SPIRITUAL DISCOVERY… SPIRITUAL RECOVERY (Post 155)
TUESDAY, JANUARY 31
POST 155
A solemn and religious regard to spiritual and eternal things is an indispensable element of all true greatness.
- Webster
Which comes first: chicken or egg? Spiritual discovery OR spiritual recovery? For one who has experienced spiritual aspects of life – and even, perhaps, has lived life driven by spirituality, (s)he might speak in terms of regaining that which was lost and now found. On the other hand, the person who never identified him/herself as particularly aligned with any faith or individual practice may ask, What have I got to recover from spiritually? In actuality, the answer is … both discovery and recovery can be interchangeable. Hopefully, recovery will bring new discoveries; and discovery will present fresh inspirations and motivations in recovery.
Moreover, Webster’s quote brings up the question of religion. Far too often, I hear people say But I’m not religious. I don’t belong to … For now, let’s speak in terms of religion as the intersection of one’s personal beliefs and his/her perspectives on the meaning of life. To be sure societal definitions of religion usually carry an organized component, complete with a social context. For our discussion, however, let us focus on the spiritual aspects of life that can impact and enhance one’s individual lifestyle and attitudes.
Keeping an open mind to refining our actions, attitudes, and reactions, let us enter this new year with an emphasis on spirituality. My goal for 2023 is to work through the year with twelve GRM Blog entries focused on spirituality: what it can bring into one’s life in general – AND in recovery ( at one time or another, we’re all in recovery from something!).
First, let us consider those New Year’s resolutions we may have just recently made. Do they reflect the priorities you are aiming to set and accomplish this year? Are the end-goals only that which you are hoping for or is the journey to the goal just as significant as the final destination? It’s been said, The beauty of human life consists in the fact that, as we review our last New Year’s resolutions, we find we have fulfilled one-third of them, left unfilled another third, and can’t remember what the other third was. (Lin Yutang) Goal-setting is one thing: goal-achievement is multiple. And it can be massive … working hard, learning new skills, making mistakes - and then, trying once again. Along the way, those spiritual qualities as being patient, humble, grateful, helpful, willing, kind, and generous (to name a few) may develop and become fine-tuned. That hoped-for end result may even take a backseat to the others attained in the process!
The fruits of the Spirit, as described by Paul in Galatians 5:22-23 are the following: love, joy, peace, longsuffering [patience], kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, [and] self-control. (NKJV) Still it is vital that such an outward focus not be only that. Sometimes, we respond to others better than we deal with ourselves.
How could we be. by next year at resolution time, if we responded to ourselves - our mistakes, foibles, misgivings, and general self-concept – with such inwardly directed spiritual qualities? Yes, of course, we need to admit our mistakes and be responsible for them … that’s accepting realty and making amends. And yes, I believe it’s, also, a two-way street with benefits in both directions! As this year moves along, try this. My guess is that the more we treat ourselves with these spiritual “fruits”, the more natural it will be to treat others as well.
Next month’s Post will include excellent and readily accessible resources to continue our personal journey into changing, enhancing, adding, and finding hope through spirituality.
Blessings,
Rev. Janet Jacobs, CCGSO
Founding Director
Gambling Recovery Ministries
855-926-0761
For more information on the IGCCB Clergy/Lay Minister Certification visit:
From IGCCB’s Resources for Coping with COVID 19:
https://personcenteredtech.com/tmh/clients (Online therapy preparation for clients)
https://gambling.easywebinar.live/replay (Jody Bechtold telehealth webinar)
https://youtu.be/dYUEjIFtT8E (Jody Bechtold telehealth webinar)
For more information on gambling disorder and recovery issues, go to:
www.indianaproblemgambling.org
www.masscompulsivegambling.org