recovery

Recovery Of The Body

Much of recovery is focused on emotions and spirituality. This is important because the ability to feel feelings and spiritual connections are prime casualties of addiction and dysfunctional families. Groups, treatment, and counseling go a long way to address these issues. Yet, often it seems that healing of the body can be a missing piece in recovery.

There once was a time in all of our lives when we were one with our bodies. As infants, we would lie in a state of joy, giggling with amazement at finding our feet. As children, we would run and play enjoying the simple movement of our bodies. But, for many the stifling irrationality of families rigid with addiction and abuse, caused us to lose this carefree sense of freedom. Responsibilities fell on small shoulders to compensate for parents and siblings incapacitated by dependency and mental illness. Being the "man of the family" often shortened the childhoods of many. Others lost their bodies due to sexual or physical abuse by others. Traumatic experiences too intense to be dealt with by those so young often required that they be able to disassociate themselves from their bodies and their pain.

For some of us adolescence and adulthood brought addictive behaviors concerning drugs, food, sexual experiences, and codependency. These experiences often interfered with our natural physical and emotional development. Our natural connection with the body was lost due to the intense mood and sensory alteration.Harmful consequences in relationship to these behaviors put the body at risk for accidents, neglect, and victimization. Our body which was once a joyful partner in our existence became the messenger our cravings, pain and despair.

As some hit bottom, or were confronted by intervention from family and employers they found that treatment, twelve step groups, and therapy offered an answer. Step by step, and day by day we were brought nearer to a state of awareness and clarity. Little by little, we began to see choices and alternatives that promoted life and growth. Gradually, with practice the natural and responsive expression of feelings returned. A better understanding of how families and relationships function offered ways to break time honored dysfunctional patterns. New relationships which included sincere intimacy, honesty, and respect became possible.

For many as we traveled this path to recovery, we also became aware of our bodies. Some got in touch with shoulders held rigid with responsibility and shame, abdomen numb from having gut feelings ignored, and low backs aching from lack of support. With growing awareness in recovery coming out of the fog, we began to truly sense the amount of pain and harm that had been the consequences of our behavior.

At first, some may seen the body as the betrayer. Just as we began to find some serenity and calm in our lives, our bodies may feel plagued with pain and doubt. Yet quite the contrary, the body as a true friend sincerely and consistently began to confront us. Our body says, "Yes, I have been hurt ! Yes, I have been neglected ! I will not let you forget important events that have so deeply effected us." In its infinite wisdom, the body lets you know about aches, pains, forgotten trauma and needs set aside. It speaks now precisely because it now knows you are in recovery. It is important to realize that rather than falling apart your body is bringing up this forgotten inventory because you are stronger and now have the skills to cope.

The body has its own methods of processing and remembering past experiences. Being helped to "get in touch" with these can be a strong part of recovery for those who have dealt with pain and trauma through amnesiac behavior and blackouts. These behaviors which once protected us may now not be needed and merely sabotage or inhibit recovery. Working issues through the body can also help release feelings which developed in us at times we were proverbial or were unable to speak aloud safely.

In many ways bodywork, massage therapy and hands on healing can be a strong compliment to groups and verbal therapy as well as support coping skills learned in treatment and recovery. Professional touch for those coping with eating disorders may allow them to realistically feel the boundaries of their body. Individuals better sense how thin their bodies are despite distorted body images. Safe nurturing touch for those who have experienced the trauma of sexual abuse or sexual addiction can provide new body experiences that don't involve being exploited or exploiting. Renewing the ability of the senses through relaxation, music, artistic expressions, exploring nature can bring us more honestly into our bodies as well.

Movement is also an important way to access the vitality of the body, Aikido, Tai Chi, yoga, contact improvisational dance, stretching, can allow us to be physically a full participant in our bodies. Through exploring the fluidity, flexibility, and energy of our recovery. We can then return to the natural playful, fulfilling nature of our bodies.

In actuality the mind, body, and spirit are never separate entities. You are but one whole person. Only by seeking a path of recovery which accepts and integrates the varied parts of our life can we continue in a process of wholeness and serenity. Then truly "finding oneself" also includes the recovery of the body.