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The outdoor component of Back 2 Basics gives me an opportunity to explore different avenues other than alcohol. My alcoholism helped me avoid making commitments to others and myself. Being outdoors helps me center myself and recharge my batteries.
When I’m backpacking, it helps me push myself to limits that I previously would not have reached. My previous mindset would only allow me to achieve a very limited goal. Now that I have opened my eyes to the possibility of sobriety, my goals have expended beyond anything I previously thought. When out in the wilderness, it allows me to clear my head and center myself.
Another aspect of the outdoors that I really enjoy is the personal bonding experiences with staff and other residents. Being out of your element, forces you to cope with issues differently than you might in a normal environment. Using different coping mechanisms sometimes make you vulnerable which helps with letting out emotions that might not previously come out. Building trust and respect through these experiences creates a stronger bond than just going through therapy sessions.
The places that we visit truly are some of the most beautiful places on earth. When visiting the Grand Canyon, the view is just breath taking. It’s hard for me to keep an agnostic view when I am immersed in this kind of environment. The magnitude of what happened over millions and millions of years ago to the Grand Canyon, are really hard for me to comprehend. The great outdoors has given me a new appreciation for something bigger than myself. Time spent soul searching helps me gain a better understanding for what I have control of and what I don’t. Now I can objectively make a decision on what I can and can’t do, move forward and continue to live a clean, sober, happy, and productive life. The outdoor experience has helped me with this and I’m glad I get to experience this and stay sober.