WEEKLY MEDITATION
Sitting quietly, doing nothing, spring comes and the grass grows by itself.
-Zenrin Poem
At the root of addictive behavior is the desire to be soothed. There is also a complementary desire to avoid feelings of anxiety or boredom. Addictive behavior is used as a means of controlling the inner emotional world so that these feelings can be avoided or at least quelled. In this regard, addiction is an extreme form of control. There is a tendency to bring the desire to control right into the recovery process. Often it remains very difficult to learn to flow with the inevitable vicissitude that defines the natural unfolding of life. So much is happening even while we are “sitting quietly.” Without our direct effort, without our specific intent, while we do nothing, things are happening. People are growing, resentments are receding, employment opportunities are shifting, bodies are healing, cells are dying and recreating themselves, and the seasons are changing. Much in a successful life and recovery requires assertive action and this concept of ‘letting go’ should not be used to justify passivity or laziness. But it is an important reminder that when the appropriate actions have been taken, the work is no longer ours. When the actions have been taken, sitting quietly can yield great results.
