Twenty-One

Yesterday marked a small milestone for me. I have managed to acquire twenty-one years of recovery from active addiction. What initially looked like Mount Everest on the front end, now looks like a beautiful meadow that had always been waiting for me to arrive.

It can be hard to describe the role that Twelve Step programs have played in my recovery process. It is harder still to explain the deep, deep impact of Rinzai Zen practice. Maybe the closest I will every get is to simply say, "I was introduced to my True self and I recognize that I have so much to be grateful for.

I am appreciative of my mom for letting go of me when she did. I'm grateful for my lovely wife who really is my best-friend. We agree-disagree, sometimes argue but many, many more times laugh with each other, managing to hold on to an enduring respect respect for each other. I am deeply grateful to my Sponsor and others who have simply shared their "story," and "experiences" of recovery. They are courageous people. I bow to my Zen teacher, because he skillfully and directly is teaching me "not done yet," and encourages me to "unify my heart." And I am grateful to you. You come, you read, you sometimes share your life's journey with the rest of us, even if you choose not to comment. This is very good and as Milarepa said, I am learning to "live and die without regret." What could possible be better than This.

May All Beings Be Happy,

Jaye Morris, Curator
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