Recovery: A Pathway to Serenity

Staying calm and collected are invaluable modes of being, in early recovery. Life isn’t always going to be smooth sailing, that is a fact; how you manage trying situations can make or break your ability to stay on track. Serenity is a watchword in recovery! While the word is inextricably linked to 12 Step programs, peace is something that everyone can benefit from regardless of the modality of recovery.

se·ren·i·ty 
səˈrenədē/
noun

1. the state of being calm, peaceful, and untroubled.

Most people who undergo treatment are acutely familiar with the importance of keeping an even keel to stay on course in addiction recovery. People’s disease is always making an effort to reassert itself in one’s life; one must strive for peace-of-mind and tranquility to prevent such an eventuality from taking place. If you went through a rehab program, it is likely the facility taught you some techniques for finding serenity in the tumultuousness that can be a part of early recovery. If not, below you will see some tools that can assist you in staying grounded in the program so that you can navigate through to the other side of trials and tribulations.

 

Finding Serenity in Recovery

Working through difficult times can be a real challenge, especially when you have responsibilities and commitments beyond recovery. Throughout your day, you may find it beneficial to engage in some inner-discourse. It is helpful to remind yourself of the “3 C’s” — I didn't cause it, I can't cure it, and I can't control it. Addicts and alcoholics often find aspects of their life bothersome; they are also good at convincing themselves that how things are now is the way it is always going to be. Those who have been in the program a little longer know that isn’t the case, life gets better the longer recovery persists. People new to This will learn how vital it is to be aware of that which you can control and that which you can't. When unfortunate aspects of your life are beyond you, chant the 3 C’s, it can help.

Another way to manage adversity in one’s recovery is to meditate. Clearing your mind as much as is humanly possible can bring you back down, or close to zero (equilibrium). When you are grounded, it is less likely you will react or overreact to a challenge. Meditation may come easier to some compared to others in the program, so it is critical that you don’t allow yourself to become discouraged. With practice, you will find it easier to center yourself; and, if you need assistance in adopting meditative routines ask your support group for guidance. The internet is a treasure trove of helpful tools for people looking to have serenity in their life.

Mindful breathing is one other technique that can foster calmness in your life. At its core, being aware of your breathing is just that: focusing your attention on your breath. With your mind’s eye on the inhale and exhale, you will find afterward that your frustrations disappeared for a time. While you minded the inward and outward flow of respiration, the things that were bothering you didn’t seem as defeating. Again, you can find resources online for honing your mindful breathing technique.

Recovery is Path Toward Serenity

Most people currently struggling with addiction find it hard to remember the last time they had calmness in their life. Use disorders are synonymous with chaos, dysfunction, and unmanageability. Recovery, on the other hand, is a mechanism for physical restoration and spiritual healing. The Haven at Pismo Beach can assist you in breaking the cycle of addiction and give you the tools for bringing serenity back into your life. Please contact us today to begin the journey.