As long as you keep a person down, some part of you has to be down there to hold him down, so it means you cannot soar as you otherwise might.
~ Marion Anderson ~
Anchor Verse - Isaiah 40:31 (NRSVUE): “But those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.”
You know that resentment you've been carrying? That grudge you're nursing against somebody who wronged you? Here's the hard truth — you're not just holding them down. You're holding yourself down. And until you let it go, you will never soar the way God designed you to.
That quote from Marian Anderson — it's from today's Touchstones meditation, and folks, it cuts right to the bone. Because in recovery, we know this feeling. We get tense. We tighten up. We say, 'I'm not talking to them until they apologize.' Or we hold out on a friend because we're waiting for them to admit they were wrong. And it feels justified. It feels like justice. But here's what's really happening — the longer you grip that resentment, the tighter it grips you.
The Touchstones reading puts it plainly: our lives can be much richer and more fulfilled when we let go of these expectations. We can stop manipulating. Stop drawing forth the responses we want from people. Because our pouting, our silence, our conditions — they don't punish the other person. They imprison us.
Now, here's where Scripture meets this truth head-on. Isaiah 40:31 — NRSVUE — says this: 'But those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength. They shall mount up with wings like eagles. They shall run and not be weary. They shall walk and not faint.'
And so the question for every Christian in recovery this morning is simple: what are you still holding onto? What claim are you making on somebody else's behavior that's keeping you from your own freedom?
Step four asks us to make a searching and fearless moral inventory. And most of us, when we do that, we find resentments we didn't even know we were carrying. Little ones. The guy who cut you off in traffic. The family member who still doesn't get it. The friend who never showed up when you needed them.
And the Touchstones meditation says it perfectly: 'No one else need stand in the way of our pleasure of being adult men.' That's freedom. That's emotional sobriety. Not waiting for someone else to change so you can finally be okay. But letting go of your claims on others so you can be free — right now. Today.
Because here's what resentment does. It makes life boring. It makes life small. You think you're protecting yourself, but you're just building a smaller cage.
If this is speaking to you this morning, do me a favor — hit that like button, share it with another man in recovery who needs to hear it. And if you haven't already, subscribe to Sacred Sobriety. We're building a community of men pressing forward with steadfast faith in Jesus Christ, one day at a time.
Let me pray over us this morning. Lord, we bring you the resentments we've been carrying — the ones we know about and the ones we've buried. Loosen our grip. Remind us that you are the one who renews our strength. Give us the courage to let go of our claims on others, so we can mount up with wings like eagles. In the name of Jesus, amen.
Today's Touchstones reading closes with this — and I want you to take this with you: 'Today, I will let go of my claims on others so I can be free to soar.
Until next time, folks. Be blessed, be encouraged.
Welcome to "Sacred Sobriety: A Path for the Soul"! In our debut episode, "Beginning the Journey: Embracing God’s New Thing," we dive into the transformative promise of Isaiah 43:18-19, where God declares, “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?”
Are you feeling weighed down by past dysfunction, old wounds, or the scars of yesterday? Do you long for a fresh start? This episode is crafted just for you. Through heartfelt scripture, a powerful personal story, and practical steps, we’ll guide you on how to release the burdens of your past and step boldly into God’s grace and renewal.
Here’s what you’ll discover:
Letting Go: How to shift your focus from past hurts to God’s promise of a new beginning.
Finding Hope: Hear Sarah’s inspiring journey of breaking free from a dysfunctional past and see how it applies to your life.
Practical Tools: Learn to name your hopes, embrace daily mercy, and lean on community for strength.
By the end of this episode, you’ll feel equipped to take your first steps toward healing and spiritual growth, trusting that God is at work in your life—right now. Whether you’re seeking peace, restoration, or a deeper faith, this is your invitation to embrace the new thing He’s doing.
Subscribe now and join us on this journey of faith and recovery. Your path to sacred sobriety starts here!
The word is not just a sound or a written symbol. The word is a force; it is the power you have to express and communicate, to think, and thereby to create the events in your life. You can speak. ... The word is the most powerful tool you have as a human; it is the tool of magic. But like a sword with two edges, your word can create the most beautiful dream, or your word can destroy everything around you.
~ Don Miguel Ruiz, The Four Agreements - Be Impeccable with Your Word, p. 26 ~
The Gospel of John opens up with this statement of declaration regarding Christ and his divine authority:
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.The He was with God in the beginning. All things came to be through him, and without him nothing made had being. 4 In him was life; and the life was the light of mankind.
In the Greek, the WORD is LOGOS, and it is the word that gives us the term Logic. We understand that Christ was with our Heavenly Father in the beginning. He is the voice of God. This is validated throughout the New Testament. Christ spoke with authority. As we are representatives ministering in the name of Christ, we too speak in authority on His behalf.
What does it mean to be impeccable with our words? How does this translate into us speaking with authority?
As One having authority
We look to Mark 1:21-28 regarding how Christ spoke:
They entered K'Far-Nachum, and on Shabbat Yeshua went into the synagogue and began teaching. They were amazed at the way he taught, for he did not instruct them like the Torah-teachers but as one who had authority himself. In their synagogue just then was a man with an unclean spirit in him, who shouted, "What do you want with us, Yeshua from Natzeret? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are - the Holy One of God!" But Yeshua rebuked the unclean spirit, "Be quite and come out of him!" Throwing the man into a convulsion, it gave a loud shriek and came out of him. They were all so astounded that they began asking each other, "What is this? A new teaching, one with authority behind it! He gives orders even to the unclean spirits, and they obey him!" And the news about him spread quickly through the whole region of the Galil.
When Yeshua had finished saying these things the crowds were amazed at the way he taught, for he was not instructing them like their Torah-teachers but as one who had authority himself.
Christ was impeccable with his words. When he taught it was with authority and not as the religious leaders had taught. When he ministered, he ministered under the authority of God's divine power and grace. This is evidenced in the Great High Priestly prayer of John 17. Here, we see Christ praying to the Father and declaring the words he received from the father, he also given to the disciples. Through the word (logic and reason) we come to know:
The Truth
Sanctified through its power and instruction
Creates fulfillment and joy in our lives
Generates faith and belief
Unifies us with God the Father and Jesus Christ
Expresses divine love and grace through its power
How many of us understand the dangerous power of the Word of God? I hear this all the time in various conversations. Yet, what does it mean to believe on the Word of God? Most merely reference the word of God as it is associated with the Bible. They conclude that the Bible is the final authoritative word of God. However, do you fully understand what is being said?
This is not a passing expression (as many today have appeared to use). It is one of the most dangerous characteristics of being a Christian in today's social climate and divisiveness. Here is what Alastair Roberts writes in his blog article: As One Having Authority - Mark 1:28-29
One of the dangerous yet important characteristics of the Church’s ministry is its authoritative speech: authorized by Christ himself, the Church is to communicate Christ’s own authority, obliging and releasing people to act in line with it. The Church does not just dispense advice but declares the word of Christ which obliges us to follow and by which one day we will be judged. The authoritative word of Christ furnishes lost and disoriented people with truthful ways of life.
The powerful word of God is not limited to a collection of 66 books. Christ is referred to as the Living word of God. He spoke on authority and taught what the Father had gave Christ to teach. Through Christ, we also are the Living words of God. Through us, we speak the truth and minister as Christ ministered.
On one occasion, the Savior spoke this truth to His disciples:
Yes, indeed! I tell you that whoever trusts in me will also do the works I do! Indeed, he will do greater ones, because I am going to the Father. In fact, whatever you ask for in my name, I will do; so that the Father may be glorified in the Son If you ask me for something in my name, I will do it.
Through our faith in God the Father and Jesus Christ, we are empowered to do the works of Christ, and even greater works. This includes mindful and sincere heartfelt prayer in asking for God's guidance, wisdom, intervention, and strength. All to further glorify the Father and Son.
It is through our faith in Jesus Christ that we are able to speak as one having authority. To call all men unto repentance. To forgive those who have trespassed against us. To preach with authority against the many seeds of doubt and fear. Our very words are impeccable where it brings light of hope, love, and truth within the darkest regions of the human heart. It beckons us to be a light unto the world.
One of the hallmarks of Christ's authority is captured in the scene where a woman is brought before him. She was caught in the act of adultery. As an attempt to trap the Savior, the religious leaders and crowd awaited his response as to the condemnation and judgment based upon the established law (John 8:3-11, CJB)
Being an authentic Christian and being impeccable with our word means we do so in a manner that is without sin. Here is how Ruiz explains the first agreement:
Now let us see what the word impeccability means. ... Impeccable comes from the Latin pecatus, which means "sin." The im ... means "without," so impeccable means "without sin."
Ruiz further explains that this is speaking without judgment or blame. Specifically, toward oneself. However, this also means that when we speak with authority, it is done in a manner where we are not speaking out of judgment, criticism, blame, or in being condescending toward others. Christ spoke with authority: First toward the crowd ready to cast stones at the woman, and secondly toward the woman when he called her to repentance and asked her to stand and go forth to sin no more.
Unfortunately, many Christians preach and minister in a manner that is contrary to the way Christ ministered. This is evidenced in their conversations and tactics in so-called preaching the gospel through a spirit of contention and condescension toward others.
Let us not confuse this powerful ability to speak with divine authority. Truth will come across with harshness toward those in need of salvation and redemption. Scripture is clear on this. Yet, we do not have the authority to judge or condemn someone - that is reserved for the Savior. We do have the authority to preach the Gospel, call all people unto repentance, and teach them all that the Savior has commanded through discipleship.
When we are impeccable (meaning, we are ministering without sin in our hearts) in our words we speak the truth and love of Christ into the lives of those who are:
Despondent
Feeling lost and abandoned
Experiencing adversity and despair
Overwhelmed and burdened
Experiencing fear and doubt
Lacking hope and faith
discouraged, disappointed, and let down
experiencing health issues
suffering
This is accomplished through mindfulness. We are not judging them, criticizing them, or putting them down. Instead, we are meeting them where they presently are. Speaking truth in love and comfort. Being compassionate and empathetic. We are not using terms couched in cliches. Our words are authentic and genuine.
In essence, when we speak without sin, we are speaking in a manner that is not rejecting of another person. This begins with how we speak to ourselves and accepting who we are through Christ's divine authority and grace. Until we heal ourselves and come unto Christ and seek his Forgiveness, we are not able to speak with authority and without sin.
Words bring healing and restoration
Another characteristic of Christ's ability to speak with authority is through the healing of individuals. People were not only amazed that Christ taught with authority (unlike scribes and religious leaders); they were also amazed at the power of his words that brought healing and restoration.
One of the most interesting accounts is the healing of the man with palsy (Mark 2:1-12, CJB)
As Christians, our words have the divine power and authority to heal and restore. As we have come to understand, we shall do the works of Christ, and even do greater works than he has done. This may raise the question as whether or not there are healings today as there were in the time of Christ. I even came across one comment regarding someone asking how come God does not restore an amputee's hand?
First, we must understand that we have come far along in the field of medical science. What we are able to do today, was not available during the First Century. In a manner of speaking, God has provided us the means to restore limbs to people. They may not be flesh and bone limbs, however, many have gone on to great success with artificial limbs. Furthermore, there is the exploration of medical science and robotics. Secondly, healing and restoration begins with faith. Each encounter we read about where Christ heals - stems from the faith of those around the individual, and the individual themselves in taking the necessary action and following Christ's authority and word.
When we speak, without sin, and have faith in Christ, our words bring healing and restoration to those who are broken and lost. Has the power to lift others out of despair. Bring comfort during times of sorrow and suffering.
The Apostle Paul instructs us on how we bring restoration and healing within our families, and communities (Romans 12:4-18, CJB)
Here, we understand that healing and restoration rests upon our faith. It also rests upon our ability to show love and affection toward one another. Through this, we show mercy, and are able to effectively serve the Lord through our words and deeds. It also means we continue with fervent prayer and maintain patience in times of adversity.
Being impeccable with our words requires us to minister to those in need. Through our words we bring healing and restoration. While this may not manifest in physical healing, it may very well reach into the depths of the soul and bring to pass healing and restoration of faith and hope. This is quite true during our time where we have seen significant changes in how we are living our lives out.
While it is true that there are many in our society seeking after wickedness as a means to bring happiness and joy into their lives. Our duty and obligation are to speak truth in love and grace to bring healing and restoration to those who have found themselves bound in misery.
Conclusion
We are definitely living in unprecedented times. How we minister is based on whether we are authentic and impeccable with our word. Exercising our genuine faith in Jesus Christ, we have the power to speak with great authority. Through genuine faith in Jesus Christ, we have the power and authority to speak without sin. And through our genuine faith in Jesus Christ, we have the power to speak healing and restoration in the lives of those darken by sin and transgression.
Therefore, let us emulate our Savior and harness the power and authority of God in speaking truth that sanctifies, calls people unto repentance, and motivates others to walk in faith and obedience to all that Christ has taught and commanded us.
Therefore, openly acknowledge your sins to one another, and pray for each other, so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effectual.
Jesus Christ taught us how to pray. In recovery support meetings, people recite the Serenity Prayer. Catholics pray the Rosary. People of faith may even use prayer beads as a method of praying. Yet, are we praying from deep within our heart, our soul, and are we mindful in how we pray?
When I pray throughout the day, I may find myself falling into the habit of parroting words without being aware of their meaning. This blunts one of the most fundamental spiritual disciplines. As I pray, my focus is to meditate mindfully on the meaning of every word and phrase. My understanding will grow. My capability to realize the difference between shallow prayers by rote and memory and powerful and meaningful effectual prayer.
Prayer is not merely a suggestion for me to seek after God and His will. True, there is much more room for improvement in my own life, yet it may only come from me attending to and praying with deep meditation and meaning. There is significant purpose in bringing my petition to the Lord. Prayer helps guide me into improving my attitude and perception. When it is done without obligation.
~ Today's Prayer and Meditation ~
Heavenly Father, I come before you with humility and gratitude. Enlighten my soul with your grace and truth. Allow me to take a moment to meditate on my thoughts as I direct them toward you. Guide me into developing a richer and more meaningful prayer life. In Christ's name, Amen.
Every good act of giving and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father who made the heavenly lights; with him there is neither variation nor darkness caused by turning.
~ James 1:17, CJB ~
In the Christian life we often speak of the importance of prayer as a spiritual discipline. This ought to call us to a serious reflection. If I am able to pray for things I desire, would they truly bring happiness in my own life? Do I always know exactly what is best for me? Am I merely praying to bargain with my Heavenly Father? Or am I praying to instruct Him in times of struggle and despair?
Mindfulness calls me to a greater awareness of realizing and accepting the reality of not knowing what I truly stand in need of. Only my Heavenly Father knows my heart and my needs. I do not know what may be best for me. This knowledge remains despite all my determined resistance in His hands.
With this awareness and acceptance, our prayers are limited to seek God's guidance and wise counsel. My mindful prayers allow me to become more open and receptive to receive His directions. I'm empowered and strengthened to act upon His counsel.
Through quiet meditation I defer my decisions until my contact with Heavenly Father has brought about certainty the path for me is right. And I pray to keep myself from taking any action, even a little one, that may be intended toward disappointment and potential suffering.
~ Today's Prayer and Meditation ~
Heavenly Father, I seek you with humility and openness to receive your direction and guidance in my life today. I struggle with seeking after those selfish needs and ask that you forgive me and continue to work on my heart and mind to discipline myself in praying mindfully and meditate in order to await your direction and guidance. As I consider the direction I may go, please guide me as await upon you and not lean unto my own understanding and desire. For you know what I stand in need of and direction I shall walk. In Jesus Name, Amen!
One reason we come to our Heavenly Father is to learn wisdom and gain courage. We learn the depravity of our sinful desires and the just condemnation if we do not stand ready to repent and seek forgiveness. The lusts of our flesh lead to mental, physical, and spiritual suffering. We learn that the only cure is to come into the Grace and Mercy of our Heavenly Father's forgiveness. There is divine healing that occurs within our hearts, minds, and spirit.
Repentance requires an honest and humble appraisal of self and the desire to move forward in spirit and truth. This opens the way to spiritual improvement in our lives. It brings us to a place where we are able to ascend to greater insight and wisdom. Reading through the scriptures on a day-to-day basis encourages us to grow and improve our lives. Through prayer and meditation, we are strengthened and supported.
~ Today's Prayer and Meditation ~
To live the Christian way of life may lead to such spiritual growth and wisdom as we have never before experienced. For those who are earnestly seeking God know the richness of His grace and mercy. It is a learning process that works best for those who approach Him with willingness and humility.
Heavenly Father, I come to seek after your will, your desire, and your plan for my life. I come to seek your forgiveness and grace. Help me see those things that hold me back from growing and maturing spiritually. Enlighten my mind with your wisdom and word of truth. As I ponder the scriptures, help me find the truths I long for. Assist me in applying them into my life. Your word declares that if I seek after you I shall find life. This I pray in Jesus name, Amen.
What are you passionate about? What gives you motivation? What are you committed too? Being a mindful and thoughtful Christian, we want to explore the very reason to live life to its fullest. Keeping the Lord at the center – we move with passion and determination. Christ was passionate about the people around him. He was passionate about serving and walking in obedience. He displayed genuine and authentic passion in His ministry. Despite the struggles, challenges, and obstacles that came His way – He faced mortal life with zeal, compassion, love, and a passion to live each day.
For us, we feel that our zealousness slowly fades away with each inevitable struggle. If that is the case – maybe it is time to slow down, to take a sabbath, find ways to be grateful for what you have, and above all else, pray to our Heavenly Father. And, if worry and fear has weighted you down some – pray with great intensity and passion to seek God’s divine grace that will renew your soul.
Our relationship with Jesus Christ. Our relationship with the father. Our relationship with ourselves and others give us the motivation and adventure we need to find fulfillment in life. Passion brings into our lives a sense of fulfillment.
~ Today’s Prayer and Meditation ~
Heavenly Father, renew my spirit and my passion for life. Through my love, my heart speaks a solemn testimony of my faith in you. As I walk in obedience, let my passion and zeal for your love and grace be worthy. Let me walk in assurance of my faith and my actions direct others toward your grace and infinite love. In Jesus Name, Amen.
One of the most challenge things in being a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is having to constantly be aware of one's on-going work toward perfection. Many times, as a Mormon, the constant teaching of, "you have to do this in order for this to happen," came across the pulpit, at firesides and in Sunday School. The tragic loss of this message is that most people who have left the Church finally realize the real freedom in a relationship with Jesus Christ and not being obligated to prove one's self-worth to God.
The simple message of the Gospel, and of the sacrifice the Savior made, is diluted, confused and wrapped in a more humanistic effort to please God. The reality is that because God is sovereign, loving and merciful, he meets us where we are at in the present moment - not where he desires us to be in order to bless us, redeem us, or even forgive us when we falter. Unfortunately, the Mormon faith, it's leaders and many members seemed to have lost sight of this important truth.
Sitting in counsel with the clinical director at the non-profit agency I work at, she said, if you really want to make an impact on the client's life, you have to meet them where they are at and not where you desire them to be. What is being said here is that as much as I want the client's that I work with to be free from their addiction and moving into a healthier lifestyle (which is nothing wrong to have such desire); the reality is that they may not even be ready to be at that point in their own recovery.
In essence, I have to meet them exactly where they are at in the present moment and be aware of their own brokenness, their own perception, and their own challenges and obstacles. Because, for me to constantly desire them to be where I want them to be, they are going to have that much more resistance to change. However, if I meet them where they are at in the present moment without judgment, criticism or expectation, they may eventually find the means necessary to slowly move into their own recovery and change will inevitably happen.
The sovereign creator of the universe also meets each and every one of us where we are at in the present moment. Regardless of what we have done up to that point. Regardless of what may or may not happen after that point. In the present moment of our mortal existence, our loving God meets us. Of course, His desire is to see that we move into a changed lifestyle and have a deep, intimate and meaningful relationship with us. However, that will eventually come to fruition. What matters is in that moment God meets us, we are right where we need to be for him to be there.
Throughout the Bible, we see exactly this pattern of God - meeting people exactly where they are at in the moment of their own need. The savior of the world met people exactly where they were at in the moment of their own need. Without criticism, judgment or expectation. These individuals did nothing to prove to God their worth in meeting their presenting needs.
A simple message, the Gospel, in that we all come to faith at that precise moment when the Grace of God floods our hearts and changes us into a new being - a new person because of the power of the Cross. We did nothing to earn it. Nowhere in the Bible does God say, or Christ say, that we have to first come before him with clean hands and clean hearts. For example, the woman caught in adultery was brought before Christ. The people were prepared to stone her as it was the custom and applicable to the law. However, Christ simply wrote in the sand and asked which one of them is free from sin? When he looked up and sees only the woman, his words are comforting - neither do I judge you, go and sin no more! (John 8:2-11, ESV)
Christ knew the hearts of those surrounding the woman. He met them exactly where they were at in their own sinful state. There was no statement of judgment. he who is without sin, cast the first stone. The only person present that was without sin was Jesus. Stoning, at that time, was a form of condemnation and punishment based on judging one's behavior. The crowd realized they were not perfect in that present moment. The woman realized she was not under condemnation and judgment for what she was caught doing.
Today, many members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are being misled that they must perfect themselves and possess clean hands and a clean heart before God will even consider approaching them. Each member has to stand in counsel with someone to confess their sins in order to determine whether or not they are specifically "deemed worthy" to engage in some of the more esoteric rituals and forms of worship. One speck of sin in that person's life (where they are not following the direct commands) may bar them from participation. However, the scripture says that we are not perfect - only because of the sacrifice Christ made are we perfected in Him, because of His righteousness (Colossians 1:22, ESV) and we stand blameless and without reproach before a Sovereign and merciful God.
Even as Christians, we may stumble and may have at some point walked away from the faith - however, God is still merciful and just in that he does meet us where we are at - not where he desires us to be. No man has the right to say to another, "come, clean your garments and rinse the filth from off you before coming into the presence of God." For we all stand filthy, no matter how clean we may seem to believe. Only God can cleanse us from all unrighteousness and that by the power of Jesus Christ.
There is no obstacle too great, no challenge too difficult, if we have faith
~ Gordon B. Hinckley ~
There are many presenting challenges the moment an individual begins traversing their journey through recovery. One faces many different obstacles. Challenges may seem difficult to face. Yet, it takes great courage and bold faith to overcome our obstacles and challenges. As we continue to remind ourselves three important truths:
Because of our substance use, we are powerless, and our lives are unmanageable
Since we are powerless and our lives are unmanageable, it takes something greater and more powerful to help us find restoration and peace in our lives
We decide to turn our lives and our personal will (volition) over to our higher power
Faith is essentially that which we hope for and yet is unseen. We have faith that our lives will be restored, and we will eventually experience peace, joy, and have meaning and purpose. Our faith grows as we continue to learn to trust in our own Higher Power.
In Barnes Notes on the Bible, we find the following:
The mustard-seed was the smallest of all seeds. It has been supposed by some, therefore, that he meant to say, If you have the smallest or feeblest faith that is genuine, you can do all things. The mustard-seed produced the largest of all herbs. It has been supposed by others, therefore, to mean, If you have increasing, expanding, enlarged faith, growing and strengthening from small beginnings, you can perform the most difficult undertaking. There is a principle of vitality in the grain of seed stretching forward to great results, which illustrates the nature of faith. Your faith should be like that. This is probably the true meaning.
Ye shall say unto this mountain ... - Probably he pointed to a mountain near, to assure them that if they had such faith they might accomplish the most difficult undertakings - things that at first would appear impossible.
Recovery from substance use requires the smallest amount of faith. This small faith becomes powerful in the life of the individual. It is the essential truth of all religious and spiritual belief systems. It is essential to recovery as well. Our faith begets hope, and our hope begets peace; whereby we begin to experience healing in our lives. That is what recovery is about - healing and restoring ourselves.
The greatest enemy to one's sobriety and recovery is this: Fear of our inadequacies to overcome obstacles and challenges we may face. Our greatest ally is faith in our higher power where we draw confidence and strength to face our obstacles and challenges.
Today's Thoughtful Meditation
I will begin exercising the smallest amount of faith when facing the challenges and obstacles that may hinder me from moving forward in my own recovery.
Each religious movement in human history has established a sacred place of worship, except for Christianity. For many Christians, the temple is our physical body. These beautiful and ornate buildings took hours of labor and sacrifice to build. Recovery is not merely a journey to transform our lives; it's a journey to restore our most valuable possession. Our physical body, our spiritual essence, and our mind.
Along with temple worship, in ancient and modern human history, many religious beliefs also have a dietary plan for healthy living. The focus is on one's physical health and well-being. Following these dietary guidelines, individuals may retain longevity and prevent life threatening illnesses. Modern medical science confirms that the best prescription for healthy lifestyle comprises:
Healthy and nutritional meals
Adequate hydration
Regular exercise and weekly active physical exertion
Adequate and regular sleep cycles
Medical practitioners recommend limiting caffeine and process sugar. They also appear to recommend abstinence from processed foods and nicotine use (cigarettes, chewing tobacco, and nicotine deliver products).
Integrating exercise, changing present diet, becoming active, and working to restore our overall physical well-being may improve our ability to be emotionally, physically, and mentally resilient. This requires great sacrifice, extensive labor, and commitment to restore our temple. A place where our soul and mind are nourished and sustained.
Begin with seeking medical and dental care. Follow all medical recommendations, discuss with one's primary physician one's ability to integrate exercise, and take things slow. Small changes lead to greater results. Set goals, work with an accountability partner (or sponsor). Track changes and progress. Implement rewards when milestones are reached.
Here are some simple ways to begin integrating healthy living as part of our recovery process. This comes from the Simple Luxurious Lifestyle blog.
Take in productive fuel
We already established the need to move from processed foods, limit and cease energy drinks, moderate caffeine intake, quit smoking, and move away from processed sugars. What is interesting is the type of information we take in. Moving toward a healthy lifestyle also begins with monitoring and change what we are reading, listening too, and visually seeing. One of the best recommendations is to read something that is inspiring, uplifting, or focusing on personal growth and influence. For those within a faith-based community, begin to develop a routine of scripture reading, meditation, and prayer (morning and evening).
Just Listen
Another interesting principle the author brings up is learning to listen to our own body. Become in tuned with it. Recognize the messages we are receiving. Whether our bodies are telling us we are tired, hungry, stressed, relaxed, or aching.
Our bodies all require long periods of sleep-in order to restore and rejuvenate, to grow muscle, repair tissue, and synthesize hormones.
Allowing our bodies to get back onto a regular sleep cycle helps facilitate its ability to begin repairing and rejuvenate.
Challenge yourself
Establishing a regular and routine time of 15-20 minutes of stretching and exercise helps facilitate increase on our metabolism, get us moving, and increases our ability to challenge ourselves. Like substance use, we develop tolerance where we increase frequency and amount of the substance to achieve the same effects. With exercise, this is the same concept. We may only due 2 push-ups, a couple of sit ups, basic stretching exercises, and walk only half a lap. Yet, when we are consistent in our routine, those 2 push-ups now become 6, a couple of sit ups increase, basic stretching becomes more natural, and our half a lap of walking may turn into running a lap. The key here is establishing consistency and challenging ourselves to push our body.
There are other simple ways an individual is able to implement into a healthy recovery lifestyle.
When we move from treating our bodies like a woodshed and start treating our bodies like a temple, we begin to develop a strong support for our soul and our emotional and mental well-being.
Mindful Thoughts for Today
Today, I will begin to work on improving my physical and nutritional well-being by making small changes. Establishing goals, seek medical and dental care, and work to restore overall health and wellness.
Timothy Berman is a Christian living a mindful crucified life who is passionate about unleashing divine insights and delving deep into spiritual musings. With a heart to nourish others, he writes soul-stirring devotionals for spiritual growth, empowerment, and encouragement. Timothy's writing is characterized by his ability to bring the reader into a deeper understanding of their faith and relationship with God.
