This is not a story of giving up one thing to make room for another. Not a story of getting over it. Moving through it and past it by taking up something else. The hard truth is, you don’t ever get over the terrible shit.
Thanks for sharing these thoughts, my brother. I hear a lot of the spirit of recovery in this post. I'm not sure I'm qualified to comment much on recovery--its philosophy, its daily practice--but, in my limited understanding, the acknowledgement that recovering addicts are just that--"recovering," as in on going, in the "right now," no matter how much clean time or sober time has accumulated--aligns quite a bit with what you're exploring here. It seems to me that going to meetings, listening, hearing, identifying with the struggles of others--this is the recovering addict honoring the fact that the terrible shit never goes away, that to forget about the terrible shit, or to pretend that it never happened, is to open the door to the disease. Recovery from addiction isn't about "getting over addiction." Much as you describe here, it seems to be about something much, much more profound.
Again, limited understanding here, but my impression is that one of the great strengths of recovery programs is that they resist the dualities or polarities you discuss here. Like I mentioned above, an addict is never "recovered" but, instead, is "recovering." An addict doesn't "win" against the disease; rather, the addict has to surrender (his / her will). I think there is a lot to learn from the type of being in the world that you're exploring in this blog, Matt, and I'm grateful for the opportunity you're giving me to think the thoughts and feel the feelings.
I appreciate all the good you're putting out into the world with each entry. I'm going to be more mindful of when I try to simplify the bad into something good and just let the bad be bad and organically watch it grow or die depending on what it needs.
Even after teaching and practicing for some time this read was such a great reminder that the shit doesn’t go away. When it crawls back in, I do the same thing , “ hello I see you “. It’s really just a game that our minds like to play . It has a muscle memory . But when we practice and can look at it all in the face we realize we have the power to control it !
Hi Matty just finished your newsletter I am happy that you have found a place where you can express who you are. My knowledge of yoga is very limited but I do believe it’s spiritual where we can be one with ourselves. In scripture it says our bodies our the temple of the Holy Ghost! I’m looking forward to this journey we are taking! Mum
This is so beautiful and sparked so much inside of me. This idea that our pain does not need to be let go as it is an innate part of our being, but that we can learn to bind and connect the pieces as parts of ourself that no longer serve to hurt - it is incredible. I had never thought of it that way before. "Now, Yoga" is so much more than a reminder; it is a call to action, a call to show up for oneself and do the work, a call to connect with our divine essence. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and story. 🙏
I'm sorry you've had such a struggle, but so glad you found something that brings you peace and a sense of home. Your quote on the terrible shit resonates deeply. Sending you lots of love 💞
Thanks for sharing these thoughts, my brother. I hear a lot of the spirit of recovery in this post. I'm not sure I'm qualified to comment much on recovery--its philosophy, its daily practice--but, in my limited understanding, the acknowledgement that recovering addicts are just that--"recovering," as in on going, in the "right now," no matter how much clean time or sober time has accumulated--aligns quite a bit with what you're exploring here. It seems to me that going to meetings, listening, hearing, identifying with the struggles of others--this is the recovering addict honoring the fact that the terrible shit never goes away, that to forget about the terrible shit, or to pretend that it never happened, is to open the door to the disease. Recovery from addiction isn't about "getting over addiction." Much as you describe here, it seems to be about something much, much more profound.
Again, limited understanding here, but my impression is that one of the great strengths of recovery programs is that they resist the dualities or polarities you discuss here. Like I mentioned above, an addict is never "recovered" but, instead, is "recovering." An addict doesn't "win" against the disease; rather, the addict has to surrender (his / her will). I think there is a lot to learn from the type of being in the world that you're exploring in this blog, Matt, and I'm grateful for the opportunity you're giving me to think the thoughts and feel the feelings.
Thank you!! I appreciate the thoughtful idea here, brother.
I appreciate all the good you're putting out into the world with each entry. I'm going to be more mindful of when I try to simplify the bad into something good and just let the bad be bad and organically watch it grow or die depending on what it needs.
Even after teaching and practicing for some time this read was such a great reminder that the shit doesn’t go away. When it crawls back in, I do the same thing , “ hello I see you “. It’s really just a game that our minds like to play . It has a muscle memory . But when we practice and can look at it all in the face we realize we have the power to control it !
I love you, man
Thanks, brother.
Hi Matty just finished your newsletter I am happy that you have found a place where you can express who you are. My knowledge of yoga is very limited but I do believe it’s spiritual where we can be one with ourselves. In scripture it says our bodies our the temple of the Holy Ghost! I’m looking forward to this journey we are taking! Mum
Thanks mum. Love you.
This is so beautiful and sparked so much inside of me. This idea that our pain does not need to be let go as it is an innate part of our being, but that we can learn to bind and connect the pieces as parts of ourself that no longer serve to hurt - it is incredible. I had never thought of it that way before. "Now, Yoga" is so much more than a reminder; it is a call to action, a call to show up for oneself and do the work, a call to connect with our divine essence. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and story. 🙏
I’m so glad it resonates with you. 🙏🏼🕉
I’m still getting my thought together before I comment on this great post.
I'm sorry you've had such a struggle, but so glad you found something that brings you peace and a sense of home. Your quote on the terrible shit resonates deeply. Sending you lots of love 💞
Thank you, Sara! So wonderful to hear from you. Hope you are well ❤️🕉
It's so nice to connect! We are doing well, hope you are as well ❤