Lately as I’ve been contemplating a lot in my life and participating in the mandatory recovery Netflix binge-watching, I’ve found myself bumping into the topic of religion. It could be the time of the year or it could be something else; who knows, but I’ve always been drawn to its philosophical aspects so 🤷🏻♀️. This is usually a topic I avoid discussing outside of my core group of people. I feel as though it’s a taboo topic associated with many negative things when it shouldn’t be. And I feel like it’s an important part in recovery, so I’ve chosen to address it on my blog. Also, my religion is a strong part of my identity and drives a lot of my outlooks and coping mechanisms, whether I’m more or less observant than people interpret me to be.
When I was first beginning my recovery journey, a therapist told me that I would for sure make it out the other end and happily continue living life. She said there are three indicators of success in recovery and one of them is religion. This kind of irked me because I’m not as observant as I may appear and I’m also more observant than I appear. This is what I mean: I don’t fit the typical mold and it’s been used against me for as long as I can remember. For years, I avoided using the term G-d and used the generic term of “the universe” I didn't want to be associated with an organized religion since it's so personal to me and as a whole, religion is a very personal experience. I was also always the odd one out growing up in the secular world. As I have grown and matured, I have held onto that a lot less. I wanted to confront my issue with the idea of G-d and one day while I was daydreaming in the shower (we all do it, don’t lie) I remembered a conversation I had with a friend in high school.
My friend said that religion is a crutch, as if that fact is a negative thing. In certain instances, they aren't wrong (that it is a crutch), but is having a crutch really that bad? I used a crutch, a walker and a wheelchair to help me get around independently post stroke and those aren’t negative things, although society tries to tell you that they are. They gave me the independence and freedom to keep living, just like my religious beliefs have throughout my life so far.
Again, I typically refrain from discussing religion with those outside of my small circle because I believe that it is a deeply personal thing between you and the universe (and G-d) that should not be affected by outside opinions. It's also SO politicized and I'm not a fan of that. I also believe it's a large spectrum of observance as opposed to religious vs. not religious. For example, I do not consider myself religious but others look at me and assume I am because I partake in some rituals, and I enjoy studying and debating religion. That does not make me religious, it makes me closer to observant than non-observant.
I once had someone tell me that when sickness rocks a person it either pushes them to religion/G-d or away from religion/G-d. I understood it in theory and witnessed both sides of the statement through others trials in life but after my stroke, I understand it and feel it on a deeper level. The other day I remembered the crutch statement along with the statement of growing towards or away from religion. It got me thinking about the power that religion holds in recovery and in life, regardless of sickness/recovery. I think it’s a natural process of grief, it’s one of the invisible stages that not many people talk about so you don't automatically associate it with grief, until you are grieving.
Religion provides us with community, love, support, guidance and tradition. Yes, people can get carried away with it, but if we look at it for what it truly is, I think it’s a beautiful tool to use in life. Now I know that many people have been hurt by religion. I’ve also seen people truly flourish through religion. I’m not saying it’s perfect or the end all be all;all I’m saying is give it a chance in your recovery and it just may help you progress. Any religion, it doesn’t matter, maybe you’ll learn a new philosophy from a previously unknown religion to you. If you find your truth in it, run (or roll) with it.
Since my shower epiphany, the process of recovery has seemed lighter than the burden of loss and sadness in relation to my past life. Suddenly I feel on top of the world. Again, religion is a tricky topic but if you associate it with positives it looks brighter. For example, every Friday night when I am with my niece and nephews, I give them a special treat for the Sabbath. It’s my way of giving them a positive association with the day. When we have the treat, I talk about why the day is special, why we light candles,have a family dinner, and so forth. This is in hopes that one day they’ll see the beauty of it too, but in an environment that they explored and learned for themselves, like I was encouraged to do as a kid.
There is a saying I have grown up with and there are even songs about it. The saying goes “Think good and it will be good “ and I think it applies to recovery😉 Just give yourself a chance to open up to the universe and it’ll open back up twofold for you with a nice big hug and maybe even some happiness.
Comments