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every once in a while i need to be reminded that if i am not growing spiritually i am on my way back towards active addiction. these reminders can overt, like this reading this morning or subtle such as the consequences of acting out in self-will. a friend reminded me the other day, that one way to look at our condition is that we are spiritual beings that share the human experience. society and culture reminds me to take care of myself physically by watching my weight, treating existing conditions with medication, exercising and quitting the various behaviors that endanger my physical being i need to be reminded with equal vigor to mind my spiritual health. for me that means treating the disease of addiction with a spiritual regimen of prayer, meditation, daily self-examination, step work, service work and sharing my whole self with those who love and care for me. it is so easy for me to neglect this simple regimen because i get caught up in the demands of the material world. after all, if i do not work and pay my bills, i will soon not have the creature comforts that i have grown accustomed to, and if i am not comfortable how can i possibly work on my spiritual life.
thinking about that last statement shows me where i am mistaken. the material gifts i have been given are a direct result of the spiritual path that i have embarked on. when i was using i was barely alive physically. emotionally and spiritually i was a shell of a person without with a tiny spark of life, and worse yet i thought i was content being that way. today i do not have to settle for mere spiritual survival, i have been given the tools to thrive spiritually and become whatever i was intended to be -- a complete being physically, emotionally and spiritually active. it is my choice to throw that away or continue on the journey as it has been laid before me. while that journey has not been easy, rewards are worth every bit of effort i needed to put forth. today i will recommit myself to continuing the work i have started and see what happens.
∞ DT ∞