June 20

リカバリ

In Japanese, the word “Rikabari” means “recovery” (primarily used to get something back or recover what was once lost). This definition is probably better suited to our needs than the English definition. The English version of “recovery” is defined in Webster’s Dictionary as “the process of combating a disorder (such as alcoholism) or a real or perceived problem.” The former is what we are really looking for. When we came into this world, we were imprinted with all sorts of human conditions, problems, obstacles, and obscurities. Having survived adolescence and grown accustomed to the maladapted and misaligned behaviors of those around us, some of us became distorted and dysfunctional to the point of what felt like disrepair. We no longer needed to “combat a disorder.” We did that for far too long. We required rikabari! We needed to get back to the state where we could recover what was once lost. We needed the process of rikabari to learn to become who we already are.

Reflections

Are you still “combating a disorder,” or are you ready for rikabari?

Daily Challenge

Look up other cultures' words for “recovery” – it’s interesting.