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.

Commitment

Male emperor penguin keeping its egg warm in arctic temperatures

          Commitment sounds like a word that should be lumped together with terms like ‘trudge’ and ‘onerous.’ Yet what it asks of us is more than repaid in the benefits it offers. Commitment provides traction – it enables us to move forward rather than slipping back. Recovery doesn’t allow us to stand still because life doesn’t; we’re constantly forced to adapt or change. The tools we learn (principles and practices) aren’t just for getting us successfully up one mountain, but for training us to become skilled climbers and hikers for wherever life takes us. We continue to live by the spiritual principles of honesty, open-mindedness, willingness, and humility. We are vigilant in practicing self-examination. If our emotions grab us by the scruff of the neck, we pause and question the logic of our thoughts and the motives behind our actions. When we are at fault, we make amends promptly. Our self-centered habit of running from responsibility is replaced by the intention to make different, more self-less choices. We slowly develop integrity (“the state of being whole or undivided”) because the principles we hold begin to match our behavior.

Freedom is not the absence of commitments, but the ability to choose – and commit myself to – what is best for me. 

~ Paulo Coelho

For more information on commitment, see this post.