We all see the world through a lens of our individual experiences and upbringing. It is easy to assume that our experience is truth, that what we see and feel is what everyone sees and feels. As people suffering from addiction, we soon learn that our substance use distorts the lens through which we see the world. A spiritual awakening is a moment of clarity when the lens is removed, and we see things as they actually are.
So, what does a spiritual awakening add to recovery? Can we get sober without an awakening? How do we seek these experiences?
(Luis Quintero/pexels)
What Does a Spiritual Awakening Add to Recovery?
Addiction attacks the foundation of our self-identity. We are individuals with strengths and weaknesses, creatures of value. No two of us are the same, and we all bring something unique and remarkable to this experience called life.
Seen through the lens of addiction, however, we lose sight of our higher selves. We forget we have talents and skills that can help people. We forget moments of contentment and love and drown in a world of self-pity, pain, and regret. We lose sight of our spirit and focus solely on the suffering body.
The 12-step program used in many addiction recovery centers addresses the damage done to the spirit. Our progress hinges on treating the whole person, not just one aspect of our lives. The steps teach us to:
- Admit we are powerless against our addiction and that we cannot win the battle alone. This prepares us to accept help and to ask for support when we feel weak.
- Seek a higher power. In Christian-based rehabilitation centers, we teach that a higher power is God, but people have had success connecting with nature, with a higher calling, or other spiritual practice. The primary difference is a matter of identity. In the Christian faith, we are children of God. We are so precious that God sent His Son, Jesus Christ, who laid down His life to atone for our sins and sufferings. He did so because He wanted us to return to our heavenly home and live with God and Jesus forever. There is power in knowing we are loved so much.
- Surrender our will to our higher power. We admit going our own way hasn’t worked out for us, and we agree to seek greater understanding and a higher purpose going forward.
- Seek clarity. While our lens was distorted, we did things we would never do while sober. We hurt people we never thought we’d hurt. Now is the time to get real with ourselves about what drugs and alcohol did to us and how it affected the lives of those we love.
- Make amends. Having sought clarity, we seek forgiveness for our wrongs from our higher power, the people we hurt, and ourselves. It is important to note that our success in this step is not dependent on receiving forgiveness from people we hurt. It may take time for them to let go of hurt feelings. The important part is we take full responsibility for our actions.
- Accept ourselves. We are imperfect beings. Learning to accept our imperfections is the first step to loving ourselves. When we love ourselves, we make better choices for our health and well-being. We make better choices on who we spend time with and how we live.
- Ask for help. Having come to a crossroads, we ask our higher power to show us a better way and give us the strength we need to travel that road. Faith-based drug rehab is a kind and compassionate process that strengthens our identity as children of God and encourages us to deepen our relationship with Him. That way when we need help, it is natural to turn to God.
- Serve others. Having received forgiveness and compassion, we, in turn, lift others so we can support one another.
Can We Get Sober Without an Awakening?
Not everyone who gets sober has a spiritual awakening, but many do and credit that experience with much of their recovery success. It’s important to remember that a spiritual awakening doesn’t have to be one dramatic experience. If you’re waiting for that, you could get discouraged and miss the gradual awakening that is happening within you and is every bit as powerful.
There are spiritual awakenings at every step along the path to sobriety. Our understanding and worldview shift constantly. Some people have dramatic moments of clarity and connection to their higher power. Others experience small shifts in their understanding over the course of their recovery. Every paradigm shift brings us closer to our goal.
How Do We Seek Awakenings?
As with anything in life, the more we put into our efforts toward recovery, the more we get out of the program. Quiet reflection, prayer, meditation, time in nature, and serving others can encourage these awakenings to come more often and effectively.
Last Thoughts
Recovery is a dynamic process. Detoxing can be dangerous if done without medical supervision. Doctors can help wean you off drugs and alcohol using medications designed to minimize the effects of withdrawal. Seek help from our Christian-based rehabilitation center here in Utah or Idaho to guide your spirit and body through the rehab process.