Life
There is nothing better than a young child running wild and free through a field or park. This unbridled joy is fascinating to observe and so seducing to try and capture for ourselves as adults. It seems that through the road of life some of the luster or magic is lost; as the complete freedom of a child slowly morphs into this very human thing we called, becoming an adult. It seems that this metamorphous occurs for most of us, regardless of the health or dysfunction of our systemic family system. Our innocence is striped, our epic levels of curiosity fade and we get focused on what we believe it means to be an adult.
Chris Stapleton is one of my favorite songwriters & performers. One of his newest songs “Maggie” is just magical for all of us that truly “Love our Dogs.” Chris writes in the chorus, “Run Maggie Run – With a Heart of a rebel child – Oh, run, Maggie runs – Be just as free as you are wild.” This beautiful story/song of Chris’s special Dog Maggie leaves me with that same question? What do I need to do to recapture my imagination, curiosity, and desire to truly run (or walk) wild!
Through all the darkness & dysfunction that exists in this crazy world we live in today, those of us “In Recovery” truly have a lot to be grateful for. We have a set of tools that “normal” people actually don’t. Through working a program and being of service we can not only stay grounded in today’s turbulent world, but we can also thrive. Staying true to the principles laid down in both the Big Book and now Refuge Recoveries narrative as well we understand fully how to navigate all of life’s uncertainties. It’s truly “all about” the fact that we get a daily reprieve based on our spiritual condition. It’s our daily surrender that buys us the ability to be fully present for whatever each new day brings us.
I love the fact that I’m an alcoholic and an addict! I now find freedom in the unknowing. Those same things that had me paralyzed for decades through living in fear, uncertainty, and doubt, now free me to simply be the best version of myself that I can be and have that are good enough. Practicing meditation and prayer throughout each day serves me well. Talking to God and releasing my will in exchange for God’s will is the most liberating experience of my life. As we apply our energy and effort to concentrating our mind and being mindful, we begin to see more and more clearly. This is where the true gift actually resides.
At the end of the day, we are recovering a lost or forgotten part of ourselves. As stated in The Refuge Recovery text, we call this “the true nature of our original goodness.” I could not agree more. Through this, we can regain true curiosity and intrigue for all that life serves up. Wisdom and compassion are reborn as well through walking a path that is filled with light and love. It is my most fervent belief that love will always conquer hate or darkness. We just need to hit our knees each day, ask for direction, and work hard giving ourselves away by being of service and expecting nothing in return.