Has anyone here actually been to a real CODA meeting? I was thinking about attending one, (if I can find one in my area) and was wondering what I may expect,,, Thanks
The meetinqs that I went to were discussion meetinqs and characteristics meetinqs. In the early '90's the rooms were dominated by women. I'd suspect that this is more or less true today.
-- Edited by Dean on Thursday 31st of March 2011 04:23:42 AM
Im not sure if there is any near me and was thinking of going but curious what to expect.. There comes that fear again, afraid of being the only man there ... or a fear of maybe getting involved with someone there that is codependent also, thats just what I would need ;/
I have only been to a few some years back. there doesnt seem to be any close to where I live any more. When I went, I was afraid of the same thing you were steve. I went anyway, and was suprised to find two guys I saw from AA there. The meetings were just like AA only the focas was codependence. Only way through fear is through it brother. Glad to see you made it through that rough patch.
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"Sometimes the lights are all shining on me - other times I can barely see - Lately its occurred to me - what a long strange trip its been." Robert Hunter
I regularly attend a CoDA meeting in my area and we are doing a book study on the book, "Healing the Shame that Binds You" by John Bradshaw. We also read "The Language of Letting Go" by Melody Beattie. The group is well balanced with an equal number of men and women. We discuss the daily meditation out of the Melody Beattie book, then read out of the Bradshaw book. We each share about how the reading relates to our lives. We have also done meditation inner child work, and had movie nights. It is a wonderful, loving, supportive, powerful group and I cherish going each week. Heather
I've been attending CoDA for a little under two years & I absolutely love our home group. A small yet strong fellowship here in Liverpool, U.K. with bigger meetings in Manchester & Warrington (which I haven't attended yet!) We've also been running a co-sponsors stepgroup where several of us are working through the steps & traditions workbook.
I'm organising a retreat in Formby at the end of July to study through the Blue Book so a few of us can then go on to sponsor if asked! We've worked hard to be in a position to do this. The stepgroup will be starting again around May for more of us to develop our programs.
In answer to your question, we have a strict format for our weekly meeting as stipulated by the CoDA guidelines & which I think can be found on the main website. It includes the preamble, welcome, characteristics (new) & guide to sharing. We have a monthly rolling rota of step, tradition, story, share with a regular group conscience. We also have a spiritual time-keeper who allows everyone an equal time slot to share.
If ever any of you are here, contact me & I'll look after you! (in a healthy & loving way, of course ;) lol
-- Edited by Danielle on Friday 1st of April 2011 06:57:21 PM
