by Bill Deavel, Peer Support Coordinator
December 6, 2022
Spirituality is one of my favorite topics to talk about. I have no idea where I would be if I hadnt implemented a spiritual practice in my life. Lets talk about the evolution of how my spirituality came to be the cornerstone of my recovery. Early in my recovery I was trying to manage symptoms and cravings and I didnt know that a spiritual practice could help both. I remember that spiritual principles were the beginning of how I was able to develop a spiritual practice. I have to say that a lot of the spiritual principles that a started out with were happening organically; making sure that I was at all my scheduled appointments for mental health and substance abuse, showing up for my service positions, letting my parents know my plans, simple communication-
Accountability-This went on for two or three years. I also worked the twelve steps of Narcotics Anonymous. What does this have to do with spirituality? Glad you asked. I had to learn how to be honest with myself. I had to learn how to work through things that I would have rather not faced.
Courage- I had to be willing to take direction from my sponsor ad mental health providers.
Open-mindedness and willingness- These spiritual principles made it possible for me to be able to explore what my spirituality was going to be. Today I am still working on my spirituality. My spiritual practice addresses my mental health as well as my substance abuse challenges. It also enhances my life. I believe that each of us have a desire to fill ourselves spiritually. My hope for each of you is to have the courage to find your spirituality that enhances your life. I do think that starting off with spiritual principles and living by them has help me find my spirituality. If you would like to talk about this further feel free to email me at bill@mtpeernetwork.org.