I recently sat down with Damon to discuss a very close to my heart: maintaining spiritual fitness in sobriety. Our conversation was filled with personal reflections, discoveries, and advice. I want to share my thoughts with all of you and provide some insights that could be helpful on your spiritual journey, whether in sobriety or in life.
Why Spiritual Fitness?
Some may wonder why spiritual fitness is even necessary. You might think, “I’m sober, I’m on a good path. Why do I need to deal with this spiritual stuff?” Well, my friends, the answer lies in the very fabric of our existence.
We are beings of body, mind, and spirit. While we often focus on healing the body and mind, the spirit often gets neglected. And yet, the spirit can be our greatest ally, especially when all human connections seem out of reach. The spirit provides a barrier between us and temptation, us and despair.
Spirituality is Not Religion
I want to clarify that when discussing spiritual fitness, we’re not necessarily talking about religion. Spirituality is that one-on-one connection with a higher power, whatever that may be for you. It’s not confined to a church or a specific religious practice. It’s a deeply personal relationship with something greater than ourselves.
My Spiritual Journey
When I first embarked on my spiritual journey, I was restless, irritable, discontent, and filled with anger and fear. Faith seemed like a foreign concept, something unattainable. But over time, I realized that I needed to have faith if I wanted to overcome fear. And to have faith, I needed to develop a spiritual practice.
For me, getting started was about getting to know my higher power. I read books, tried guided meditations, prayed, and found my path. My spiritual practice combined these activities, shaping and reshaping over time as I grew and changed.
One significant aspect of my practice is meditation. I use apps like Insight Timer to guide me, focusing on themes like self-compassion and love for others. The practice has been transformative, healing, and empowering.
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Staying Connected
Staying spiritually connected doesn’t always mean sitting silently or engaging in structured practices. It’s about being in a continuous relationship with your higher power, recognizing the beauty in everyday life, and finding that connection in small, meaningful ways.
Even on days when meditation seems difficult and the connection feels distant, persistence and faith keep me going. I know that spiritual connection is there, even during the dry spells.
The Importance of Spiritual Fitness
Why should spiritual fitness be a priority? Because we are spiritual beings having a human experience. Making that connection is vital to our overall well-being, recovery, and existence.
Whether you are recovering or just seeking a more enriched, spiritually connected life, investing in spiritual fitness is worth every moment of effort.
