Surviving Arid Periods

Resurrection ferns - photo by B. King

          Among the upper branches of live oaks and other large trees in the southeastern U.S., small ferns are often seen growing. This tree dweller is the Polypodium polypodioides, commonly known as the resurrection fern. It is considered an epiphyte, meaning it derives moisture and nutrients from the rain and air. These plants use creeping rhizomes to anchor themselves to tree bark but do not damage their tree host. The fern's common name refers to its adaptive response to dry weather. It is able to survive a 97% loss of its water content without dying; the fern fronds counter by curling inward and turning brown. However, an increase in humidity or rainfall will cause the fern to uncurl and regain its green color.

          Like the tree ferns, we can go through 'droughts' in our recovery when the fizz of our enthusiasm goes stale and flat. What can we do to revive our commitment to our framework of principles and practices?

1. Nurture a few close friendships with people in recovery. We all need someone who will encourage us and give us honest feedback.

2. The knowledge and experience that we have can be shared with someone new on the path. Being a mentor means we'll have to practice what we teach.

3. Bodies need sufficient sleep, nutrition, and exercise. Without these, our energy level and mood will suffer.

4. Using what we enjoy can change drudgery to play. Combine a creative element (music, writing, art, craft, etc.) with the path of recovery.

5. Deepen the spiritual aspect of recovery through personal study and the application of spiritual tools.

6. Daily self-assessment checks can keep us aware of patterns in our thoughts, emotions, and behavior. Reflection on our interactions with others can show us where amends and forgiveness are needed.

7. A daily log of small joys experienced can turn the mind toward what is positive.

For more information on commitment, see this post.

A Win for Both Sides

Red-necked wallabies - photo by Steve Parish

          Conflicts, often aggressive, arise regularly among group-living animals over issues of food, mating opportunities or social status. Yet cohesion of the group is necessary if it is to cooperate in securing and protecting food sources, defending against predators and sharing information. Scientists have observed post-conflict behavior between members who clashed that engendered reconciliation. Chimpanzees tend to stay in close proximity after a fight, grooming and hugging each other. A study of red-necked wallabies showed a reduction in anxiety related behavior in both aggressor and victim after reconciling through play and grooming. Peace-making within these social groups maximizes the well-being of all its members.

          When thinking about amends, we might assume we're the 'loser' who must submit to whatever humiliation the offended person dishes out. But nothing could be further from the truth; as with the animal groups, both sides benefit from our attempt to repair a relationship. Open-hearted communication allows us to experience how a healthy, balanced connection with other people is sustained. This practice also gives us the opportunity to train with new skills: courage rather than fear, honesty instead of self-justification, and humility rather than arrogance or resentment. Regardless of how our amends are received, we will no longer need to avoid certain people or places because of shame. Restitution can help us rebuild our self-respect. Through this life-long process, we move from self-centeredness to sincerely considering the feelings and views of other people. It's a 'win' for both parties.

For more information on amends, see this post.

Bending Toward the Light

Photo by Russell Neches

          Most plants use photosynthesis to produce sugar molecules for the food and building materials they need. Because it requires the sun’s light energy, plants generally display positive phototropism, or growth towards a light source. Growth hormones known as auxins move to the dark side of the plant and stimulate the cells there to elongate. The one-sided elongation causes the plant to bend toward the light. This adaptive process ensures that the plant receives the energy necessary for survival.

          To be willing means that we incline ourselves toward something, as plants bend toward sunlight. It implies more than optimistic, mental movement; willingness in recovery suggests a beginning effort made in a positive direction. The information we learn from books and the wisdom we receive from others can create strong roots to support us. We will be motivated to act by understanding the ‘why’ behind the action. Though new knowledge may be exciting, it is only the effort it activates that will help us make substantial progress. For example, we may be compelled to list those we’ve harmed (in order to make amends) after realizing this action can assist us in repairing our relationships and freeing us from guilt. Our understanding fuels our desire to act as we reach for recovery.

For more information on willingness, see this post.

Default Settings

Tortoise photo from a video by National Geographic

          After a fire swept through a forest in Brazil, a group of animal rescuers found a female tortoise who had lost most of her shell. An eclectic team made up of veterinarians, a dental surgeon, a graphic designer, and an artist came up with an innovative idea: make a prosthetic shell with a 3D printer. While the vets took care of their patient, photos were taken of a healthy tortoise shell in order to create a model. Corn-based plastic was used to print out a shell, and a local artist applied non-toxic paint to make it look more authentic. The tortoise now lives with one of the doctors and is doing remarkably well.
          It can be a little unnerving to let go of attitudes and behaviors that have become second nature to us. Like the tortoise, we may feel vulnerable and unprotected. Though our intentions may point us in the right direction, how do we actually change those daily thoughts and emotions that hinder us? How do we prevent them from triggering our old habits? Repetition is what created these patterns, and so we must practice new behaviors to reset what is familiar to us. While emotions aren't shortcomings, our emotionally-tinged thoughts can affect our perspective; such thoughts make our ideas feel solid and real even when they're not. Yet a surge of emotion can act as a signal to pay attention to the sensation that arises rather than the fictional story our mind wants to create. In that open space, we can mindfully choose a skillful response that will benefit our recovery. We won't ever be perfect, but the more we practice, the closer we'll move toward what matters.

For more information on hindrances, see this post.

Road Signs

Pointer photo by Sally Anne Thompson

          In an article for Outdoor Life, Colin Moore wrote, “For as long as anyone can remember, man has always fared better in his pursuit of game when aided by a canine.” As a result of this relationship, three primary types of bird dogs have developed: pointers, flushers, and retrievers. For skill in hunting upland birds such as pheasant, quail or grouse, most people prefer a pointer. This dog’s name comes from the use of its body when game is located. The dog freezes in place while holding the nose, back, and tail in a straight line. The canine becomes an arrow pointing the hunter to the target.
          After we complete and review our personal inventory with a mentor, we will need a type of compass like the pointer. Though we may now see our patterns, have a better understanding of our triggers and can identify our character flaws, we will require more than a list of ‘don’ts’ to make progress. If we find ourselves at a crossroads, we must know the direction that will take us toward what matters the most – recovery. Setting intentions can turn us toward positive actions, not as something to accomplish in the future, but as a choice to make in the present moment right where we stand. These road signs (slogans, spiritual principles and new approaches) can keep us from taking the well-worn, familiar road of old habits. 

For more information on intentions, see this post.