We all move through a process from sensing and thinking to actions, and this process usually occurs at time-warp speed. Generally speaking it does not feel like a multipart process, though it is. The process is unique for each of us and is affected by many factors, but it is possible to lay out a…
DetailsA common misconception is that emotions or feelings occur in direct response to a sensory event. Such events can be internal, such as our physical state (e.g., a backache), or external to us (e.g., being stuck in traffic). So it may seem that the event causes the resulting emotion. Yet, in response to an event,…
DetailsImbalance of Physical life Imbalance of the body can manifest as fatigue, aching, nausea, sleep disturbance, and increased pain. Medication use affects your body. Stopping opioid medications under medical supervision (medically-monitored withdrawal) will cause a physical upheaval for a time, and balance may be difficult to achieve until your body recovers its own store of…
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This exercise will help you to identify dependent traits in yourself and in someone with whom you have a close relationship (this can be a spouse, romantic partner, or other significant relationship). Read the following list of characteristics and indicate which apply to you, to the other person, or to both of you. Characteristics: Problems…
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Sick Role When someone in the family has chronic pain, family roles and responsibilities often change, with the chronic pain sufferer taking on a more dependent status, or “sick role.” The spouse or partner of the person in pain may start to take on too many responsibilities. He or she may feel more like a…
DetailsRelationship patterns are established early in life. Our parents, role models, friends, etc., influence how we view ourselves and others and have an emotional impact throughout our lives. For example, the way you treat others is influenced by the way your parents acted toward each other. If we never examine these patterns we tend to…
DetailsReceiving Accepting that you cannot deal with your chronic pain or addiction by yourself is essential to help you change old thought patterns and habits. You do not need to be or feel alone as you walk through this process. Living in isolation without the support and encouragement of others who truly understand will make…
DetailsThere are numerous types of relationships, such as social, familial, intimate, romantic, acquaintance, and personal, all of which affect and are affected by your experience of chronic pain. Your relationships are not only an outward manifestation and an indicator of your overall state of balance; they also affect your state of balance either negatively or…
DetailsBy acting in ways that are consistent with becoming aware of the wishes, feelings, and needs of others, and taking the needs of others into consideration when you make a conscious decision about how you want to act, you will experience greater balance spiritually and overall. A solution-oriented strategy is to begin to develop a…
DetailsMeditation is one of the essential components of recovery and of living a spiritual life. Meditation quiets the chatter in our heads and allows us to gain perspective. You will find that practicing meditation will ease your emotional and physical pain and assist you in staying clean. The Eleventh Step in twelve-step fellowships talks about…
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