For the past six months, I have volunteered one afternoon a week as a group counselor at a small, local residential treatment facility for substance abuse.
What I so appreciate about residential treatment is that the clients and I sit in a circle and pause. I listen and facilitate clients' moments to just be there and reflect on how they feel, what they think, and which actions have worked for them and which ones haven't.
It seems the truest act of a life lived well--to take a few moments to be in it.
One of the traits I most admire in people in substance abuse treatment is, if invited, in general, they will probe the deepest truths with awing courage to discover their most profound wisdom.
They seek what will save their lives.
From the power of witnessing this, I am shaken and strengthened.
That's what happens to me one afternoon per week.
Grizzly bears give birth to cubs that look like bears. They are not just little bears. They have to stay with the adult for 3 years to learn survival and other skills for a good life as they grow to become a real bear. It takes a while to reach full "formal development." There has to be a parallel for humans as they are taught or aided or have to discover for themselves "their most profound wisdom." It is a profound role for all parents, excellent teachers as you were, and now for you with your people in substance abuse.
Posted by: Robert Giles | June 20, 2008 at 07:10 AM