In order to properly ‘recover’ from any addiction there is a need to keep a sustained effort of ‘self-inquiry’. This self-inquiry must be taught in the recovery setting of choice, and this must be then applied to daily life. In order to develop in the recovery process recovery tools need to be practiced until they are second nature. In the event of being ‘caught’ in a high-risk situation it is imperative that the recovering person have a sound ability to exit the situation, and apply the necessary self-care…. applying the tools. I cannot imagine anyone pulling off the practice of recovery tools if there is only a basic knowledge and experience of them.
So, my message today is that it is an act of self-neglect to not have a daily practice of recovery tools… the outcome is at best a ‘slip’… and at worst death!
Problem # 1. Most self care tools that are taught are inadequate…they are not properly researched, and are simply borrowed from self-help models with no modifications.
Problem # 2. A lot of the focus in recovery settings is on finding external support rather than assisting the recovering person to focus on self-management. i.e. developing emotional intelligence. This leaves a person vulnerable when s/he cannot access support from others!
Problem # 3. Trauma {P.T.S.D. or sexual abuse issues} and co-dependency issues often surface soon after treatment, and some seriously thought out tools need to be taught to help manage and work thru these underlying problems.
I’ve spent years developing alternative approaches, as have a few others. Please contact me should you wish to explore these.
e. info@innercare.org
p. 1-604-746-1164
w. WWW.INNERCARE.ORG
Based in the Fraser valley, near Vancouver… serving Canada and the rest of the world!
Monday, April 20, 2009
Sunday, April 12, 2009
An Easter message of hope!
Today’s central mystery in the Christian faith reminds us of the need to allow a resurrection in our lives. Can we allow ourselves to be joined with Christ in his rising from death?
And overcome all forms of 'death':
• The ‘death’ of despair;
• The ‘death’ of alcoholism;
• The ‘death’ of drug addiction;
• The ‘death’ of smoking;
• The ‘death’ of chronic depression;
• The ‘death’ of being a victim of abuse;
• The ‘death’ of being a compulsive gambler;
• The ‘death’ of numerous moral wrongs done whilst under the influence;
• The ‘death’ of relationships lost thru active addiction;
• The ‘death’ of ourselves in addictions;
• The ‘death’ of ourselves in the sickness of co-dependency;
• The ‘death’ of hope in real and lasting change!
• The ‘death’ of despair;
• The ‘death’ of alcoholism;
• The ‘death’ of drug addiction;
• The ‘death’ of smoking;
• The ‘death’ of chronic depression;
• The ‘death’ of being a victim of abuse;
• The ‘death’ of being a compulsive gambler;
• The ‘death’ of numerous moral wrongs done whilst under the influence;
• The ‘death’ of relationships lost thru active addiction;
• The ‘death’ of ourselves in addictions;
• The ‘death’ of ourselves in the sickness of co-dependency;
• The ‘death’ of hope in real and lasting change!
This is a free gift of grace... you simply have to ask!... in Mediation, prayer, desperation etc.
The beginnings of a ‘re-birth’ starts when we make a decision to reach out for help. This might be to a friend, a family member or pastor etc. Today offers significant hope!
Peace,
Brian
Mail: info@innercare.org
Web: www.innercare.org
Phone: 1-604-746-1164
Based in the Fraser Valley near Vancouver… serving the rest of the world!
Web: www.innercare.org
Phone: 1-604-746-1164
Based in the Fraser Valley near Vancouver… serving the rest of the world!
Thursday, April 9, 2009
A Good Friday Message to recovering persons
A Good Friday Message to recovering persons:
Whether you’re a Christian or not, the Christian message pervades our North American cultures. Today is ‘Good Friday’… for Christians that means the God-Man Jesus sacrificed his life to atone for our sin! And what addict/alcoholic has not sinned! I’m not trying to make a moral issue out of addiction but there are some obvious ethical dimensions to recovery.
Today we remember the crucifixion of Jesus. Any recovering person be they gamblers, food addicts, love addicts, sex addicts, pill poppers whatever needs to follow Jesus’ example of allowing the ego to be crucified. As its only by letting go of our control, that our personalities can be transformed and resurrected. The crucifixion of the ego is of course very painful and many people avoid that and simply remain ‘dry drunks’… unhappy, bitter, struggling never to know their potential until they reach out for help.
In psychotherapy the addicted person is carried through their personal crucifixion by a compassionate witnessing therapist who provides ‘faith’ for their journey into their dark night. It takes a lot of courage to do this but the rebirth/resurrected personality is a joy for all to see. When we change the world around us changes!
Perhaps your recovery will start today with a crisis of conscience? You’ve violated your moral code, the things you swore you would never do you’ve done. Recovery is about admitting our guilt and moving on, not wallowing in self-pity or neurotic guilt. I invite you not this day nor this hour but in this moment to stop meditate/pray…recovery moves forward and our world is a better place!
I leave you with a quote from ‘The Cloud of Unknowing’… perhaps the most profound writing on meditation ever penned:
For in the beginning it is usual to feel nothing but a kind of darkness about your mind, or as it were, a cloud of unknowing. You will seem to know nothing and to feel nothing except a naked intent toward God in the depths of your being. (…) But learn to be at home in this darkness. Return to it as often as you can, letting your spirit cry out to Him whom you love. For if, in this life, you hope to feel and see God as He is in Himself, it must within this darkness and this cloud. P49 (…) by the work of contemplative love man will be healed. Failing in this work he sinks deeper into sin further and further from God, but by persevering in it he gradually rises from sin and grows in divine intimacy. P.50.
In Christ,
Brian
Innercare Services International Inc.
p. 1-604-746-1164
e. info@innercare.org
w. www.innercare.org
Based in the Fraser Valley near Vancouver… serving North America and the world!
Whether you’re a Christian or not, the Christian message pervades our North American cultures. Today is ‘Good Friday’… for Christians that means the God-Man Jesus sacrificed his life to atone for our sin! And what addict/alcoholic has not sinned! I’m not trying to make a moral issue out of addiction but there are some obvious ethical dimensions to recovery.
Today we remember the crucifixion of Jesus. Any recovering person be they gamblers, food addicts, love addicts, sex addicts, pill poppers whatever needs to follow Jesus’ example of allowing the ego to be crucified. As its only by letting go of our control, that our personalities can be transformed and resurrected. The crucifixion of the ego is of course very painful and many people avoid that and simply remain ‘dry drunks’… unhappy, bitter, struggling never to know their potential until they reach out for help.
In psychotherapy the addicted person is carried through their personal crucifixion by a compassionate witnessing therapist who provides ‘faith’ for their journey into their dark night. It takes a lot of courage to do this but the rebirth/resurrected personality is a joy for all to see. When we change the world around us changes!
Perhaps your recovery will start today with a crisis of conscience? You’ve violated your moral code, the things you swore you would never do you’ve done. Recovery is about admitting our guilt and moving on, not wallowing in self-pity or neurotic guilt. I invite you not this day nor this hour but in this moment to stop meditate/pray…recovery moves forward and our world is a better place!
I leave you with a quote from ‘The Cloud of Unknowing’… perhaps the most profound writing on meditation ever penned:
For in the beginning it is usual to feel nothing but a kind of darkness about your mind, or as it were, a cloud of unknowing. You will seem to know nothing and to feel nothing except a naked intent toward God in the depths of your being. (…) But learn to be at home in this darkness. Return to it as often as you can, letting your spirit cry out to Him whom you love. For if, in this life, you hope to feel and see God as He is in Himself, it must within this darkness and this cloud. P49 (…) by the work of contemplative love man will be healed. Failing in this work he sinks deeper into sin further and further from God, but by persevering in it he gradually rises from sin and grows in divine intimacy. P.50.
In Christ,
Brian
Innercare Services International Inc.
p. 1-604-746-1164
e. info@innercare.org
w. www.innercare.org
Based in the Fraser Valley near Vancouver… serving North America and the world!
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Mid-life crisis? - part 4.
If you seem to have lost your way in the many trials of life and are secretly wondering what's the way forward? Then you need to find a way to stop and take stock. This is the typical place of therapy... I mean psychotherapy. It can make all the difference, as you'll have a 'sacred' place where you can say whatever you need to say without judgment or condemnation. Therapy provides a psychologically safe space for clients.
However, the person seeking recovery has a few problems s/he needs to face:
Problem # 1. Most therapists have never truly specialized in addiction treatment!
Problem # 2. Therapy is usually a weekly meeting for only one hour.
Problem # 3. Any really good therapist has a waiting list! Sure, it's worth the wait if you can afford to! But, if your addictions are at a critical stage then you need immediate professional help.
Problem # 4. With addictions come serious moral and spiritual issues... this is not the proper remit of therapy... a highly experienced spiritual adviser is needed.
There seems to be few solutions to this dilemma. So, that's why I offer intensive therapy retreats!
This has come from 20 years experience directing clinics/rehabs, and 14 years spent as a Monk ans spiritual adviser.
Lately the actor and Oscar nominee/BAFTA winner Mickey Rourke spoke on T.V. of his need for both a psychotherapist and priest for his healing process... the result is there for all the world to see!
Please blog/call or email me if you need any advice.
Based in the Fraser Valley, near Vancouver... serving all Northern territories and the provinces of Canada and the rest of the world!
e. info@innerare.org
p. 1-604-746-1164
w. innercare.org
However, the person seeking recovery has a few problems s/he needs to face:
Problem # 1. Most therapists have never truly specialized in addiction treatment!
Problem # 2. Therapy is usually a weekly meeting for only one hour.
Problem # 3. Any really good therapist has a waiting list! Sure, it's worth the wait if you can afford to! But, if your addictions are at a critical stage then you need immediate professional help.
Problem # 4. With addictions come serious moral and spiritual issues... this is not the proper remit of therapy... a highly experienced spiritual adviser is needed.
There seems to be few solutions to this dilemma. So, that's why I offer intensive therapy retreats!
This has come from 20 years experience directing clinics/rehabs, and 14 years spent as a Monk ans spiritual adviser.
Lately the actor and Oscar nominee/BAFTA winner Mickey Rourke spoke on T.V. of his need for both a psychotherapist and priest for his healing process... the result is there for all the world to see!
Please blog/call or email me if you need any advice.
Based in the Fraser Valley, near Vancouver... serving all Northern territories and the provinces of Canada and the rest of the world!
e. info@innerare.org
p. 1-604-746-1164
w. innercare.org
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