In my own personal path of sustained recovery, it became my passion to enhance my life in positive ways. Through the years, I gathered information, sought out alternative health practitioners, learned about nutrition and the benefits of exercise to create a healthy body/mind.
by Gloria Uridel, RSPS/PRSS/PSS & Wellness Specialist, Communities for Recovery
The psychologist Abraham Maslow believed that Human beings have within them an “inner nature” that is continually striving in a positive way to actualize their true potential. He emphasized the importance of encouraging this inner nature, the essential core of each of us to guide our lives, thus allowing us to “grow healthy, fruitful and happy.” If denied or suppressed, the lack of expression of this inner nature leads to sickness.
Maslow also recognized that our suffering and challenges serve to bring out our greater strengths. That these experiences reveal, foster and fulfill our inner nature. Overcoming these challenges builds our confidence and courage to recognize we have the strength to overcome.
Wellness is described as a conscious, self-directed and evolving process of achieving our full potential. It is multi-dimensional, holistic, positive and affirming. It is a process of becoming aware and making choices towards a more successful existence. It is choice, a process and efficient channeling of energy towards an integration of body, mind and spirit. It is a loving acceptance of self.
In my own personal path of sustained recovery, it became my passion to enhance my life in positive ways. Through the years, I gathered information, sought out alternative health practitioners, learned about nutrition and the benefits of exercise to create a healthy body/mind. Practicing yoga, meditation and getting out into nature as a way to explore my spirituality. I eventually became a certified personal trainer/nutrition fitness specialist and registered yoga teacher. I understand now, the concept that Maslow speaks of, that this “inner nature” was, and still is, driving me towards greater health. The energy I once put into fostering my addictions has transformed into building greater strength on many levels and given me the opportunity to help others.
As a Peer Recovery Coach and Wellness Specialist, I strive to see the good in everyone. Despite the challenges that people face, there is a way through it. The SHINE Wellness Program at Communities for Recovery is a way for our peers to explore these concepts of holistic health. SAMHSA describes it in eight dimensions of Wellness: Spiritual, Social, Emotional, Physical, Intellectual, Environmental, Occupational, and Financial. Each week, this class focuses on one of these dimensions and allows our peers to explore, learn and experience ways to enhance THEIR recovery.
We recognize that each person’s path is unique and support peers in helping them make lifestyle changes that will maximize their wellness. We offer a person-centered approach to recovery. The benefits of connection through support groups, recovery and others, has been proven to be effective. Communities for Recovery offers many recovery support groups and SHINE Wellness class each week.
For more information about SHINE, please click here, or contact gloria.uridel@cforr.org
Please use this link to donate to Communities for Recovery.