Give it to God. You have probably heard that statement a lot in recovery, and with good reason. As an alumnus, your time at Renaissance Ranch was focused on the spiritual renewal that comes with recovery. A big part of spiritual renewal comes in the form of daily devotions and daily meditation on God and His plan.
A big part of the realm of humanistic psychology is the many dimensions of human experience that go beyond what we can perceive with our five senses. Focusing on the spiritual in treatment and recovery is one-way humanistic psychology benefits us.
Devotions are a part of that. When we spend time each day meditating on our own spirituality and on the word of God, we are giving it to God. We acknowledge that there are forces beyond our own power in our lives that we must overcome, and we need help to overcome those hurdles.
Focusing on daily devotions can have a powerful impact on our lives. The devotional experience and process can improve our interpersonal relationships, creativity, and even our careers. This is all because we take the time to study God’s word.
How Spirituality and Health Are Connected
A growing body of evidence suggests poor mental health, including mental health disorders like depression and anxiety, leads to poor physical health. On the flip side, good mental health can lead to more positive outcomes. These can include a greater sense of well-being, an optimistic view of life, a generally happier outlook, and improved physical health.
Focusing on daily devotions and meditation gives us much of what we need for our mental health and bolsters our physical health. A big part of these everyday times of reflection is the social support we feel from being involved in a community of believers.
As an alumnus of Renaissance Ranch, you are already among a growing body of support. Along with every other alumnus in the Band of Brothers, you are a part of an eternal brotherhood dedicated to chastening and support. Other men in recovery can help you every day to be the best man you can be.
Just like food, the things we take into our minds also have the potential to nourish our bodies. Many faiths and belief systems say that the body is a temple and that we should regard it with reverence and respect. Spending a little time meditating daily can help keep us centered on what is important. That, in turn, is food for the soul.
Daily Devotions and Daily Meditation
For some of us, sitting outside in the cool night air, watching the sunset, and reflecting on the joys of life is all we need. Others meditate better by sitting with their Bibles open, reading them, and reflecting on God and his world. Either way, daily devotions and daily meditation matter.
Meditation is a great way to reduce the stress we can carry with us in a chaotic world. For thousands of years, people worldwide have embraced meditation to clear the mind and ease the body. Some of the benefits of meditation include:
- Gaining new insights through reflection
- Managing stress
- Becoming more self-aware
- Grounding yourself in the present
- Increasing positive emotions
- Embracing creativity and imagination
- Feelings of serenity and a better ability to adapt to the unknown
- Lower blood pressure and better cardiovascular health
- Better sleep
Meditation has been shown to improve the outcomes of individuals with a variety of health conditions and mental health disorders. Some of these include:
- Asthma
- Chronic pain
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Sleep problems
- Digestive issues
- Tension Headaches
Keeping the Twelve Steps Going in Recovery
As a graduate of the treatment program at Renaissance Ranch, you are keenly aware of how important it is to live by the Twelve Steps and keep them going in recovery. They are the backbone of a new, sober life.
A key component of the Twelve Steps is finding spirituality again, whether you have slipped away from God and religion or lost your faith altogether. Finding your faith again helped you to find your way back from the darkness and into the light.
Think back to the steps. Step Eleven tells us that we should seek to improve our relationship with God and know him. We need a power greater than us to lift us out of the darkness. Daily devotions and meditation help to remind us that we are not alone and how wonderful our world is around us as we embrace a clean and sober life. Through daily devotions and daily meditation, we continue our spiritual awakening every day.
Focusing on Spirituality in Recovery
Devotions are a form of meditation, a time of reflection as we focus the mind on something dear and focus on change in our lives. Since ancient times, meditation has been practiced in nearly every culture to improve and focus the mind, bringing a sense of calming serenity.
Studies have shown that meditation has health benefits that can be definitively measured. In a study published by Behavioural Brain Research, researchers found that a few weeks of meditation decreased negative moods and resulted in more attentive people with better memory and lower anxiety.
Daily devotions and daily meditation help to regulate our moods and make us happier people. Get out your Bible or go outside and watch the sunrise. We think you will find it is worth it for the health of your body and mind.
During your time in the treatment program at Renaissance Ranch, you engaged in the process of spiritual renewal as part of the Twelve Steps. Now that you are an alumnus, the Twelve Steps continue for you each and every day. Keeping that spiritual connection alive during recovery is essential. Leaning on your brothers can help keep your mood up and remind you that you are not alone in your struggles. Daily devotions and daily meditation keep your mind focused on your Higher Power and the road ahead, living the best sober life you are meant to. When you struggle, call your brothers at (801) 308-8898. We are only a phone call away.