What does it mean to be spiritual? Can we become spiritual or are we already spiritual, perhaps in dormancy? One “spiritual” philosophy is that we are not human beings who have spiritual experiences, but spiritual beings chronically having human experiences. At once we are connected to our humanity- the fact that we are physical beings on earth- and our spirituality, the fact that we have a spirit, or a soul, that transcends the human form or the material world.
Not everyone is raised spiritually. Some people are raised without an inclination of a power greater than themselves or any spiritual concepts. Other people are raised in rigorous and strict religious households. Spirituality transcends religion and agnosticism. While some people will believe there is something more than what we are given for our experience here on earth, others will believe that there isn’t anything more.
Spirituality is heavily engaged with recovery, though it isn’t for everyone. The spiritual component of recovery is often found to be controversial because there are so many different spiritual and religious beliefs. That, in addition to the fact that science and spirituality don’t often meet eye to eye. Many believe there is no room for spirituality in the clinical treatment of mental health disorders like alcohol or substance use disorder. On the other hand, many cannot imagine successful treatment without it.
Your spiritual journey will be unique to you. You might be wondering what spirituality feels like, how you get spirituality, and where to begin. Inquiry and contemplation are foundations of spirituality. Only you can decide what you consider to be your higher power, your concepts of spirituality, and your spiritual beliefs. One of the best ways to begin the journey is to look to others. Look into the beliefs of people you consider to embody what you believe to be spirituality. Ask them how they began their journey, what they do to develop their spirituality and practice their spirituality- if anything. Try reading books, watching documentaries, and paying attention to what makes you feel more connected to yourself and to the world around you. Your spirituality might be religious or nontheistic. Your spirituality might exist in nature or it might be in a book.
The spiritual journey helps you find purpose and meaning in your recovery. Developing a spiritual life helps you connect to what is beyond addiction or mental health and recovery. You create a deeper sense of what it means to participate in life in this world.
Clients at Cottonwood Tucson take a spiritual journey as they heal their mind and their body through an integrative approach to treatment. Our programs have gained international acclaim for providing excellence in the treatment of co-occurring disorders. For information, call us today: (888) 727-0441
