Recovering Together: The Power of Connection & The Protection of Presence

Let's explore the profound healing that arises from the courage to face our deepest losses, mend the fractures of our past, and rediscover the power of connection that restores our very sense of purpose and love.

Healing Together: from Ancient Paths to a New Beginning

part 1

In this post, we deliberately focus briefly on how language holds the power to connect us to the rich tapestries of histories that have shaped us. By examining the words we use, we uncover not only their literal meanings but also the emotional weight and historical significance they carry. This intentional exploration lays the groundwork for a deeper understanding of relational recovery, which we'll continue to explore in future posts, delving into the complexities of loss, healing, and the transformative power of connection.

Words invite us to consider broader contexts in which our personal journeys unfold. Understanding the origins and nuances of these words can deepen our appreciation of the processes of healing that enhance our ability to communicate our experiences and connect meaningful with those we love and by whom would be loved.

Relational Recovery: More Than Just Words

Recovery is a word with rich and varied meanings. We'll be using it in the context of relational healing, recognizing that everyone experiences relationship losses that shape attachment strategies and, crucially, reminding ourselves that we are, in ways, all recovering from the natural losses experienced from the vicissitudes of life. And for those of us who choose to embark on this powerful healing work, we are, as wonderful communities around the world express it, in recovery.

Your presence here proves, already, an openness faced towards the potential growth that allows healing and connecting with more peace, presence, patience, dignity, joy, laughter, tears, and love. Recovery, as we'll be thinking of it, transcends past trials but does not leave the wounds behind; it involves mending the relationships we choose to carry forward, and discovering new ways to do so with depth, dignity, presence, and love.

From Latin Roots to Lasting Hope

Hope is born in the very roots of the way we speak and think of relationally healing and growing with people we love. where the Latin word 'recupere' whispers a promise to rekindle our deepest desires and reconnect us to a life of purpose and love."

Originally, the word “recover” comes from the Latin “recupere,” which means to wish again or desire again. Recovery does not involve hiding or covering something up; rather, it embodies rediscovering hope and connection. This etymology reveals a deeper truth: recovery involves rekindling our desire for life and love. It signifies a return to our natural state of cherishing life, breaking free from isolation, and reconnecting with others.

From Isolation to Connection

Interestingly, the word 'recovery' also shares roots with the Latin “cooperire,” meaning to close together – much like we would a window shutter. This image of closing a window shutter together is chosen intentionally, as sight—whether from a home facing out into the world through glass, or from a contemporaneous moment of reflection facing toward past pains—is something we can help each other open and close, in loving, co-regulating titrations of bonding and safety. This idea of agency in cooperation emphasizes another essential aspect of relational recovery: it is, at best, a shared journey. Healthy relational recovery involves choice, agency, volition, and autonomy.

Healing is not something that needs to be done in isolation, as so many hard tasks in the world often are. On the contrary, there are aspects of healing that are significantly enhanced by coming together with others, offering and receiving support. Relational re-covering also means, at times, revisiting our past, learning from it, and thankfully, moving forward. Moving forward in this way means doing so not alone, but safely connected, with renewed love, strengthened understanding, gentle awareness, and patient accepting presence.