The Benefits of Spirituality in Recovery

There’s a reason why so many people with addiction problems turn to spirituality in recovery. It’s a place of calm, self-development, and inspiration.

In this article, we’re exploring the benefits of spirituality in recovery.

Spirituality In Recovery

While dealing with your addiction, you were unaware of yourself or anyone around you. Your drug – your substance – was the one thing that took precedence over everything else. Your addiction was the only thing that mattered. It may have cost you relationships, jobs, finances, dignity, and time of growth and making a difference in the world.

However, all is not lost. Here is your chance to set that record straight. Learn your importance and worthiness by discovering the value of everything around you.

Here’s what you need to know about spirituality in recovery.

Struggles In Recovery

Recovery is easy, said no one ever. Do you know why? Because recovery is not easy. And, as you already know, it is a lifelong process. It is when you require a support system and a means of dealing with temptation or moments of weakness. Recovery is also when you will re-learn how to succeed in life without your addiction. You will now have to face life’s ups and downs – sober. (Imagine it!) You can be successful in your recovery, but a bit of spirituality can go a long way in helping, too.

What Is Spirituality In Recovery

Spirituality is an important part of recovery and isn’t concerned with whether you are religious or not. Most people think of God or some form of a “higher power” when they hear the word “spiritual” or “spirituality.” But that is not the case at all.
Spirituality in recovery is learning to love and value yourself. It is learning to forgive and to ask for forgiveness. Spirituality is learning to let go of the past and embrace the future. It is learning to be mindful and grateful.

Simply put, spirituality is an important part of your recovery.

Types Of Spirituality

Spirituality can take many forms. It is up to each person to determine what form that is. Finding a form that will allow you to flourish and grow is important.

Here are a few different methods for practicing spirituality:

Gratitude

Practicing gratitude means recognizing that there is more to the world than just you. It also means that you can appreciate positive things in life.

Art

If you are creative or always wanted to be, now is your chance to use that art form for your benefit and growth. Losing yourself to painting, drawing, sculpting, photography, etc., can allow you to grow spiritually. It isn’t about what you make or how good it is. It is about taking a moment to stop everything around you and let yourself drift away in your creation. Get lost in it!

Writing

Writing is a great way to express yourself and open the floodgates of your mind. Let’s face it, there are likely things you want to share or release or ask for forgiveness for, but you don’t want to bring it up to a person. Sometimes writing these thoughts and feelings down can leave you with an incredible sense of freedom.

Volunteering

Find a purpose in something other than yourself and add to the greater good of those around you. Volunteering is a feel-good thing, giving you a chance to do something for someone else. It can – and will – lift your spirits!

Meditation and mindfulness

Learn to turn off the outside world and slip into your mind. Learn to become aware of your breathing, including the sensations, feelings, and sounds of your own body. Meditation can relax you and help you to reduce stress.

Benefits Of Spirituality In Recovery

Spirituality in recovery has many benefits. First, it can give you a sense of peace. Practicing your chosen form of spirituality can bring calm and quiet to stress and restlessness. Second, it can give you a sense of empowerment. Spirituality can help us find our worth and increase our self-confidence. Third, it can give your life meaning. While battling your addiction, you were focused only on your drug of choice and getting your next hit. Spirituality can show you that there is so much more to the world than your addiction. It can show you that there is a meaning and purpose to everything. Fourth, having spirituality in your life can bring you together with like-minded individuals who can potentially be part of a support system for you. And lastly, it can provide an emotional balance.

Throughout your recovery – and the rest of your life – you will have good days and bad. An outlet, a means of expression, or a spiritual retreat could decide between a successful recovery and a relapse.

How To Incorporate Spirituality Into Your Recovery Today

Make your means to spirituality a habit and practice it daily. You have worked hard through treatment, and the positivity that spirituality can bring makes it an important part of your recovery. Incorporating spirituality into your daily life doesn’t have to be difficult:

• Wake up every morning and write what you are thankful for in a gratitude journal. Before you sleep at night, list things you were grateful for that day in your gratitude journal.
• Find beauty in photography.
• Free write. Start with a blank piece of paper and begin writing anything that comes out. Do not sensor these thoughts. Just let them flow. As they come, write them down. You can either keep it or toss it. The point is to get it out.
• Do something nice for someone. Make a point of making someone smile each day.
• Perform random acts of kindness.
• Learn mediation techniques.
• Learn yoga.

Remember, spirituality isn’t about finding God, formal religious rituals, or anything organized – unless you want it to be. It is about finding peace within yourself, finding good within the world around you, and making positive changes along the way.

Conclusion

Turning to spirituality provides helpful guidance when things get difficult for many on the road to recovery. You may not have someone you’re comfortable turning to for advice. You may find it difficult to open up to others, even your closest family and friends. You may not have someone you can turn to for help.

Spirituality fills that void with inspiration, hope, and guidance you can depend on no matter what. It’s something you can spend your entire life developing and has a wonderfully positive impact on the self.