From passivity to progress: recovery means action
A support group having a discussion. (Photo by Tima Miroshnichenko from Pexels)
In John 9, Jesus encounters a man blind from birth. His disciples, bound by sin-punishment belief, ask who sinned for his blindness. Jesus challenges their perspective, declaring it's an opportunity for God's work to be revealed. He then performs a symbolic act, mixing mud and saliva before instructing the man to wash in the Pool of Siloam (meaning "Sent"). The man, trusting and acting upon Jesus' words, washes and receives his sight.
The journey of addiction recovery is often painted as a passive one. Images of quiet contemplation, serene support groups, and gentle introspection fill our minds. While these elements hold undeniable value, a crucial aspect often gets overshadowed: action. True, lasting progress in recovery demands more than simply wishing or waiting for change. It necessitates a shift from passivity to a proactive, action-oriented approach.
A call to action
"Go, he told him, wash in the Pool of Siloam (this word means "Sent"). So the man went and washed, and came home seeing."
- John 9:7
The Gospel of John offers a powerful illustration of this principle. Jesus wasn't merely suggesting a dip; he was prompting deliberate action, a step towards healing. The man's response? He obeyed. He went, he washed, and he received his sight.
This story underscores that healing often involves action. While Jesus initiates, the blind man cooperates. He doesn't passively wait for sight; he engages, demonstrating that divine healing isn't solely miraculous but requires faith and participation.
In the context of addiction recovery, the pool of Siloam represents the various resources and actions available to us. There are support groups, therapy sessions, exercise routines, and even picking up a self-help book. These are all opportunities to move beyond passivity and actively engage in our healing.
Action steps in your recovery
So, how do we translate this understanding into concrete steps? Here are a few actionable strategies to embrace:
Set SMART goals: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound goals provide direction and a sense of accomplishment. Instead of a vague desire to "get better," aim for something tangible, like attending a support group every week or reading a chapter of a recovery book daily.
Engage in mindfulness: It aids in recognizing our triggers and desires without judgment. Meditating, jotting down thoughts, or immersing oneself in nature, we can train ourselves to witness these impulses without instantly yielding them.
Join a church assembly or a support group: Surround yourself with companions who grasp your challenges and applaud your triumphs. Support circles, counseling sessions, and even cherished confidants or kin can furnish priceless motivation and responsibility.
Engage in healthy activities: Exercise, creative pursuits, volunteering, or spending time in nature can provide a sense of purpose and distract from addictive urges. Find activities that bring you joy and fulfillment, replacing unhealthy coping mechanisms with positive ones.
Celebrate small wins: Acknowledge small victories: Healing is a journey, not a race. Recognize and honor each progression, regardless of its size. This notion reinforces favorable actions and inspires continuous movement toward improvement.
The power to choose and act
Remember, progress in recovery is rarely linear. Challenges will come. At times, you'll question yourself. Some days will make movement seem scary. But remember, any progress, no matter how tiny, wins over the standstill of addiction. By choosing to act, we take back control, pen new stories of ourselves, and shift from merely accepting change to driving our paths to wellness.
We are similar to the blind man at Siloam's pool. We have the strength to take action. Choose advancement, and pick the life you merit. Recall with each stride you make, you draw nearer to the light.
