September is Pain Awareness Month, a time dedicated to increasing understanding and empathy around all kinds of pain, including the emotional and psychological suffering many of us go through. When it comes to emotional pain, guilt and shame often take center stage, becoming overwhelming barriers in the path to recovery.
Topics: Addiction, Recovery, Substance Abuse, Healthy
As we approach Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, there are so many messages that one can take hold of. There are also a preponderance of symbols which mark the New Year. One of the most famous is the Shofar (Ram’s Horn). Blowing the ram’s horn or shofar on Rosh Hashanah comes directly from the Torah/Old Testament.. There is a commandment that on the first day of the seventh month (Tishrei) “you shall observe complete rest, a sacred occasion commemorated with loud blasts.” These loud blasts were understood to allude to the blasts of the shofar. There are a number of reasons that are indirectly given as to why we blow the shofar on Rosh Hashanah. Rabbi Saddia Gaon, a famous commentator from Egypt, listed 10 reasons why the shofar is blown. Three in particular can really speak to those in recovery, those struggling with addiction or those who are impacted by addiction; 1) the beginning of the new year 2) the Mt. Sinai experience 3) the destruction of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem.
The beginning of the new year is a natural fit. Newness allows us to reset and move forward and not stay stuck in the past. As we know, we can’t go back one second let alone a week, month, or year. By blowing the shofar, we are reminded of the beginning which allows us to reset. In 12 step programs people receive something for their yearly sobriety. It gives them an opportunity to look back on the past year and see where the successes and failures were. What needs to be strengthened and what is on solid ground. The shofar can remind an addict or anyone of what they can do to continue to improve moving forward in the upcoming year.
The second reason from Rabbi Gaon deals with Mt. Sinai. There is an idea that the shofar integrates the spiritual and physical as it comes from an animal and was the very sound that was given at Mount Sinai when the Israelities received the 10 Commandments. Becoming sober from physical addictions starts with our spiritual well being. It is almost impossible to become sober without tapping into your spirituality. Our goal in this world is to integrate the physical with our spiritual and in turn to elevate the physical into something spiritual. Whether you see yourself as a physical being having a spiritual experience or a spiritual being having a physical experience, one must tap into their spiritual side to navigate the road ahead. Whether one is a struggling addict or a person trudging the road of life, we know the importance of integrating our physical, spiritual, mental and emotional components to be successful in everything that we will experience on the long and winding road.
The third reason that Rabbi Saddia Gaon mentioned for blowing the shofar, the destruction of the Temple, is a great reminder for addicts. The destruction that our addiction inflicted upon those around us needs to be subtly reminded. No one lives in a vacuum and everything we do has an impact on those around us. Whether it is a loss of a job, emotional neglect towards those we love, financial destruction, physical scars that have or haven’t healed or anything else. The addiction caused chaos. One does not need to live in a place of guilt or perpetual suffering but, it is important to have a reminder once in a while of the consequences of our actions. This can speak to anyone, not only those that have struggled with addiction.
Whether one celebrates Rosh Hashanah or not the symbol of the shofar can relate to all of those that are working on their sobriety.
Soberman's Estate is a residential men's addiction treatment center that provides discreet, individualized, sophisticated recovery and wellness services for adult men that want to recover from substance use disorders, and or other behavioral issues such as trauma, anxiety, depression, stress, or other addictions.
The intricate, winding path of addiction is often accompanied by the heavy weights of shame, guilt and regret. Making the transition from addiction to sobriety can be as much about healing our inner world as it is about breaking free from the physical and mental bonds of substance use. Below are some insights and steps that may help in releasing these burdens and embracing the new chance at life that recovery offers.
Topics: Addiction, Treatment, Recovery, Healthy, Mental Health
Many alcoholics and addicts are selfish. They may not be aware of this, but the simple act of being under the influence is selfish and self-centered as they are not emotionally present for others. Other than being selfish about one’s sobriety, being selfish is not beneficial to recovery.
In the transformative journey of recovery, one of the most powerful tools you can harness is not just sobriety itself, but the power of gratitude. You might be wondering, 'Why gratitude? What has it got to do with recovery from substance misuse?' The answer is—everything. This simple yet profound emotion has the potential to reshape the way you view your past, perceive your present, and envision your future.
Topics: Recovery, Healthy, Mental Health, mindfulness
This month serves as a reminder of the vital role physical activity and sports play in our lives. At Sobermans Estate, we recognize the importance of incorporating fitness into the recovery process for our clients. Clients of Soberman’s Estate enjoy a variety of supervised physical fitness (Gym, Yoga, Thai Chi) an average of 5 days a week. The Sobermans Estate Difference:
Our dedicated Fitness staff at Sobermans Estate, led by Coach Carl Hargrave, is passionately committed to providing an unparalleled experience for individuals who are seeking to make a dynamic change in their lives. We understand that the path to recovery is unique for each individual, and we offer personalized support to ensure our clients are equipped with the tools they need for lifelong sobriety. We aim to empower men on their journey by addressing the physical component of recovery and promoting healthy lifestyles.
Coach Carl shares his approach to fitness and recovery through his Fit For Recovery (FFR) Scope of Empowerment:
I applaud the men wanting to make a dynamic change in their lives, for trusting the process of engagement at Sobermans Estate. The staff is tremendous, and the facility is unparalleled in its efforts to give the clients the tools needed as they walk the walk. More importantly they learn how to use the tools to have lifelong sobriety.
FIT FOUR RECOVERY! Addresses the physical component of recovery, creating long-term healthy lifestyles. We empower the clients through encouragement and action, while focusing on four essential elements to help our clients build physical and mental resilience during their recovery journey.
1. Cognitive Empowerment: We engage our clients in discussions about how they can maximize their current space and time to reach their full potential. By understanding their unique abilities and challenges, clients can better prepare themselves to walk in the field of life as they face the many obstacles they may encounter in their daily lives.
2. Physical Engagement: We engage in various exercise routines, to elicit the natural endorphins, helping to create that feeling of accomplishment. Through regular physical activity, clients can build self-confidence and self-esteem that will serve them well in their sobriety journey.
3. Exercise Integration: We believe that every phase of exercise can be related to the recovery process. With this in mind, we incorporate elements of endurance, flexibility, strength, and power into our FFR program. By connecting these exercise components to recovery, clients can better understand how physical fitness supports their overall well-being.
4. The Power of Teamwork: The guidance of our experienced coaches, Coach Carl and Coach Travis, plays a crucial role in the success of our FFR program. By working together with our
If one were to make a pilgrimage today to Chartres France, they would find an 800+ year old Cathedral and on the floor of that cathedral is a famous walking path called a labyrinth. Many books and articles have been written about the famous Chartres Labyrinth and the miracles that have occurred to those walking this ancient path. Before Soberman’s Estate opened in Cave Creek, Arizona a team of professionals worked for months to recreate the exact 34 turn Chartres Labyrinth on the grounds of Soberman’s Estate. Soberman’s Estate is a State Licensed, Nationally Accredited, World Class Behavioral Health Residential Center specializing in helping professional men recover from alcoholism and other addictions. The 2 differences between the Chartres France Labyrinth and the Soberman’s Estate Labyrinth are the Soberman’s Estate Labyrinth was built outdoors around an ancient saguaro cactus and the path was created using indigenous purple jasper stones. Clients walk the Soberman’s Estate Labyrinth as a moving meditation and for many activities including our Commencement Stone Ceremony.
Having walked the Labyrinth daily for years, the team at Soberman’s Estate is joyful to celebrate “World Labyrinth Day” as we have seen The Power of the Labyrinth for Men in Recovery!
World Labyrinth Day is an annual event that takes place on the first Saturday in May, dedicated to promoting the labyrinth as a tool for personal, community, and global peace. The labyrinth is an ancient symbol that has been used for meditation, reflection, and healing for thousands of years. At Soberman's, we believe in the power of the labyrinth as a tool for men in recovery.
What is a Labyrinth?
A labyrinth is a complex maze-like design, often found in medieval cathedrals and temples, that has been used for spiritual and therapeutic purposes. Unlike a maze, a labyrinth has only one path that leads to the center and back out again. This path represents a journey and the center is a place of stillness and contemplation.
The Benefits of the Labyrinth for Men in Recovery
Bi-Lateral Stimulation: Similar to how EMDR and ART utilize Bi-Lateral Stimulation, the ancient, silent, left right walking pattern stimulates a sense of calm and peace: The repetitive and meditative nature of walking the labyrinth can help to calm the mind and reduce stress, promoting a sense of peace and well-being.
Encourages reflection: The labyrinth provides a space for reflection and introspection, helping men in recovery to gain insight into their thoughts and emotions.
Supports spiritual growth: The labyrinth can be used as a tool for spiritual growth, connecting individuals with their inner selves and a higher power.
Promotes physical health: Walking the labyrinth is a gentle form of exercise that can help to improve physical health and wellbeing.
Enhances mindfulness: The labyrinth encourages mindfulness and being present in the moment, helping men in recovery to overcome distractions and focus on the present.
At Soberman's, we recognize the importance of holistic healing and the role that the labyrinth can play in supporting men in recovery. On World Labyrinth Day, we encourage everyone to explore the benefits of the labyrinth and to experience its power for themselves.
In conclusion, the labyrinth is a powerful tool for personal growth and healing, and we believe it can play a crucial role in the recovery journey of men. We invite you to join us in celebrating World Labyrinth Day and to learn more about the benefits of the labyrinth by visiting the following resources:
The Labyrinth Society: https://labyrinthsociety.org/
Veriditas: https://veriditas.org
World Labyrinth Day: https://labyrinthsociety.org/world-labyrinth-day
At Soberman's Residential Treatment Facility, we are dedicated to providing men in recovery with the support, care, and tools they need to succeed. If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, please reach out to us for help. Our team of experts is here to support you on your journey to recovery.
https://www.sobermansestate.com
Soberman's Estate is a residential men's addiction treatment center that provides discreet, individualized, sophisticated recovery and wellness services for adult men that want to recover from substance use disorders, and or other behavioral issues such as trauma, anxiety, depression, stress, or other addictions.
Topics: Treatment, Healthy, Mental Health, mindfulness
One of the most rewarding aspects of living a sober life is feeling in control of your choices and actions. No longer being at the mercy of substances allows you to fully engage in your relationships, career, and personal growth.
Topics: Healthy
"From Farm to Table" is the goal for Jesse Busch, Executive Chef at Soberman's Estate.
"I grew up living on a farm and have experience raising chickens and growing organic gardens. There is a spiritual connection when you grow your own vegetables." says Chef Jesse. Of course these chicks will grow up and start producing eggs, but Chef Jesse has a grander vision. His plans include introducing goats for fresh goat milk, an orchard and multiple greenhouses to incorporate organic produce into the Soberman's Estate menu.
Topics: Treatment, Recovery, Soberman's Estate, Organic, Healthy, Vegtables, Farm, Farmfresh
