Spirituality In Sobriety

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Recovery is a journey of self-discovery, healing, and transformation. It’s a path that demands resilience, courage, and a willingness to change. Many individuals find peace and strength in embracing spiritual principles.

When I was strongly encouraged to build a relationship with a Power greater than myself, I’ll tell you right now, I became very unmotivated to continue working the 12 Steps. I was born and raised Catholic and knew about God but thought that God was a mean and punishing person or thing in the sky. During active addiction when I didn’t get what I wanted or things weren’t going my way, I instantly blamed it on God. But doesn’t that mean that somewhere inside of me, I still believed in God because I still truly believed that everything going wrong in my life was His fault? I was certain God was not the answer to my problems. It had seemed He had not been doing a very good job with helping me sort things out so far, so why would it be any different now?

My perspective started to change when I finally realized and accepted that my ideas and answers to problems were not working. I remember when my sponsor told me to start hitting my knees every morning and night. I refused to do this for about two weeks until I went to her and asked her what I’m supposed to say when I am hitting my knees. Who am I even praying to? Her response changed my whole perspective on everything. She said, “The more you try, the more you can’t. Just get on your knees and say, ‘Whoever or whatever you are, please help me.’” So I started to do that and things eventually started getting better.

The more I try to understand God, the more I can’t understand Him. I need to always keep it simple. I had been trying to run my own life for so long and everything just kept getting worse. I came to realize that I don’t know everything. And at the end of the day, I am powerless over my addiction, my alcoholism, my compulsive behaviors, and I need something bigger than myself to rely on. I am not God. As I got further into my recovery, I picked up a sponsor that is Catholic. She helped me understand the faith in a way that I had never been taught before and today I am proud and glad to admit that I am Catholic. I made my way back to the faith and it wasn’t an immediate process. It took time. In the beginning, I would start with a simple prayer: Alright God, if you’re real, tell me what to do here. Help me get through this… And every single time, He came through.

One of the cornerstones of recovery is finding purpose and meaning in life. Spirituality often provides the answers to the questions that haunt us during challenging times. It can help you connect with a Higher Power, discover your life’s purpose, and find deeper meaning in your journey. Following daily meditations, reading God’s word, daily devotionals, prayer, meditation, and anything that you think would be helpful or align with your values and lifestyle can become one of the most beneficial and rewarding pieces of your recovery journey. You don’t have to be religious, just try different ways of praying and meditating out, and see what works best for you.

Spiritual principles such as forgiveness, compassion, and gratitude, can be powerful tools for emotional healing. They guide us in letting go of past resentments, fostering empathy for ourselves and others, and cultivating a sense of gratitude even in difficult situations. This emotional resilience can be a vital asset in recovery. Spiritual guidance provides an inner strength that can help you weather the storms of life. It offers a sense of peace, a source of hope, and the knowledge that you’re not alone in your struggles. This inner strength can carry you through some of the toughest moments in your recovery journey.

In the process of recovery, self-doubt and negativity can be major obstacles. Spiritual principles encourage positive thinking, self-acceptance, and the belief that change and growth is possible. This mindset shift can be a game-changer. Spirituality often leads to a sense of connection with others who share similar beliefs and values. This sense of community can be a valuable support system in recovery. You’ll find people who understand your struggles and can offer guidance and encouragement. These are all people on my safety net as I like to call it. They are those who I consider my close friends or acquaintances that bring forth and encourage positivity, offer genuine support, and contribute to my growth. God speaks through other people as well and when I get perspective from these people, I grow closer to my Higher Power as well. I strongly encourage you to establish your own safety net (five people you really trust that you can always call) if you don’t have one already.

Embracing spiritual principles isn’t just a temporary solution; it’s a lifelong commitment. These principles can guide you through the ups and downs of life and offer a continuous source of inspiration and guidance. Incorporating spiritual principles into your recovery journey is a deeply personal choice. It’s about finding what resonates with you and aligns with your beliefs. I like to tell people that have no religious background and struggle with a concept of a Higher Power that God is simply love. Whether you follow a specific religious tradition or simply seek a broader sense of spirituality, the importance of embracing these principles lies in the transformative power they offer. They can light your path, provide strength in moments of weakness, and ultimately lead you to a healthier, more fulfilling life in recovery.

Remember, you are never alone on this journey, and there is always a guiding light to follow.

Be a guiding light for the next person! I encourage you to share your experiences in the comment section below. How have you seen your Higher Power work miracles in your life? How has establishing a relationship with your Higher Power impacted your recovery?

There is always more serenity and freedom to be reached.

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