When we enter the silence with discipline and perseverance, we make space for  the living presence of God to heal us from the inside out. The great psychiatrist Carl Jung called this a ‘low level thirst for wholeness – for union with God’. In our addictions, we tried to quench our soul-thirst with fleeting pleasures. The pursuit of them dominated our lives, destroyed relationships, and caused greater desperation than we ever thought possible. We became selfish and self-seeking, ever thirsting for more, and this lust warped us on every level. But we were never satisfied, because but the living presence of God can quench our parched souls.

There are many persons in recovery who are not interested in discussing or even hearing about spirituality. As overwhelming as I’m sure this all may seem for someone who’s either never had a spiritual connection, Thoughts of Recovery No 17 The Spiritual Malady Step 1 or been disconnected for years, I’d like to assure you it’s not as formidable as it may seem. But first, it’s crucial that you understand the difference between a spiritual experience and a religious one.

Understanding the Nature of the Spiritual Malady

Emotional regulation is a key component of healing from a spiritual malady. Mental healthcare professionals guide patients through evidence-based strategies like cognitive-behavioral therapies (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) to manage negative thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. CBT helps individuals identify negative thinking patterns and consciously reframe them into positive ones. On the other hand, DBT equips people to regulate their emotions by learning mindfulness practices along with communication skills that help navigate interpersonal relationships. Spiritual malady refers to the state of being unhappy, restless, and not at peace with oneself. Overcoming this malady requires an active approach towards developing a sense of purpose through spiritual connection.

• In The Big Book of AA, the 12 steps outlined are a formalized approach to achieving this transformational change.
• Jung’s position was ultimately incorporated into twelve-step recovery, specifically Step Twelve.
• One may also experience a deep yearning for meaning or purpose, a constant search for external validation, and a tendency to engage in self-destructive behaviors as a means of temporary escape from the spiritual disquietude.

Our brains are constantly searching to see if we are safe or threatened and this subaware mechanism fine tunes the system based on the incoming information. Some predictive codes are inborn, instincts, but humans actually have https://accountingcoaching.online/what-if-being-sober-sucks-4-tips-to-boost-your/ very few instincts. Prejudice comes from the predictive codes in the shadows of the brain. We accumulate threat and trauma codes throughout a lifetime that bias the system towards threat and trigger threat physiology easily.

Inspiring Stories of Individuals Who Have Overcome the Spiritual Malady

One may also experience a deep yearning for meaning or purpose, a constant search for external validation, and a tendency to engage in self-destructive behaviors as a means of temporary escape from the spiritual disquietude. It is important to note that these symptoms may coexist with other mental health conditions, and seeking professional guidance is always recommended to ensure proper treatment and support. In order to effectively overcome the spiritual malady, it is essential to recognize its signs and symptoms. Overcoming the spiritual malady is important because it leads to a greater sense of emotional and spiritual autonomy and freedom.

Sarah’s journey reminds us that the path to spiritual well-being is unique for each individual and requires a willingness to explore and embrace different practices and beliefs. The spiritual malady can greatly impact an individual’s mental and emotional well-being, exacerbating existing psychological challenges and hindering personal growth. When one is disconnected from their spiritual essence, they may find it difficult to find joy and meaning in life. This can lead to a cycle of negative thought patterns, self-doubt, and a general sense of dissatisfaction. While a sense of spiritual emptiness is an experience familiar to many people, it is extremely common for those who struggle with addiction.

What is spiritual depression?

Drinking alcohol is found to provide relief, and turned to with increasing frequency. Though alcohol starts to have health consequences, cause problems with relationships, and decrease productivity, the user is unwilling to give it up. I need booze to medicate my inner turmoil, tortured mind and my broken heart.

There are a lot of physical threats that can flip our physiology into a defense state. Alcoholics Anonymous bases the 12-step program on 12 affirmations, or what they call 12 traditions. These expressions that help people recovering from addiction regain a spiritual footing once again. In these situations, I feel further from God than normal and then I wonder who moved me or God and the answer is always me. This phenomenon describes a malady that the greatest of Christians have suffered from time to time.

Seeking Professional Help

We are not an engine made out of steel that just needs a few parts replaced. If we don’t take the spiritual aspect of our existence into consideration then we can (and will) run the risk of becoming very cleaned up, pretty, and outwardly successful sober people who are completely bankrupt internally. This state of being not only leads to a return to bondage, but, even worse, it ends up becoming a life that is filled with inner longings that are misdirected, misfed, and misunderstood. The practice of compassion is a spiritual experience with a spillover benefit—compassion breeds more compassion.

So, what is the cure for physical, mental, emotional, shadow, social and spiritual illness, and disease? No amount of reason or rationalization with someone under threat, who is physiologically incapable of reason in that moment, will work. No amount of reason, rationalization, or punishment, will restore their sight.

BIG BOOK CHAPTER 5

To overcome spiritual malady, one can engage in various methods that can uplift their spirits and revive their inner self. Practicing mindfulness, meditation, regular prayer, and attending spiritual retreats can instill positivity and help clear mental blocks. Continuing the discipline and practicing ethical standards and principles are other ways to overcome spiritual maladies. Finally, it is worth noting that spiritual maladies have been observed throughout history, with many individuals struggling to find meaning and fulfillment in their lives. By learning from the experiences of those who came before us and staying mindful of our own spiritual needs, we can overcome the challenges of a spiritual malady and find true peace and contentment in our lives. So, if you are struggling with a spiritual malady, remember that you are not alone, and that with the right mindset and approach, you can find your way back to a state of wholeness and purpose.