How to Remain Spiritual in Recovery
Spirituality means different things to different people. To feel a connection to a higher power takes some thought and intentional action. Spirituality can help us derive a sense of meaning and purpose from our experiences. Maintaining a practice takes some work. Find some tips for remaining spiritual in recovery to boost your mental and physical well being.
Don’t Need Religion
Spirituality has both positive and negative connotations. People have many responses to spirituality versus religion. While many people in substance abuse treatment may associate spirituality with religion, you don’t need a religion to connect with a spiritual practice. An inherent quality in human beings has been the basis for existential question such as who am I and what my place is in the world. Relationships with others, with nature, with a higher power or source are all important keys to developing a better, more intentional life going forward.
Holistic Recovery
Many people in beginning stages of recovery may struggle to incorporate spirituality into a wellness plan. There are many reasons for this distance, mostly it stems from religious experiences. This feeling can be one of being abandoned or forgotten by their god, or a disconnectedness with the spirit. Holistic recovery is about connecting with something that incorporates mind, body, and soul that are inseparable pieces of a whole being.
Practices of Spirituality
Maintaining a spiritual practice requires first knowing how it connects back to yourself and the world around you. If you are not sure then you are taking the first good step at understanding what makes you feel connected. A good way to begin is to try things others have used to connect with spirituality including:
- Practicing gratitude
- Being in nature
- Walking, standing, or sitting meditation
- Mindfulness
- Practicing yoga
- Reciting mantras or other uplifting sayings
- Drawing, painting, journaling, or doing other creative things
Practice Time
The best way to connect with spirituality is find 15-20 minutes at the start or end of your day to form a space where you connect with yourself. This may take weeks and months to develop but it can be done. You may broaden your practice as you let go of any ideas about how your spirituality should look.
The Last Resort provides a safe, supportive environment for men in a retreat-like setting. Nature is an important component of recovery and healing. We strive to provide a place of enrichment that cultivates the inner as well as the outer journey of recovery. However you find your way to the Last Resort, we endeavor to provide a haven where you can journey through recovery, feeling like your life and story have meaning and a purpose. Contact us now!