Why Would Someone Need A Higher Power?
It’s common, and often times necessary, for people on the journey of addiction recovery to desire a connection with a higher power. Sometimes, simply strengthening and refining our relationship to the house of worship from our upbringing can fulfill our need for connection with a higher power. In addition to rehabilitation treatment and support received from loved ones, this relationship provides a source of stability and support that allows an addict to heal. Through prayer and attending worship services, an addict with a sincerely held religious belief can redefine his/her life and gain a new sense of purpose. As addicts, however, we are often an irritable group who generally bristle when we first hear talk about any kind of higher power. But whether or not we are religious, we can be spiritual. Spirituality can be a personal journey within ourselves. But how do we start on that journey?
Our connection with the environment can awaken our spirits. The physical environment has long been linked with spirituality. In ancient cultures, the sun, moon, mountains, and rivers all had spiritually significant roles. Taking part in the life that grows around us and developing a passion for nature can be a great method to harness peace and purpose. A long walk in the woods, gardening, or volunteer work with animals, any of these things can give us an opportunity for reflection on our connection with the world around us and help to develop our sense of a higher power.
Giving back to others is a spiritual act in itself. Selfless acts go beyond religion and give us a sense of deeper connection the communities in which we live. Regardless of personal belief, giving of ourselves is rewarding both to the people who receive our charity and to us. Acts of selflessness create a virtuous circle that feeds our spirit and helps connect us with our higher power.
We may wince at the very idea of “meditating.” We’ve already had to get and stay clean. It feels like we have had to change everything in our lives. Now people are telling us that we have to become some kind of guru and stare into the distance until we achieve enlightenment. But, meditation is not something to inspire resentment or fear – although it often does for people who have never tried it. Meditation is a practice that happens appears in many different organized religions, but so is charity, and we have no problem separating religion and our own acts of charity.
Meditation is simply a method of being still and practicing mindfulness. As addicts, we often live fast, drama-filled, seemingly complicated lives. Meditation offers a simple method for us to take a small step toward slowing things down, – if only for a short period – and feeling connected to our own existence. There are also several physical and emotional benefits of meditation. What is important is that we set aside time for ourselves each day during which we practice awareness of self and our connection to the people, life around us and our higher power.
We can make a connection to a higher power with or without religion. If we follow a particular religion we can improve our practices and improve our conscious contact. If we do not follow a particular religion, we can take steps toward awareness and connection that will yield spiritual dividends.