Basics of Recovery: Satisfied: A 90 Day Spiritual Journey towards Food Freedom

I am continuing to focus on the book, Satisfied: a 90 Day Spiritual Journey towards Food Freedom by Dr. Rhona Epstein. I am going through her book page by page and writing down my thoughts and impressions. These are my reflections on page 1 of the book. I am not going to specifically repeat what is in the book. Please read it and discover for yourself!

TOOLS AND DAILY PLAN OF ACTION

The first thing that Dr. Rhona says is that particularly in the beginning, we need to focus our attention on working a program of recovery, daily. She advocates a 90-day intensive when first starting a program of recovery. It is very similar to the 90-day program that I started with.

Below is the picture of the daily tools given to me by my first sponsor when I started program.

CHANGE = SURRENDER + ACTION

One of the mysteries of program is: how does change exactly take place? On one hand, we talk about this being a spiritual program of recovery. We cannot WILL ourselves to change. Change comes ironically when we surrender to a Higher Power and allow Him to work through us.

The only thing is this is also a program of action. We can pray all we want, but, on some level, we need to DO something to change. To quote Bill W.: we do not think our way into right acting, we need to act our way into right thinking.

In addition, we can’t keep it unless we give it away. I cannot tell you the number of times a sponsee would relapse because she failed to enlarge her spiritual life and to be of service to others to help carry the message.

So, change seems to be a combination of action, cultivating a relationship with a Higher Power, which I call God, self -examination and service.

MEETINGS VS SUPPORT GROUP

Dr. Rhona has a slightly different way of framing how to work a program of recovery.

Instead of going to 3 meetings a week, she suggests finding a support group with people who share my same compulsion.

I think that recovery requires more than mutual support. There needs to be an element of service and of giving. The core character defect of an addict is selfishness. The focus in meetings must be on sharing our experience, strength, and hope with like minded people who are also seeking a spiritual solution. Too much discussion about feelings leads to “analysis paralysis” in my experience.

As a mental health professional, I have found therapy helpful for recovery. But, somehow, the therapeutic model of recovery was never as effective as the spiritual model of recovery found in 12 step rooms. What kept me working in the field of addiction was when I witnessed the “gift of serenity.” Nothing beats an addict in recovery!

Where it gets tricky is that 12 step meetings are not unfacilitated group therapy. Meetings need to be a place where we can hear the spiritual message of recovery and focus on the solution. Obviously, it is a delicate balance. I was recently exploring a 12-step group, and they were so focused on the program and steps, that it felt very aliening. For whatever reasons, I couldn’t find the love in the group. I am clearly still missing our ES&F group. 

FOOD PLAN

Next, Dr. Rhona suggests developing and following a food plan that is free from addictive foods and triggers. I was always a diet expert. Based on my years of research, I have found that most food plans are basically the same: weighed and measured food and no flour, no sugar, or refined carbohydrates. I personally do not eat wheat. I have heard that some people need to abstain from their specific trigger foods. For example, some people cannot eat dried fruit, hard cheese, or nuts. There are many people who find carbs very triggering and need to abstain from them too. There are also many different types of eating disorders, some of which require professional guidance. This is where rigorous honesty is very important.

STRUCTURE, ROUTINE, AND DISCIPLINE.

Another interesting point that Dr. Rhona mentioned in passing is the importance of structure, routine, and discipline.

One idea is to eat only between set times and allow a minimal amount of time between meals.

One suggestion is to wait 3-5 hours between meals. Another is to allow 12 hours between dinner and breakfast the next day. So, if breakfast is at 7:00 AM, finish eating dinner by 7:00 PM.

Although exercise is not officially part of program, it can be included as part of creating a plan of action. I find that I must spend 20 minutes a day exercising and at least 10 minutes a day meditating. In addition, I think that it is very important to spend time outside every day. Ideally, at least 40 minutes a day. To organize myself, I like to follow the 20-20-20 formula. It is impossible to be perfect every day. However, I really try hard. I find I need it for my sanity.

Is it necessary to do a daily inventory?

Dr. Rhona does not specifically mention doing an inventory. However, while connection with God through prayer and meditation is essential, I think that it makes sense that we cannot truly hear God’s voice or the still small voice inside unless we get rid of that which is blocking us off from God, usually our character defects or harms that we may have caused.

Accountability Circle

In program, very often there is an emphasis on having a sponsor. Dr. Rhona doesn’t advocate that. Instead, she suggests that we should create an accountability circle of 5 people who you can call on for support. In program, this is called creating a “God squad.”

Dr. Rhona also advocates having a sharing partner to read and discuss your daily writing exercises, inventory, or prayers. I think this makes a lot of sense. Basically, this is a disease of isolation. We can’t do it alone! Together we get better!

I am enjoying the discipline of writing and sharing on recovery literature. I hope that someone will find this helpful.

Thank you all for being there to share this journey with me.

In love and service,

Shira

Reference

Here is a link to her book from Amazon.

Here is my picture of living in the solution.