When I talk to “new kids” in the program of recovery (from alcoholism) I frequently use a lesson I was taught early on – to give them an idea what they are up against in the beginning. What I do is, I have everybody close their eyes, and fold their hands.
As children we are often taught to pray with our hands folded. For myself, I lace my fingers together, with the forefinger on my left hand being over the top of the forefinger on my right hand, and so forth. Okay, now “indulge me” a moment here. Close your eyes, and fold your hands. Take a moment to reflect upon how this “feels.” Then, when you are “good with it,” reverse the interlacing of your fingers – and sit with that a moment – again, with your eyes closed.
More than likely, the feeling was uncomfortable, nicht wahr? I don’t know how long I could sit like that, but after a while I had the idea, and had to unclasp my hands. It was ‘uncomfortable.’ Just that simple gesture. Well, this is what it is like with recovery; with sobriety for “new kids.” It does “get better” as we get better. But at first, its uncomfortable.
While this is a very simple exercise, it does give you an appreciation for what those in recovery are up against in the beginning. I was told that to stay sober, all I had to do was not drink, and change my whole life… Simple, but not easy.