Writing this post on my phone, which, given my experience tonight is HIGHLY ironic. Just got back from speaking at a Meeting. 10:30pm AA Meeting. On a Monday night. In the Utility Room of a Parking Garage.
Rarely have I felt so blocked when speaking. It's because I had to keep pulling myself back from starting every sentence with the phrase: "Put the fucking cell phone down." small meeting but the cool kids in the back couldn't be bothered to stop texting -- I'm a long way from the idea that you have to listen to ME in the meeting. But I do believe you have to LISTEN in the meeting.
There's more to this story, but the technology is working against me tonight.
Suffice to saythat by the end of the meeting I was glad I didn't go there...
More tomorrow.
... and you stayed sober.
Posted by: dAAve | October 18, 2011 at 03:24 AM
10.30pm. Gosh. Congratulations on not falling asleep or turning into a pumpkin.
Posted by: Daisy Anon | October 18, 2011 at 04:51 AM
I agree with you on both points. It IS annoying to have individuals in a meeting; incessantly txting instead of paying attention. - AND that it wasn't your problem to address. I know what you mean that its annoying to have people not paying attention by indulging in such frivolities when this is a life and death matter.
I have from time to time been guilty of a txt during a mtg, but it is the exception. Usually a quick response, IN A MEETING ;) CALL YOU LATER. I have actually txtd to another person IN a meeting once or twice.
I do have the big book APP on my droid, and have done searches in it to make a quotation reference to share, to only be scolded by an old timer who thought I was just txting. The comment caused more interruption than anything and embarrassed the old timer.
I appreciate and have gratitude to my higher power for my sober day today & Love this blog! :) thank you for this site. its always a part of my morning.
Posted by: Warren L | October 18, 2011 at 05:26 AM
My home group actually asks people to silence their devices (phones etc) and to step outside if they need to text etc. so that they don't distract others in the meeting. It's worded very politely and gets the point across, before the meeting starts, that we are all there for a meeting.
Your story made me laugh this morning. I have learned more about tolerance in AA meetings than anywhere else - mostly by learning to tolerate people/events that drive me crazy.
Posted by: Lulu | October 18, 2011 at 06:09 AM
Not everyone on their phone is texting. Would anyone ask the knitter or the guy that draws in his sketchbook at every meeting to stop what they are doing? If someone has to use minor distractions to stay in a meeting, well, at least they aren't drinking.
Posted by: Scott W | October 18, 2011 at 06:14 AM
I know what you mean about "the cool kids in back of the room." The Thursday night meeting I attend is also attended by a number of young folk from a diversion program. The Lady who operates the program has taken to collecting cell phones before the meeting.
I attend another meeting where cell phones are seldom an issue because reception is almost non-existent.
Posted by: Ivan Toblog | October 18, 2011 at 09:59 AM
hmmm can't wait to read tomorrow's post. (I'll be up at 4:44 am central. that's when my Higher Power wakes me up for some reason!)
Posted by: Bobby D. | October 18, 2011 at 08:35 PM
I think the knitting is a bit different, as a lot of knitters can knit automatically while paying attention to the external environment.
With texting you are not present to the people you are with and it is no different to having a private conversation imo.
Posted by: Daisy Anon | October 19, 2011 at 03:37 AM
Frankly I am SICK of it. I am old school and when I see these brats in meetings texting and scrolling grindr, it makes my blood boil. This is in a meeting where there IS a group announcement to shut your phones off. These selfcentered brats don't think it applies to them.
Posted by: LG Wolf | November 05, 2012 at 12:20 AM