“Tripping Over Joy”
What is the difference
Between your experience of
Existence
And that of a saint?
The saint knows
That the spiritual path
Is a sublime chess game with God
And that the Beloved
Has just made such a
Fantastic Move
That the saint is now continually
Tripping over Joy
And bursting out in Laughter
And saying, “I Surrender!”
Whereas, my dear, I am afraid you still think
You have a thousand serious moves.”
Finding the Ability to Let Go
I first heard this poem years ago; I was moved by its simple, yet profound message. Clearly if these words move me so much, I must be the person who still thinks, “I have a thousand serious moves.” Even writing this, I have a rueful smile on my lips. How easy it is to become mired down by our thoughts and beliefs about our circumstances! And how difficult it is to simply let go.
Life Circumstances and Powerless Over Addiction
The first step of Alcoholics and Narcotics Anonymous says “We admitted we were powerless over alcohol/our addiction and that our lives had become unmanageable.”
If allowed to permeate one’s being, this statement can bring profound relief to those addicted to substances; to those who are locked in a prison of their bodies and minds, believing the elaborate stories they have conjured up for themselves and their justifications to continue to suffer.
Many of these stories involve being a victim of poor parenting, of unfortunate genetics, of life circumstances that led to the perfect storm resulting in a substance use disorder.
Addiction Holds Your Mind and Body Hostage
I urge anyone with an addiction problem that is causing them to suffer and preventing them from participating in life, to consider the relief to simply be.
Be receptive to all life has to offer without the need to be convinced that circumstances are far too unbearable to experience without the numbing or enhancing power of a chemical.
Be able to experience, in words attributed to Zorba the Greek, the “full catastrophe” that is life.
Be able to ‘trip over joy’ on a daily basis.
I have worked with and know many, many people who have surrendered their armor, opened their arms, and fully allowed life to delight and surprise them.
They take their recovery seriously, but not so much themselves. The first step in reaching this peaceful place is safely becoming free of the chemicals that hold the brain and body hostage.
A Comfortable Way to Detox Quickly
The Coleman Network for Addiction Medicine has been working with people who desire long-term recovery for over twenty-five years. If you or a loved one is struggling to stop drinking alcohol or to get off opioid pain medication, heroin, methadone, fentanyl or buprenorphine products, we can provide a safe and comfortable detox experience.
Joan Shepherd, FNP
