I was talking to a woman the other day about being active in our recovery program, doing “the footwork”; reading, working the steps, going to meetings, meeting with others, finding ways to be of service in the program and so on. We were sharing the things we do to keep our practice of the program alive. Unexpectedly the following phrase jumped out of my mouth: “my recovery is like a shark; it will die if I don’t keep moving.”
Wow – ain’t that the truth! No, it isn’t just motion for the sake of motion: anger is pretty lively but that won’t keep me emotionally “sober”. Although I may feel impatience or frustration these are not attitudes that keep me in healthy waters. Being overly busy and missing the moment by rushing from one thing to another might be ACTIVE but it isn’t recovery.
My recovery oriented actions include being with others who are healthy and swimming a wise “school”. I like to keep away from the shoals of discontent, self abasement, and frustration, preferring the open seas of unlimited possibilities, hope and my spiritual sky above me.
There are scary deep sea creatures in ocean; the gloomy monsters of depression and isolation, those sneaky eels of despair and doubt that you come upon when you least expect them. There are also those happily dressed up clown fish – those easy breezy feelings that lure you away from your pack: cockiness, dishonesty or complacency. Flighty fish with the temporary treats of activity without considering consequences. These can come in any form of distraction (screen time, for example), another compulsion (such as shopping or eating) or finding another “HP” (him or her); something or someone that takes me away from my recovery. Swim away, swim away recovery shark! Move toward the light – the spiritual , the good in yourself, swim to safe harbor of your recovery friends.
Yes, my recovery is like a shark – I have to keep moving in a wise way. I practice my yoga and stay close to positive people, I read and reflect, meditate and pray. I continue to grow, to learn more, and to stay close to those women I sponsor. They bring out the best in me.
Kyczy Hawk E-RYT200, RTY500 is the author of “Yoga and the Twelve Step Path”, a leader of Y12SR classes, and the creator of SOAR(tm) (Success Over Addiction and Relapse) a teacher certification training.
Follow her ONLINE recovery infused yoga classes
http://yogarecovery.studiolivetv.com/MemberRegistrationYR.aspx