Don’t Stop The Seeking
Step 11 starts with the word “sought”, which is the past tense of “seek”. Since I “sought through prayer and meditation” a relationship with a Higher Power in the previous 10 steps, it is my understanding that I must continue searching throughout my life. My searching and my seeking doesn’t stop at step 11, it has to continue one day at a time so I can keep this precious gift of sobriety.
The seeking is one of the best parts of sobriety! I get to try and experience a whole host of new things. I get to travel to places I’ve never been before, meet new people, and learn something new. The best part is I get to do it sober with a clear mind since I’m not longer living in a haze. As I’ve pursued activities that involve being in nature and learning more about different types of spiritual practices, I’ve connected more with my Higher Power. This seeking keeps my mind open and allows for the universe to guide me to where I need to go for the greatest good.
Not only am I deepening my relationship with Higher Power, I’m also having fun doing it! I’ve seen the Canada side of Niagara Falls, the Grand Canyon, and Lake Tahoe all for the first time in sobriety. I have such an appreciation for these wonders of nature and I tend to sit in awe just trying to comprehend how good my life is in those moments. It’s at those moments that I am still, in the presence of my Creator, and am truly able to say thank you for this second chance at life.
I’ve also reconnected with my love of music in sobriety. Whether I’m singing, dancing, drumming or practicing guitar, I find peace and serenity. I would never have been able to reconnect so deeply with music if I wasn’t sober and I would not have the patience to learn an instrument as an adult.
With this constant and consistent seeking, I’m filled with an enormous amount of gratitude and a knowing that “this too shall pass” when things are not looking too good all the time. I get to enjoy my journey every day as I do things that truly bring me joy and I also have tools in place to help me get through the times that are not so joyous.
Tanya D. is a Usui/Holy Fire® III Karuna Reiki® Master, Meditation Instructor, Spiritual Life Recovery Coach and Yoga4Sobriety Teacher Ambassador/Liaison. Join her online Wednesdays at 5:30pm EST for Meditation4Sobriety. Find her @thepeacewecrave on Facebook/Instagram and at www.thepeacewecrave.com for all things recovery, reiki, meditation, and peace. Contact her at tanyad@thepeacewecrave.com.