This means those things that are not solid- such as our thoughts, our beliefs, our emotions- are what is spiritual. When we say that alcoholism or drug addiction is ‘a spiritual malady’, it means that our disease in centered in these things (thoughts, beliefs, emotions). If we do not get spiritually connected with meditation or prayer with a power greater than us it will bring us closer and closer to that drink or drug. In sobriety, if we are self-reliant we usually end up using anything that will make us feel good externally excessively. When left unresolved, a spiritual malady will continue to lead to restlessness, irritability, and discontentment. It can also lead to other problems, such as alcohol abuse or other addictions.
- Both practices work together to cultivate a deeper level of awareness and connection to spirituality.
- By practicing self-care, individuals can create an environment of self-love and acceptance, achieving a better understanding of their purpose and connection with themselves.
- Fear and resentment dominated my thoughts and I made decisions based on self which caused me harm and harmed others.
My trajectory was to move from physical to mental to social, and then to spiritual illness and disease. However, given the times we are in, I find myself compelled to vault forward to the spiritual. Another way to address the spiritual malady and heal in Glenwood Springs is to connect to some of its amazing recovery communities. This includes 12-Step communities that offer meetings that can help people discover what spirituality means to them. There is also a vibrant recovery community in the nearby urban hub of Denver. As overwhelming as I’m sure this all may seem for someone who’s either never had a spiritual connection, or been disconnected for years, I’d like to assure you it’s not as formidable as it may seem.
What causes spiritual depression?
Thankfully, the “spiritual malady” is no longer a “missing piece” of Step One for me. It is a reality of my powerlessness and unmanageability and enables me to see why I so desperately need to seek a Power Greater than myself. And unless this malady is recognized, and a course of action (the Twelve Steps) is taken to enable God to remove it, the root of our alcoholic illness can lie dormant and burn us when we least expect it. Thankfully, the “spiritual malady” is no longer a “missing piece” of Step One for me. You may suspect that you have a spiritual malady if you are struggling with feelings of discontentment, disconnection from others, or a sense of purposelessness in life.
Individuals may also experience a lack of emotional balance and inner turmoil. In essence, individuals must realize that overcoming spiritual malady leads to a fulfilling life, full of love, happiness, and contentment. Through a combination of self-reflection, spiritual practices, and a supportive community, individuals can achieve a deep spiritual connection with themselves and others.
Understanding the ‘Three-Fold Illness’
Having compassion for ourselves means that we honor our humanness with self-acceptance when we bump up against our limitations and fall short of our ideals. The role of physical dependence and psychological addiction in alcoholism partly explain why those with alcohol use https://g-markets.net/sober-living/art-therapy-create-to-recover/ disorder are unable to moderate or discontinue use. To initiate a full and sustained recovery, it is also helpful to address the spiritual role of this disease. So, what is the cure for physical, mental, emotional, shadow, social and spiritual illness, and disease?
When I accepted that the ‘spiritual malady’ was about my beliefs, thoughts, and emotions, I came to see that many of my own beliefs and thoughts on this subject were contributing to my disease. I had Why Do I Sneeze When I Drink Alcohol? many old ideas and prejudices that had to be examined and released. I could identify when he went on to say, “the spiritual malady refers to a derangement of our thoughts, beliefs, and emotions.
What Is A Spiritual Malady?
This is frequently referred to as “digest and rest” physiology although it too is much more than that. As addicts we can become so focused on the outward form our addiction takes – whether that booze, drugs, sex, overeating, etc. – that we overlook its deep roots at the core of our being. This spiritual malady is the restless spirit, the soul sickness that if left untreated will begin to ooze symptoms of emotional insecurity worry, anger, self-pity, and depression, even if we have been sober for years. The physical allergy is the concept that once a drink or a drug enters the body of an individual with alcohol use disorder (AUD) or substance use disorder (SUD), they cannot stop. Now, the inability to stop drinking or using is the allergy part.
One must remain vigilant of their thoughts and actions, embracing change, and practicing selflessness. Incorporating spiritual practices such as meditation and prayer, and fostering a loving and supportive community, can aid in this journey. Rabbi Abraham Twerski once shared a story about a man who was struggling with depression.
On the other hand, DBT equips people to regulate their emotions by learning mindfulness practices along with communication skills that help navigate interpersonal relationships. Engaging in spiritual practices such as communion with a higher power and quiet introspection can be an instrumental tool in overcoming spiritual malady. The combination of prayer and meditation can help remove distractions and increase self-awareness, leading to a clear mind focused on positive intentions. Finally, to overcome spiritual malady, one must commit to continued growth and learning. This requires a willingness to explore new ideas, practices, and experiences. It is important to stay engaged with others and to seek out opportunities for personal growth and development.
