I am a big proponent of holistic growth as being one of the keys to recovery. But what exactly do we mean by “holistic?” And how do we find ways to grow holistically anyway?
Holistic growth
The holistic approach merely takes into account the whole person, instead of just one aspect of that person. For example, one approach to treatment might have the addict engaging exclusively in one-on-one counseling sessions with a therapist. This could be somewhat limited as far as the holistic approach is concerned because the addict will have a very narrow path of recovery.
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What we want instead is a wide path of recovery. Or rather, we want many paths. Consider for example, someone in recovery who is:
1) Working with a sponsor on emotional issues.
2) Seeking to repair relationships in their lives.
3) Exercising and making an effort to take care of themselves physically.
4) Going back to school to increase their level of education.
5) Practicing spiritual principles and reaching out and helping others in some way.
This is a holistic approach of action. The examples on that list address mind, body, spirit, relationships, overall health, and so on. It is not limited to someone who simply says “I’m trying to be more spiritual.” That is not a recovery program by itself. What are the actions that you are taking in your daily life that push you to grow?
Finding a new path
I personally take a goal-oriented approach to finding new avenues of growth. Figure out what you want to achieve and then set out to do it.
Balance is important. Any recovering addict runs the risk of losing balance in recovery if they focus too heavily on one part of their recovery at the expense of all the others. For example, if someone makes the unconscious decision that 12 step meetings are all they need in recovery, and do not make efforts to grow in any meaningful way outside of attending meetings, then this would make for a flimsy recovery program.
Or, say that an addict decided that exercise is ultimately their recovery solution and that is what keeps them clean and sober–to the point that they stop networking with others in recovery completely and just focus on their physical health. Again, this is not in good balance and makes for a poor recovery program. The holistic approach is bigger than this. It is wider.
Maybe you feel out of shape and haven’t been exercising for a long time now. This is an opportunity for growth. Or, maybe you have become emotionally unbalanced and have some tension in the relationships in your life. Again, this points to an opportunity for growth. Work through it, or find someone who can help you work through these issues (like a sponsor or therapist).
Find the weak spot in your life and resolve to work on it. This will restore balance to your holistic approach. Become mindful of every area of your overall health.
When you think of holistic recovery, consider mind, body, spirit, relationship, your overall health, and so on. Take your whole person into account and act accordingly. If you seek to achieve balance in how you approach growth in your life then your recovery will be stronger for it.
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Anyone who wants to know more about holistic healing should check out my friend Carolyn and some of her inspirational articles.
Recommended Reading
- Overcoming Addiction
- Addiction Recovery is about Discovering New Layers of Information
- 5 Ways to Supercharge Your Recovery, Avoid Relapse, and Dominate Your Addiction Over the Holiday Season
- 10 Ways to Embrace Creative Recovery and Take Your Sobriety to the Next Level
- Holistic Addiction Treatment Center
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