Seeking Spirituality

It is often said that the recovery journey is spiritual. But what does it really mean?

I hope I’m not being “picky” when I say this, but I really do think that it is important to look at what we are saying and be able to explain it.

To say that the recovery journey is spiritual means what?

I personally agree that recovery is spiritual and will share what it means to me. Perhaps you would take some time and consider what it means to you.

Always I begin by asking, what does the word spiritual mean?  It comes from a Latin word “spiritus” meaning breath, inspiration, life or energy.  Now I’m beginning to see the picture because I’m aware that spirituality is about living life not merely existing; it means revealing an energy that is both positive and creative; and for the more religious amongst us it connects us with the breath of God.  It also allows me to be poetic or to see beyond the mere words into meaning, the very essence of the word.

For most of us who are reading this article we can say that we are recovering from alcoholism or a drug addiction; or we know somebody who is suffering or has suffered from addiction.  And we sense that the “spiritual journey” is the opposite to the life lived in addiction.

What is the life of an addict?

Lonely?  Yes.  Depressing?  Yes.  Unhappy to the point that some people attempt suicide?  Yes.  Relationships riddled with violence and dishonesty?  Yes.  Would the word “unmanageably” apply to the addict?  Most assuredly!

The recovery journey is a moment away from all the above.

  • We are not alone.
  • Our lives become happy and productive.
  • We want to live.
  • We create healthy relationships.
  • We take responsibility for our lives in recovery.
  • We help and encourage others suffering from similar problems.

Now the word “spirituality” is coming alive.

Anything else?  Yes, we begin to take risks and embrace opportunities. We are now looking at life differently. Not just our life but the life that exists around us.  We live in a diverse world.

So you may say to yourself, what has that got to do with “spirituality?”  Well, excuse me.  How can we talk about diversity without including other cultures and other religions?  Buddhism and Hinduism are incredibly powerful forces in the world, interconnecting and occasionally influencing what happens in America.

I love America.  I became an American citizen because I value and appreciate the many things that this country has done for me.  But spiritually I also love and appreciate other countries and cultures in this world.

Why do I appreciate other countries?  Because I get to see the incredible ancient temples, shrines, Pagodas and museums that bring to life the ancient customs of an ancient people.    I also enjoy breathtaking scenery, the beautiful beaches and sailing down the fantastic rivers. I feel connected and sustained by God’s energy.

Earlier I said that spirituality allows me to be poetic.  How do I feed that artistic side of me that comes alive as I embrace recovery?

You feed it with creation.  Look around.  See what is in this world.  Taste new food.  Go to places you’ve only heard about or ‘seen’ on television. Experience a different path to God.  Remember, you can always come home.  All that I’m suggesting is that you experience something different that feeds your spirituality.

Isn’t that why we got into recovery in the first place?
We wanted to experience the adventure we saw in other people’s faces.

Years ago I took people on recovery cruises.  Then I arranged land trips to China.  In recent years I’ve taken spiritual seekers to Thailand, Vietnam and India.  Next year, 2010, I’m planning a spiritual journey to Egypt.

When people ask me, how do I find excitement in my life?  My response, do something that is exciting.  Experiencing foreign cultures is for me, exciting!

Spirituality is living with God’s breath inside of us.  Wow!  Think about that for a moment.  Now we can face anything.  Overcome our fears.  Take risks.  Entertain the different.  Change what is not working.

When I first arrived in Vietnam I felt at home.  There was some sort of spiritual connection that I felt. I stood in the airport and had that strange feeling I had been here before.  And sure enough, as the days went by, the Vietnamese people became my people.  I understood them without knowing their language.  A soul connecting with another soul.

This has been my experience.  I’m seeking spirituality not only in my life but in the diversity that surrounds me.  How are you seeking spirituality?

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