Thought for the Week

Timothy D. Stein, MFT, CSAT

March 12, 2018

“Leave your front door and your back door open.  Allow your thoughts to come and go.  Just don’t serve them tea.” –Shunryu Suzuki

We are not our thoughts.  This is an important truth for addicts to learn; it gives us choice in recovery.  If you have sexual thoughts (whether you recognize the thought or the physical reaction of arousal), you have a choice; you can invite this thought to “stay for tea” or you can usher it out the door.  Addicts often think they must act on sexual and non-sexual thoughts and urges.  As you marinate in sobriety and recovery, you will learn that not all sexual thoughts and urges are actually connected to your sexuality.  You will also learn that your thoughts not only enter your awareness but will leave your awareness as well, either of their own accord or with your encouragement.  You are not a slave to your thoughts.

When have I automatically acted on my thoughts?  What have been the consequences of not exercising choice regarding my thoughts?  What gifts await me as I learn to view myself as separate from my thoughts?