Recovery draws on the spiritual dimension of your life. Twelve-step programs describe themselves as spiritual programs. All recovery processes are built on a spiritual foundation. The process of finding meaning, purpose, and value in life is key to spirituality as well as for the movement from recovery to well-being. The… Read More »Recovery: Spirituality is Key
Depression is like being lost in a dark cave or a deep pit. The World Health Organization estimates that with the COVID-19 pandemic, the global rate of depression has increased to 25% of all people. While treatment is important, there are two ways that spirituality can support recovery from depression.… Read More »Two Ways Spirituality Helps Ease Depression
When people face difficult times in life, we often say, “It will get better.” Will it? What does it take to get better? Does time heal all wounds? When someone is caught in a cycle of bullying or abuse, how will it get better?
Was there a time when a friend or loved one said something to you that led you to a new insight or a moment of growth? In my college years, I would venture with a group of fellow students for weekend retreats at a remote farmhouse in the mountains of… Read More »No Pain, No Gain! Are You Sure?
It was something he hadn’t experienced before. I was a bit surprised by that, but it’s probably not uncommon. He told me that at age 26, it was the first time he knew someone who had died. Of course, I know that my life was a bit unusual in this… Read More »Grief: Remembering Forever
I heard the news while driving: Robin Williams was dead. The apparent cause of death was suicide. The next day it was confirmed that Mr. Williams had killed himself. Since the first announcement on August 11, we were reminded that Mr. Williams struggled with depression and had recently been hospitalized… Read More »Robin Williams: The Sad Clown?
“That which does not kill us makes us stronger.” That’s what philosopher Fredrick Nietzsche wrote about 150 years ago. This sentiment is echoed in Kelley Clarkson’s hit song, “Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You).” I recently spent time with a young woman. While she’s bright, professionally engaged, and living what many… Read More »If It Doesn’t Kill You It Makes You Stronger?
I was a guest at the meeting. As typically happens, there was a welcome from the leader followed by a prayer. Other people read from scripts: the Twelve Steps followed by the Twelve Traditions. The readings were followed by a speaker sharing his story of recovery from addiction that was… Read More »Twelve Steps: A Path to Sobriety?
