WEEKLY MEDITATION
A mind stretched to a new idea never returns to its original dimensions.
-Oliver Wendell Holmes
There is much discussion about the idea that once a person has experienced addiction—especially to mind-altering substances—it creates permanent changes in the mind and body. Of course this is true, but it needn’t be the end of the story. Everything changes us. Each day of our lives provides us with experiences that change the mind and body. There is a sense that we are somewhat static, that we are the same person each day as the day before but this isn’t true. In our recovery from addiction we should embrace the idea that we are endeavoring to further change ourselves, consciously, into a person who no longer requires the mechanics of addiction to regulate the emotional experience of life. The idea that a mind stretched and twisted around addicted patterns cannot continue to evolve past these dimensions does not make sense. If we apply our efforts properly, we can continue to stretch our minds into patterns that greatly benefit not only our recovery, but the very trajectory of our lives.
