15 Ways to Understand Tradition Six of AA

1. **Education**: Begin with understanding the 12 traditions of AA in general, these traditions are used to manage the internal operations of the Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) groups themselves. 2. **Read AA Literature**: There's a wealth of insight in AA literature and readings that explain its traditions, including tradition 6. The AA official website is one good source. 3. **Open Group Discussions**: Engage in group discussions on Tradition 6 to get different perspectives and understand the implications of this tradition. 4. **Attend AA Meetings**: Regular attendance can provide real-life context and experiences which often better illustrate concepts like tradition 6. 5. **Understand AA's Primary Purpose**: Get a comprehensive understanding of AA's primary purpose, which is to help alcoholics to overcome their issues. 6. **Principle Above Personal Interest**: Realize that AA Tradition 6 is about putting the primary purpose above any form of personal or commercial gain. 7. **Recognize Institutional Neutrality**: Understand that Tradition 6 aims for AA to remain institutionally neutral in order to focus on its main objectives. 8. **Ask Questions**: If you have any doubts or are uncertain about anything, ask. The AA is a community that values openness and support. 9. **Share Your Understanding**: Share your grasp of Tradition 6 with others. This can deepen your own understanding and help others, too. 10. **Analyze Past Mistakes**: Tradition 6 is written with past mistakes in mind. Understanding these can teach you why the tradition matters. 11. **Consult With More Experienced Members**: More experienced members or sponsors can provide unique insights and real-life examples of practicing this tradition. 12. **Reflect on External Influence**: Reflect on how unhealthy affiliations or distractions could potentially divert AA's primary purpose. 13. **Understand Non-endorsement**: Realize the value of AA's commitment to non-endorsement, that it helps maintain the focus on the group's primary purpose. 14. **Anonymity and Humility Practice**: This tradition supports AA's broader principles of anonymity and humility, understanding these ties can be valuable. 15. **Relating Tradition to Personal Sobriety**: Just as AA shouldn't be distracted by external things, consider how your own sobriety could be influenced if you were to ignore principle in favor of personal gain. It's helpful to see these regulations as part of a bigger picture that can be applied directly to your everyday life.