By, Lenin Silva
Today marks a significant milestone in my journey towards recovery and mindfulness. It's been 15 days since I last used marijuana, drank alcohol, or used any drugs. Equally, for the past 15 days, I've been actively participating in therapy, striving to untangle the complexities of my thoughts and emotions. This journey is about building positivity, one day at a time, amidst the challenges that life throws my way.
My morning began in solitude; my father was away, and my sister slept soundly in another room. The kitchen held remnants of the previous day - refried beans, which I warmed to accompany tortillas, creating a simple yet comforting meal of bean and cheese tacos. The day's beginning was humble, yet it set a tone of simplicity and mindfulness that I aim to embody.
The walk to the gym was not just a physical journey but a reflective one. I recorded snippets, capturing each step as a metaphor for the steps I am taking towards healing. In my backpack, I carried "Peace is Every Step" by a Buddhist Zen monk, a beacon guiding me towards mindfulness. Yesterday's reading introduced me to the concept of internal formations, akin to knots in a rope, symbolizing our internal struggles. Untangling these knots requires patience, understanding, and time - a process I am learning to embrace.
Meditation has become a tool for introspection, helping me to focus on the present rather than being ensnared by the past or anxious about the future. Today's meditation centered on communication and understanding, reminding me of the importance of listening with empathy and responding with compassion.
The daily visits to the gym have become a cornerstone of my recovery, infusing my mornings with energy and setting a positive tone for the day. This physical activity not only strengthens my body but also my resolve to maintain this path of mindfulness and recovery.
However, despite these positive strides, I recognize the shadow of procrastination that looms over my aspirations to write, read, blog, and engage more deeply with the community. The desire is there, but the path is often obscured by doubt and hesitation.
In seeking guidance, I turn to the wisdom of ancient philosophies, drawing insights from Greek philosophers, Native American teachings, pre-colonial Mexican philosophy, and ancient Chinese wisdom. These diverse sources offer a rich tapestry of insights that resonate with my journey.
From the Greeks, I am reminded by Socrates that "The unexamined life is not worth living." This encourages me to delve deeper into self-reflection and mindfulness, examining my actions, thoughts, and emotions with a critical yet compassionate eye.
Aristotle's concept of the "Golden Mean" teaches me the importance of balance - finding the virtuous path between excess and deficiency. This principle is particularly relevant in recovery, where balance in habits, thoughts, and emotions is crucial.
Native American philosophy, with its profound respect for nature and interconnectedness, teaches me the importance of living in harmony with the world around me. This perspective encourages a holistic approach to recovery, recognizing that healing is not just an internal process but one that is connected to the wider universe.
The wisdom of pre-colonial Mexico, particularly the concept of "In Lak'ech" (you are my other me), underscores the importance of empathy and understanding in communication. It reminds me that we are reflections of each other, and by offering kindness and understanding, we heal not only ourselves but also those around us.
Finally, ancient Chinese philosophy, especially Taoism, with its emphasis on the "Way" or "Path", teaches me to flow with life's currents rather than resist them. This principle of effortless action (Wu Wei) encourages me to find ease in my recovery journey, allowing the process to unfold naturally.
In synthesizing these philosophies, I find a comprehensive framework for healing. It's a path that emphasizes balance, interconnectedness, self-examination, empathy, and flowing with the natural course of life. As I move forward, I hold these insights close, guiding me towards a future where mindfulness and recovery are not just goals but a way of living.
As I conclude today's reflection, I am reminded that the journey of recovery and mindfulness is both personal and universal. It's a path paved with challenges, but also with profound opportunities for growth and transformation. I am grateful for these 15 days of progress and look forward to the journey ahead, armed with the wisdom of the ages and the strength of my own resolve.
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