Bouncing back to life

31December, 2011

I was going through my photo gallery and I thought these photos would delight you as much as it has. 

The banana plantations were severely damaged in the cyclone that hit Pondicherry in the last week of December, 2011, which  is what the first picture conveys. 

I have watched over these months the banana plantation getting back to its original fullness over these months. The second picture  illustrates that.

The third picture suggests that many are already flowering and bearing fruit. 

All around the campus, the banana plantations are thriving. It is a lovely sight and is a contrast to what we expected after such a severe damage. 

The farmers too are most surprised by such a recovery, which according to them is uncommon. 

I have been in touch with those who found help through Alcoholic Anonymous groups over these years. Many who come to this group in a devastated state are welcomed warmly and enabled to make small steps, even if there are relapses. There is no giving up under any circumstances, if the person is wanting help.

I have known who needed five years of weekly meeting with the group to kick the habit and stay dry before they feel secure to leave the group.

This example of the banana plantation recovering after a disaster, has encouraged me even more to be patient with people with the history of  substance abuse. In a therapeutic environment, where an integrated service is offered, there is some certainty that most people will be able to kick the habit sooner or later and return to be productive in their lives.

The stories of those who have been freed from an addiction is one of the most encouraging and affirming messages for those who are struggling with their addiction, to put their trust in their efforts to bear fruits. Friendships, counseling, diversional therapy and spiritual guidance, etc are most restorative. 

No state of dependence is too late to start on a journey into freedom. What freedom brings is fullness of life, new insights and opportunities, and confidence to overcome other challenges in life. It is fear to start on this journey that delays the prospect of freedom. Fear is often an illusion than real.

M.C.Mathew(text and photo)