Emotions Anonymous original literature

HELPFUL CONCEPTS

1. We come to EA to learn how to live a new way of life through the twelve-step program of Emotions Anonymous which consists
of Twelve Steps, Twelve Traditions, concepts, the Serenity Prayer, slogans, Just for Todays, EA literature, weekly meetings,
telephone and personal contacts, and living the program one day at a time. We do not come for another person—we come to help
ourselves and to share our experiences, strength, and hope with others.
2. We are experts only on our own stories, how we try to live the program, how the program works for us, and what EA has done
for us. No one speaks for Emotions Anonymous as a whole.
3. We respect anonymity—no questions are asked. We aim for an atmosphere of love and acceptance. We do not care who you are
or what you have done. You are welcome.
4. We do not judge; we do not criticize; we do not argue. We do not give advice regarding personal or family affairs.
5. EA is not a sounding board for continually reviewing our miseries, but a way to learn to detach ourselves from them. Part of our
serenity comes from being able to live at peace with unsolved problems.
6. We never discuss religion, politics, national or international issues, or other belief systems or policies. EA has no opinion on
outside issues.
7. Emotions Anonymous is a spiritual program, not a religious program. We do not advocate any particular belief system.
8. The steps suggest a belief in a Power greater than ourselves. This can be human love, a force for good, the group, nature, the
universe, God, or any entity a member chooses as a personal Higher Power.
9. We utilize the program—we do not analyze it. Understanding comes with experience. Each day we apply some part of the
program to our personal lives.
10. We have not found it helpful to place labels on any degree of illness or health. We may have different symptoms, but the
underlying emotions are the same or similar. We discover we are not unique in our difficulties and illnesses.
11. Each person is entitled to his or her own opinions and may express them at a meeting within the guidelines of EA. We are
all equal—no one is more important than another.
12. Part of the beauty and wonder of the EA program is that at meetings we can say anything and know it stays there.
Anything we hear at a meeting, on the telephone, or from another member is confidential and is not to be repeated to
anyone—EA members, mates, families, relatives or friends.

THE TWELVE TRADITIONS

1. Our common welfare should come first; personal recovery depends on EA unity.
2. For our group purpose there is but one ultimate authority—a loving God as He may express Himself in our group conscience. Our leaders are but trusted servants; they do not govern.
3. The only requirement for EA membership is a desire to become well emotionally.
4. Each group should be autonomous except in matters affecting other groups or EA as a whole.
5. Each group has but one primary purpose—to carry its message to the person who still suffers from emotional problems.
6. An EA group ought never endorse, finance or lend the EA name to any related facility or outside enterprise, lest problems of money, property and prestige divert us from our primary purpose.
7. Every EA group ought to be fully self-supporting, declining outside contributions.
8. Emotions Anonymous should remain forever nonprofessional, but our service centers may employ special workers.
9. EA, as such, ought never be organized; but we may create service boards or committees directly responsible to those they serve.
10. Emotions Anonymous has no opinion on outside issues; hence, the EA name ought never be drawn into public controversy.
11. Our public relations policy is based on attraction rather than promotion; we need always maintain personal anonymity at the level of press, radio and films.
12. Anonymity is the spiritual foundation of our traditions, ever reminding us to place principles before personalities.

ADMINISTRATIVE CONCEPT XII — PRINCIPLES

The spiritual principles for EA world services are contained in the spirit of our organization as a
whole.

Our personal spiritual awakening is the result of the Twelve Steps. Applying spiritual principles is
also the goal of EA service. Through spiritual practice we find the freedom to live
courageously and joyously. Four main principles or points are of use in our continuing world
service: Point one gives specific direction on prudent financial management. Point two
protects each member from absolute authority and reinforces the Right of Participation. Point
three expresses deep respect for the spirit of freedom in our fellowship. There is regard for the
views of all and the directive that all decisions are reached by discussion, vote, and whenever
possible, unanimity. Point four reaffirms the high value we set on our liberties and restates the
democratic nature of our fellowship.

In EA the individual members and groups hold extraordinary democratic power. It is through their
prudent, responsible, and loving exercise of their liberties that the fellowship of EA can
continue to grow, bringing comfort and hope to millions more in need of its help.

67 Administrative Concepts.pdf (223 KB)