The meditation for January 8th in Narcotics Anonymous focuses on the concept of ‘growing up’ in recovery. Many of us, upon reaching certain milestones in our recovery, claim to have grown up within the fellowship. This prompts us to reflect on what it truly means to be a grown-up. We look at our lives, filled with adult responsibilities and achievements, yet inside, there’s often a lingering feeling of being a child, still bewildered by life’s complexities and unsure of how to navigate various situations.
True growth in recovery isn’t just about accumulating years or managing responsibilities. It’s about our spiritual condition, the core of our recovery journey. If we find ourselves still reliant on external factors for inner peace and fulfillment, like a child dependent on parents, it indicates areas where growth is needed. On the other hand, if we’re firmly rooted in our spiritual well-being, taking responsibility for maintaining this foundation, we can genuinely claim maturity.
Our spiritual condition provides a reliable yardstick for measuring growth. It’s not about the superficial markers of adulthood but about how well we nurture our inner selves. When we prioritize the maintenance of our spiritual health, we stand on solid ground, capable of limitless growth. This approach to adulthood in recovery involves continuous learning, self-reflection, and a commitment to our spiritual practices.
Our recovery process becomes a journey of evolving maturity, where we grow not just in years or responsibilities, but in wisdom, understanding, and spiritual depth. As we prioritize our spiritual condition, we discover that true adulthood is marked not by external achievements, but by the quality of our inner lives.