationships. At the heart of Benestrophe is the notion that all things are sacred parts of a Perfect and purposeful Whole. When we believe in separateness, we live at the mercy of fear, craving, and attachment. When we resonate with Unity, Freedom, and Bliss, we live in Love.
The yearning for Wholeness is the Heart’s call for Love. Without this fundamental yearning, we remain unwilling to relinquish our addiction to approval and control. When we recognize our worldly cravings as a distortion of our inner yearning for Wholeness, we embrace the higher consciousness of Love.
The yearning for Wholeness excludes no one. Everyone is included since everyone has this yearning. Every person meets the minimum requirement for belonging to Benestrophe; the only question is whether or not a person is willing to acknowledge their yearning. In every case, the choice is ours alone.
The creative process begins with choice. We join Benestrophe by so declaring. No vows are required. There is nothing to sign. We, of our own free will, acknowledge our yearning for Wholeness. In so doing, we become an active participant in the process of healing.
This Tradition deals with Freedom. Each sponsor is free to choose the particulars regarding the group’s meetings. This includes matters such as when and where to meet and how the various funds will be apportioned. This freedom, however, also carries with it a responsibility for preserving the Unity and effectiveness of Benestrophe throughout the world.
Freedom and responsibility go hand in hand. Each group is both free to choose its own course and is responsible for its relationship to other groups and the Benestrophe community as a whole. Every group considers carefully whether any proposed activity affects other groups or the fellowship of groups. If another group may somehow be affected, then all concerned are consulted before a decision to act is made. Benestrophe groups meet their own specific needs, while refraining from any action that might harm others.
Individual groups maintain no linkage of finance or control with each other, Benestrophe Central, or any other organization. Neither Benestrophe. Central, the Benestrophe fellowship, nor any Benestrophe group is affiliated with any nation, state, political party, religion, organization, or institution.
Benestrophe Central serves a communication function among Benestrophe groups. It does not monitor or endorse the content of meetings or other activities engaged in under the auspices of Benestrophe. Each Benestrophe group has sole responsibility for any exposure to liability; Benestrophe Central assumes none.
The Vision of Benestrophe, containing our Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions, guides us in our daily lives. When we align with this Vision, we resonate with Unity, Freedom and Bliss. To manifest unconditional Love we teach Love by the way we live.
Teaching Love by the way we live makes a distinction between guidance and advice. Guidance comes through sharing and listening with the Heart. Guidance does not impose a decision on someone or dictate a course of action. The use of this Tradition can prevent one member from assuming authority over another.
Teaching Love by the way we live means creating a sacred space where people feel safe to share their deepest and most painful secrets. Gossip, for example, destroys trust and distracts us from sharing our feelings. We guard against anything that stifles our self-expression and limits our willingness to experience the healing power of Love.
We teach Love by the way we live to bring about the transformation of consciousness beginning with the individual and ultimately extending to the entire world. Through the practice of Sacred Touch and the vehicle of Sacred Relationship, we transform separation and fear into Wholeness and Love.
Our common focus is essential to our effectiveness, and is maintained in the face of great diversity through our reading of The Vision of Benestrophe every time we meet. It is the responsibility of the group sponsor to make certain that each participant gets a copy of The Vision at each meeting. Whenever possible, members should take turns reading The Vision around the circle, with each person reading a paragraph aloud until the entire Vision has been read. While this is happening, each participant reads along silently as The Vision is read aloud.
Our Sixth Tradition clarifies the use of the registered service mark Benestrophe. Benestrophe Central registered the word “Benestrophe” as a service mark. The term ''Benestrophe'' must be applied only to that which aligns with our Twelve Steps and The Vision of Benestrophe. It is illegal for anyone to apply this word to a commercial enterprise without the express written permission of Benestrophe Central.
Benestrophe Relationships are spiritual in nature. Buildings, meeting places and facilities used by Benestrophe groups are not themselves called Benestrophe. Products may not use Benestrophe as a label or a brand name without prior approval of Benestrophe Central.
At present, and for as far into the future as we can see, Benestrophe and Benestrophe Central is strictly non-profit, donations appreciated but not required. Enjoy Benestrophe and your Benestrophe Group. Please keep us informed of your progress but don't send money. Thanks
Rev. David E. Howell
Sponsors set dues or take voluntary contributions. The use of these funds is at the discretion of the sponsor. The sponsor is responsible for complying with all applicable local, state, and federal laws. Any fees or taxes are the responsibility of the group sponsor.
Benestrophe Central supplies services to all Benestrophe groups. Benestrophe Central disseminates useful information gathered from throughout the fellowship. Benestrophe Central supports all affiliated groups as a central clearing house for ideas. The primary function of Benestrophe Central is to facilitate our work together as we bring about the transformation of consciousness on our planet.
In return for these services, the sponsor of each group agrees to contribute to Benestrophe Central ten percent of group revenue. This amount should be forwarded to Benestrophe Central on a monthly basis. The interests of each Benestrophe group and the entire Benestrophe fellowship as a whole are served by honoring this financial commitment to Benestrophe Central.
Our Eighth Tradition emphasizes that service rather than profit is the primary motivation for participation in Benestrophe. Our primary focus is, at all times, spiritual rather than material.
Motivation by money, control, or prestige has no place in the Benestrophe fellowship. Benestrophe sponsors and members are free to pursue any profit-making activities they wish, and individuals are encouraged to become entrepreneurs if they are so inclined. However, the profit motive is never the primary motivating factor when participating in Benestrophe. The spirit of gratitude and the sincere desire to share our fellowship with others is always the primary motivation behind our activities.
This tradition does not give us license to judge the motivations of others. We can only evaluate that which is in our own Heart. When examining our own motivations, The Twelve Steps of Benestrophe are a reliable source of guidance.
Our Ninth Tradition defines the structural relationship between members and groups, and between groups and Benestrophe Central. Too much structure diverts our attention from our primary purpose by making us rigid and depriving us of needed spontaneity. Too little structure, on the other hand, makes us ineffective by creating uncertainty and chaos. Whenever possible, structure is minimized to favor the Self-organizing power of Love. Flexibility is maintained in all matters, including the format of group meetings.
Benestrophe groups have the freedom to create committees with clearly defined functions and responsibilities. These committees meet often enough to conduct business efficiently.
Benestrophe has no hierarchy of control. When everyone supports everyone else, the harmonious participation of the fellowship creates the healing miracle of Love. All interactions between Benestrophe Central, Benestrophe sponsors, and Benestrophe members are guided by the spirit of Trust.
Our Tenth Tradition establishes The Vision of Benestrophe as our source of guidance. Benestrophe groups take no positions on outside issues. This policy prevents the Benestrophe name from ever being drawn into public controversy. The Tenth Tradition is intended to protect the Benestrophe name, not limit our freedom to express a position on any issue. However, when speaking in public, members take care not to express opinions in such a way as to implicate Benestrophe.
Guided by The Vision of Benestrophe and these Twelve Traditions, members are free to do whatever they wish in their groups. Through exploration, we gain wisdom. By living The Twelve Steps of Benestrophe, we create planetary change through the transformation of individual consciousness.
Members entrusted with responsibilities never use their Benestrophe roles as titles, either within the group or in public. This requirement emphasizes that no one person speaks for Benestrophe; The Vision of Benestrophe speaks for itself. Newcomers who want to know specifics regarding the principles of Benestrophe are referred to The Vision of Benestrophe.
Rather than a crusade to force specific solutions on global problems, Benestrophe creates subtle change in the world through the continued evolution of our own consciousness. By living The Twelve Steps of Benestrophe, our Hearts open and we bring forth change in the world through the interconnectedness inherent in all living consciousness.
Our Eleventh Tradition establishes the principle of anonymity. Because the essence of the Benestrophe experience is letting go of ego, anonymity is a fundamental element of our spiritual path.
The Tradition of anonymity applies only to our relationship with the media. Within a particular group, members are allowed to reveal their names if they care to. This tradition forbids us from using our full name in association with Benestrophe in a public manner. For example, if we are talking about Benestrophe on a radio or television program, we must do so while maintaining anonymity. Facilitators at intensives cannot be identified by full name in advertising for the event.
We attract others by the Love we radiate. We carry the message wherever our intuition and common sense tell us we should. Personal ambition has no place in the Benestrophe fellowship. We publicize our principles, not the individuals who belong to Benestrophe. We maintain anonymity at the level of press, movies, radio, television, computer transmissions, and the Internet. As members of Benestrophe, we honor this tradition of anonymity to the best of our ability.
By honoring our Eleventh Tradition, we foster humility, sacrificing our personal ambition for the common good of the fellowship. The humility we know through letting go of craving for approval and control is the spiritual essence of anonymity.
With this Tradition, we are reminded to respect confidentiality in all sharing. The chairperson at meetings reminds the participants that sharing in Benestrophe is confidential.
Humility recognizes the uniqueness of individuals. Releasing the desire for approval and control is the substance of humility Unity and selfless service are expressions of humility in action. With this Tradition, we are reminded that humility is our safeguard and that we each serve as a guardian of our healing community.
Whenever faced with uncertainty regarding the practical application of any of The Traditions, we go within, ask for knowledge of the highest good for all concerned, and trust the answer that comes from the Heart.
We do not live in a static universe. The Twelfth Tradition allows us to be responsive to our evolving world. This Tradition establishes the mechanism through which changes, if any, may be implemented.
From time to time, Benestrophe Central may wish to amend or revise The Vision of Benestrophe, the Twelve Steps, the Twelve Traditions, or any other aspect of the fellowship. In considering changes, Benestrophe Central welcomes input from all groups and their members. Benestrophe Central takes into consideration feedback it receives from all sources. In return, groups and members entrust Benestrophe Central with the ultimate decision-making authority in matters having to do with changes.
Any proposed changes are given consideration for a significant period of time prior to being approved or rejected. Once approved, changes are published and are put into effect. This procedure affords that all proposed changes receive a sufficient period of time for consideration prior to being approved or rejected.
Benestrophe groups and members are ever vigilant to insure that the essential message of The Vision of Benestrophe remains intact. Any proposed changes are carefully evaluated in accordance with our purpose-to teach Love by the way we live. By accepting change when change is necessary, we surrender to the Perfection of the moment.
Benestrophe is being here now!
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