Free Spirits

Types of AA Meetings

Candlelight: Candlelight AA meetings are sessions in which members bring candles, usually white, that represent their hopes and goals. When each member shares, that member lights their candles as they discuss their challenges and successes.

Discussion: In New Mexico, AA discussion meetings are conversational in nature. Leaders will choose a central theme to discuss, often pulling inspiration from an AA text, such as As Bill Sees It. They’ll share their personal insights first, then allow others to do the same.

Meditation: Meditation AA meetings feature physical and emotional calmness as a main method of healing. The meetings open with 15 minutes of private mediation and close with an additional 5 minutes of meditation.

Open: In New Mexico, open AA meetings are available to anyone from the public who wants to attend. Members can share their stories and alcohol addiction recovery journeys, offering a look into how the program works and what the 12 step recovery model includes. Alcoholics and nonalcoholics are welcome.