Why did you write A Spiritual Path to a Healthy Relationship?
We both had several painful relationships and had despaired of ever getting it right. For us, the fact that we are happily married is an absolute miracle. We felt compelled to offer encouragement to others who may be losing hope in the relationship arena.
With lightheartedness, we aimed to reveal our humanity in a way that is easily accessible and invites others to see where they can relate. The longer we were together, the more we discovered about ourselves, each other and a joy in partnership beyond our wildest dreams. The more we shared our stories with others; we heard again and again, you guys should write a book. So we did.
What makes this book unique?
Our book is unique in that it is primarily about working a spiritual program together with another person, beyond focusing on self growth alone or on being happy despite what other people do. We provide several exercises that couples can practice together.
This book is optimistic and solution oriented. There is much for single people, because we start with the lessons we need to learn from being alone, consciously envisioning the relationships we desire, and even issues to be frankly discussed with each other prior to making that long term commitment. But that’s not the end, a lot can happen AFTER we say I do! We move on to describe how spiritual principles can be used to overcome bumps in the road. We then devote a substantial portion to positive actions and exercises that couples can do together to nurture their relationships, including materials borrowed from Steve’s clinical practice as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. We cover essential ongoing self-care within the relationship and conclude by describing support available in couples’ communities.
We also included a number of inspirational stories from other couples, some of whom overcame seemingly insurmountable obstacles to achieve a lasting and happy union. This is another way in which this book is unique–there hasn’t been much written about couples in recovery.
How does A Spiritual Path to a Healthy Relationship address recovery?
For those of us in recovery, a spiritual practice is essential if we hope to attract and grow a healthy relationship. Our book describes our specific paths: 1) as single people and how we evolved to attract a partner by placing spiritual principles first and 2) how we then joined our spiritual practices to grow our relationship.
Ours is only one story. It germinates from the ashes of two lives in active addiction. It’s about two lost souls who individually recover while yearning for a life partner to share their new found life, how they come to build a life together, overcome challenges, and are called to mentor other men and women.
Our vision for this book goes far beyond our own story, which is merely one example of hope. The stories of other couples provide varied illustrations of the miracles possible through recovery, persistence, and placing spiritual principles first.
What is your target audience for this book?
This book is for those who have longed for love but don’t know where to begin, have had previous disappointing relationship experiences, or are currently in a relationship that could be enhanced but they don’t know how. In addition, it may be useful to therapists who work with individuals and couples in the recovery process. We also added a section with specifics for those who are in recovery, as well as a brief overview of the 12 steps and principles for those who are not familiar with those programs.
