Ep 34: MINISODE The Transformative Power of the PEARL Technique

We are going to be talking about pearls Now . I worked in the fine jewelry industry for many , many , many years and even after I left the jewelry industry , I wrote for online e-commerce jewelers and even brick and mortar jewelers and managed their social media accounts and websites and all kinds of things .

I also took courses through the Gemological Institute of America to learn even more about diamonds and gemstones and received a certification as an applied jewelry professional . So I know a lot about gemstones and diamonds and sapphires and diamonds have always been my favorite and I didn't really think a lot about pearls .

But when you know how pearls are formed and some of the symbolism behind it , especially what's contained in the Bible , they just have taken on a whole new meaning and I've developed a greater appreciation for these beautiful gemstones . So today I'm going to talk about how we can turn our problems into pearls Now .

I've developed a method that I will definitely go deeper into in future podcast episodes , and it's also a tool that I am including in a sobriety course that I am in the process of developing . So stay tuned for that .

But before we get started , I wanted just to talk about the significance that pearls hold in the Bible , so they often symbolize wisdom or the kingdom of heaven . We read in Matthew how we shouldn't cast our pearls before swine unless they trample them underfoot .

Now this could be interpreted as a warning against sharing sacred truths with those who won't appreciate them , but I think this could be applied to a lot of different things . And then the pearl of great price is another reference to the kingdom of heaven , described as something so valuable that a person would sell all they have to obtain it .

Now , when you work with God to turn a problem or an irritant into a beautiful , luminous pearl , it becomes a pearl of great price .

It becomes something that is so precious to you because you allowed God's grace to surround that irritant over and over and over , and it creates this treasure that is a reminder of where you were and and how far you've come , and that's the way that I view my recovery , my sobriety . Now a pearl is formed . If you don't know this .

A pearl is formed when an irritant , such as a piece of sand or a worm , makes its way into a shell of an oyster , and this is a natural pearl .

And then a defense mechanism is that the molosk secretes fluid to coat the irritant , and that fluid is called nacre , or mother of pearl , which a layer of nacre is equivalent to like a if you were painting your fingernails like a coat of nail polish .

So that's a layer upon layer of nacre and it coats that irritant , and it's an ongoing process that eventually forms a pearl . Now , this process can be a powerful metaphor for our own lives . So problems like a drinking habit , that is is troublesome , or other things that we may encounter in this life , those are like an irritant inside the oyster .

They're uncomfortable , right , they're disruptive . But just as the oyster transforms an irritant into a pearl , we too can transform our problems into opportunities for growth . Sometimes they can become so precious to us that we wouldn't trade them for anything . But now how do we do that ? I've developed a five step method that I call the pearl technique .

It's a tool that I created to help transform a troublesome drinking habit into a beautiful and illuminating pearl . So I'm just going to give you a brief explanation of the pearl technique , and you can even start using it today if you like . So pearl is an acronym and the P means to pause and pray .

So when we are faced with a problem , I want you to first take a moment and pause and breathe . This allows you to avoid reacting impulsively and instead respond thoughtfully . Use the pause and pray by asking God for guidance and strength to deal with the issue at hand . Now the E stands for explore . Explore your thoughts about the problem .

What are your initial reactions ? Are they negative or self-defeating thoughts ? I want you to recognize these thoughts as the first step towards changing them . We need to change our mindset right . Romans 12 , 2 tells us to have a renewal of the mind , that is , to see things in a heavenly way , not in an earthly way . And then the A stands for analyze .

What are the facts ? So , after you explore your thoughts , it's time to separate facts from feelings . Emotions can cloud our judgment , making problems seem bigger than they actually are . By analyzing the facts , this helps you understand the true nature and the extent of the problem , which allows you to approach it realistically .

The R stands for reframe your perspective , once you've separated the facts from feelings . I want you to try to reframe that perspective . Look for the silver lining , look for the potential of growth in the situation .

Remember that , just like an oyster transforms an irritant into a pearl , you too can transform this problem into an opportunity for growth and forward movement . You don't have to stay stuck . Lastly , leverage your faith . Lean into the Lord . Draw strength from your beliefs and use them as a source for comfort and motivation .

Your faith can guide you through challenging times and help you emerge even stronger . This pearl technique provides a systematic and faith-based approach to dealing with problems , turning them from annoying irritants to precious pearls . Many of my clients have turned their journey to sobriety into their pearl .

They've used their struggles with this disordered attachment as stepping stones towards a stronger , healthier , more fulfilling life . They've gained more awareness about themselves , about their habits and about their relationship with God . Their stories serve as powerful reminders of resilience and the transformative power of

faith . Now , as we close today , I just want you to know that you can draw from the oyster . It doesn't reject the irritant because it's uncomfortable . Growth comes in the discomfort . That precious pearl is formed because of discomfort . Instead , it embraces it , it works with it and over time , it transforms it into something beautiful .

In the same way , let's not shy away from our problems . Let's face them and learn from them and use them to grow and transform and hear God's voice more clearly so that we can live our purpose for His glory . Well , that wraps up today's episode of the Catholic sobriety mini-soad .

Thank you so much for joining me and please be sure to subscribe to this podcast so you don't miss a thing . And remember I am here for you , I am praying for you , you are not alone .