Practices for Peace and Ease
The non-negotiable's of my recovery
I haven’t had a drink in six years, and yet, these past three weeks, I’ve wanted to drink, badly. Something about the holiday spirit, time with family, on top of this post election season makes me want to indulge in habits I thought were extinct. I find myself seeking comfort; as old parts of myself emerge to say, remember me?
In order to abstain, I have leaned heavily on these strategies; the non-negotiable’s that keep me sane and centered. These practices are ones that I used in the early days and they still hold me today. I am intentional in scheduling these practices, often daily, because I know their impact and the stability that they bring.
Nature. In order to escape the cycles of ruminating thoughts, I go to nature to remember my connection, not only to myself, but to the world at large. When I go outside and breathe, I am immediately brought into presence. Feeling the sun. Listening to the sounds around me. Allowing the animals to communicate in their subtle and often silly ways. Being outdoors allows thoughts to settle and move through me, rather than confining me in a world of never ending stories.
Movement. I walk everyday, or shall I say, Mowgli, my dog, takes me for a walk everyday. No matter what, he nudges me and reminds me that moving my body is non-negotiable. Any distance is beneficial, especially around the witching hours of 3-5 pm (as this was imperative for me during my first few months of not drinking.) Now my daily movement includes hiking, biking, cross country skiing, dancing or stretching - anything that requires my focus to attend to my body.
With the frenetic energy that is our lives, it’s easy to become caught up in tasks and to-do’s. But this chase often leaves me feeling disconnected and frazzled if I don’t take time to pause. Tuning into the physical experience awakens an intelligence and clarity that allows me to tap into my inner wisdom. Moving not only releases endorphins, but improves the immune system, reduces inflammation, and promotes fitness.
Write. I have found this to be the most therapeutic task of my day, even before I knew writing was a love of mine. I started to write morning pages after reading The Artist Way. I dedicate 10-20 minutes to writing a stream of consciousness - whatever comes to mind. It allows me to sit with those hard to face issues. It provides a safe place to explore my disappointments and failures, as well as my joys and dreams. I now write for much longer, but this simple practice was, and still is, a cornerstone of my healing.
Cold Plunge. Talk about resilience! This practice of plunging into cold water (30-50 degrees) has become a staple, especially when I’m feeling lethargic or depleted. The effects on the nervous system are immediate and long lasting. I understand the hesitation, as I cried the first time I attempted it. But after submerging in the cold water for 3 minutes, I feel alive, strong, and empowered.
This practice helps me to see when my mental states are discoloring my experiences, which is almost always. We can endure much more than we think we can. Cold plunging has been the most potent medicine for healing my anxiety. It also boosts the immune system, supports muscle recovery, and is a great way to start the day. Cold showers work too!
Gratitude. This isn’t a practice that takes a lot of time, but the rewards are felt in ripples throughout my life. When I am focused on appreciating what I do have in my life, I feel less consumed with what feels like lack. I attempt to write a list in the morning, but if time is slim, I recite a list upon waking, or before I go to bed. I list simple pleasures such as a hot cup of coffee, and large gratitude’s for my health, a home, clean water, and the support of my loved ones. Whatever it may be, it’s worth acknowledging. And where attention goes, energy flows - you create more of what you’re grateful for.
A teacher once said to me, “Take care of your body and your body will take care of you.” This includes managing our thoughts and finding tools to alleviate the mental cages we often find ourselves in. The mind-body connection is irrefutable, and these practices have become my means of keeping both peaceful and at ease. This, to me, is a privilege and a responsibility, one that keeps me away from destructive habits such as drinking. When I am focused on prioritizing wellness, the pull to escape and choose unhealthy patterns is less appealing.
What works for you? What keeps you sane, centered, and at peace?
If you’d like more resources or guidance in cultivating more ease and peace in your world, please visit www.blackbirdrecovery.org. Our Mantra to Manifest project is available as a 40 day daily email and a reflective journal, both equipped with self care tools and prompts to support self awareness and self love.
Love this, Courtney. Your non-negotiable’s resonate deeply - including cold plunging, which I used to do daily in a glacier-fed lake and miss so much. Now I take cold showers, but they don’t get very cold at our place here in Thailand. Definitely not the same thing!