from the Addiction HOPE website…artist and title unknown
For your consideration…
As babies we learn to self-sooth. We find ways to bring ourselves comfort. As we grow those things change. We find different ways to comfort ourselves. This is a good thing. Indeed, this blog is about bringing HOPE, love and comfort.
Our soul always seeks peace, comfort, and joy. It yearns to stay in a constant state of love. We know this. We seek this. But our ego constantly interrupts this love and peace. Consequently, we look for ways to self-sooth ourselves. This is a good thing until it isn’t.
For example, lets consider “comfort food.” We love foods that feel good and comforting; home made chicken noodle soup, pasta, chocolate, chips etc. Or how about sitting down with a glass of wine? We can comfort ourselves with things we love and this is a good thing. But like everything else in life, we need balance. Too much of a good thing can be bad and unhealthy for us and even become addictive.
So how do we not cross that line into addiction? We are asked today to notice when we seek comfort, self-soothing. What has brought us to this moment? Think about it and then release it through self-soothing. We know that through gratitude we find clues to what brings us happiness. That is a good place to start; reading, meditating/praying, a hot bath, sitting in Mother Nature etc. I love the following also from the Addiction HOPE website…how ironic.
Alternative Options to Self-Soothe other than Alcohol (or other addictions):
- Engage your senses. Take a hot shower or bath, put on your favorite scented perfume or cologne, watch the sunset, take in the scenery, listen to soothing music, cook or bake something that smells and tastes good, light some incense or a nice scented candle, mindfully taste a favorite food, pet your favorite stuffed animal or the family pet, use a stress ball, or give someone a hug.
- Use Imagery. Imagine something relaxing or soothing. Think about your favorite memory or place. Simply daydream.
- Make meaning out of the stress. What can be learned from difficult times? Have you survived anything like this before? How has overcoming difficult times helped you?
- Find your spiritual center. Pray, meditate, ponder, or use your spirituality to help recenter and find peace.
- Mindful relaxation. Practice calming routines. Breathe. Breathe deeper. Remain curious and allow events to unfold. Practice progressive muscle relaxation. Listen to a guided meditation.
- Focus on one thing at a time. Be aware of what you are doing now and nothing else. Focus on just one thing at a time to avoid feeling overwhelmed with all there is to do.
- Take a brief vacation. Take a break from your day-to-day routine to slow down and recharge. This can be for a few moments or a few days.
- Hold compassion. Make kind, helpful statements about yourself and about others. Treat yourself like you would a friend. Give yourself a hug. Tell yourself positive affirmations. Consider how your stressors are experienced by others and remind yourself that you are not alone in your experience.
That is the HOPE. And so it is.
Bit by bit, piece by piece, HOPE by HOPE action steps anyone can take…
-Affirm…“I am loved.”
-Meditate/pray…ask…”What is my next step for my highest good and the highest good of all?”
-Drink lots of water.
-Get outdoors and take in at least 10 deep breaths.
What made me smile yesterday…
-A great talk with Vicki.
-Catching up with both my girls.
-A sunshiny day.
-Laying by the pool.
-Reading a good book.
Love, Blessings, and Gratitude,
Rev. Chris
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