One usual Saturday, I was invited by a man, named Amar, who is working as counsellor at MUKTANGAN rehabilitation follow up center Nashik, for the discussion at the same. I reached at the given place at 5:30, as he asked. He arrived at the same time. Main program wasn’t yet started. Many MUKTANGAN friends and fellows (present or former patients of Muktangan, are addressed as the Muktangan friends or Muktangan fellows).
One of them was sharing about all the scurry and rush happened at Shivaji Nagar, Pune due to the change in place of bus depot (including the night travel, dead mobile phone and autorickshaw crisis etc.) After he finshed, the other one, muktangan’s senior fellow expressed, “oh that’s great! So you got atomic bomb there!” I looked at him with a doubtful face when he explained, “Sir, he got to learn patience. The utmost important thing in life!
It came so easy by him, but it was so true! Patience is the best companion. Patience brings regulation; which furthur results in an efficient management.
Program started. Overall audience was of 25 to 30 capacity. Another one senior Muktangan fellow presented the flute piece of SAYONARA (goodbye) and dedicated it all the diseases and addiction to which they would say goodbye.
To start with, Amar asked some of them, their names and meanings or what do they like in it. And he asked me to start! I started the discussion with all the Muktangan fellows and their partners. Our point of view, positive aspect of the situation and social support were the points I covered through the activities. This was followed by the session of Amar, where they practiced relaxation.
Lastly we celebrated, SOBRIETY BIRTHDAY, which means to celebrate the completion of 1st, 5th, 10th years of overcoming the addiction by these fellows. Partners are also appreciated for their work along with the patients, on this celebration. And both of them shared their feelings then, sharing all the support by family or how they manage to stay away from addiction even after leaving Muktangan etc. because reward and recognition/ appreciation is important in the whole process.
One response from a Muktangan friend was very soulful, he said “if we get aware of our thoughts and if our nature gets change accordingly, through this discussion today, then it will be a SOBRIETY BIRTHDAY in real sense.
Serenity prayer marked the end – “To accept the things I cannot change; Courage to change the things I can; And wisdom to know the difference…”
At the end of the whole program, companions of the patients come together and share their feelings and experiences. Truly, the involvement of the companion here, becomes very important. All the Muktangan friends and fellows were the beautiful reflection of the teachings of Mr. Anil Avachat sir and Dr. Anand Nadkarni sir. Appreciating all the Muktangan friends who stay away from the addiction in any and every situation and living the life courageously, happily, and confidently!
(P S. – We’ve seen the development of the Germany after facing the atomic explosion, we may get the courage to be the same and may all of us find the atomic bomb of Patience! Wishing best foe all!)
Prof. Tanmay L. Joshi.
(9890614667)