One of my favorite pastimes is a sport called canyoneering. As the name implies, canyoneering is the exploration of canyons, most of which have been carved into the land through water. Some canyons have crystal clear water flowing through it while others are bone dry. But in all canyons there is one major water related danger that must be properly prepared for no matter how wet or dry the canyon already is: flash flooding. 

Flash flooding occurs when an area receives a great deal of moisture which collects into a waterway. They occur frequently in desert locations because of the dry landscape. Water is unable to soak in properly leaving it to run off and take the path of least resistance. All of this water collects into one channel and carries with it any debris in its path. What once was a peace stream or bone dry canyons can become a churning, raging, muddy river in a short amount of time. 

A key rule to avoiding a flash flood is understanding the layout of the land, particularly the drainage system of the canyon you’ll be exploring. That means you know where water comes in and where it goes--even if there is no water currently in the canyon. You look at not only the area you are in, but you also look upstream to see what canyons drain into the canyon you’ll be in. 

When looking at the forecast, you not only check for rain where you’ll be hiking, but you also look at what the weather will be like upstream from where you are. Flash floods can happen under a blue, clear sky because  there is precipitation somewhere upstream. As you prepare, you also look for exit points in the canyon--higher ground you can get to easily--just in case the weather turns sour. 

What does all of this have to do with you? When a relapse happens, it’s like you’ve been wandering up a canyon, and suddenly you get blasted by a flash flood. It knocks you off your feet, impacts your progress, and leaves you frustrated. But as you take time to better understand yourself, it’s like understanding what’s upstream, watching the forecast, and avoiding areas of danger when a storm is imminent. If you learn there is trouble upstream, you can prepare by getting help early on rather than allowing yourself to get swept up in a flash flood of filth. 

Continuing with the concept of looking upstream and avoiding flash floods, there’s 5 key areas you need to watch and be more mindful of if you’re going to get out of danger. I call them the 5 S’s:

• Surroundings: Physical factors that if not attended to can lead to relapse. 
• Soloing: Factors related to feeling or being disconnected from others. 
• State: Mental, emotional, and spiritual factors that need to be cared for.
• Self-Talk: Cognitive distortions and thinking errors that, if left unchecked, can cause problems.
• Scheming: The subconscious part of us always looking for opportunities to view pornography, especially  when it’s “not our fault.”   

Each of these are streams which may not necessarily be dangerous on their own, but combined with one another, they are likely to overwhelm you if not dealt with properly. Understanding each of these areas will open your eyes to the ways in which you are being acted upon by what’s happening around and within you. It brings the subconscious to the conscious and thus helps you know what weapons and allies you will need to fight off the enemy and decrease your FADS.

✏ Reflect. How do you relate to the flash-flood metaphor? Which of the 5 S’s do you feel has been the biggest issue in your life? What do you need to do to be more aware of what is happening “upstream?”