WEEKLY MEDITATION
We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act but a habit.
-Aristotle
Successful recovery from addiction is a habit. Furthermore, it is a habit of action. The problem is that the addiction, itself, is also a habit. And it, too, is a habit (or habits) of action. Too often if sobriety is not found quickly and with ease there is a propensity to stop trying and return to the addictive behavior. This is why it is important to keep trying until new habits can replace old ones and excellence in the chosen behaviors can replace excellence in the old dysfunctional ones. And once we have found a path that supports successful recovery it is equally important that we continue to follow it even when we are tempted to stop doing the work. Often, well into recovery, when life becomes full with the many commitments that make up a stimulating life, it can become tempting to put less energy into the very parts of life that support and nurture that recovery. And if this persists, the habits that make for excellence in recovery may weaken. So it is important to take time, now and then, to take stock to ensure that we are repeatedly doing whatever allows us to be free from our addictions.
