Education connects us all. From the first mouthing of ‘ma-ma’ ‘da-da’ to strings of words making disjointed sentences. Sentences that tell, in a childhood stream of consciousness instructions from big brother to little sister, how to ‘properly’ play with toys or ride a bike. Sentences that develop flow and substance through each relationship with parents and teachers. Learning comes naturally to children and, as we were all once children, learning comes naturally to each of us.
In the work that I participate in, learning begins again as the fog, discomforts and haze of alcohol or drug withdrawal clears. Learning, not about facts and figures, but amidst names and costs of treatment centers and outpatient programs, about emotions. Emotions that are frightening, coming in waves from the distant or recent past. Emotions, exciting and full of energy, are forward looking and open to new life and reuniting.
All of us, if encouraged, whether within ourselves or from others, will begin to learn again. And each small bit learned builds toward something else. It may be something grand or just learning to greet each day with a bit of hope and gratitude. It may be going back to University or to trade school to learn more about some part of life.
Illness, whether active addiction or any form of illness, steals the opportunity to choose what our hearts and minds want to learn. What active addiction and illness does teach is how to survive. That lesson allows many to stand tall and move forward when clarity affords a view of the destruction wreaked, threatening to sweep them away again.
Investment in education is not just for our children but, for those that wish to recover their lives, their dignity and their families, we must continue to invest and encourage. In detoxes, in hospitals and health care facilities, this investment and this education is called health teaching.
“An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.”
~ Benjamin Franklin
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