Meditation and Recovery, Part 2

Many of those who are in the earliest stages of recovery have a horrible time simply slowing their thoughts; moreover they find that their addictive minds are constantly on the go. Addiction is at its core suggestive of discomfort with oneself--sitting still is difficult enough, and most addicts don't like the company they have when left alone with their own thoughts. despite this really solid and meaningful recovery has at its core the developed capacity to meditate with regularity. The reasons are multiple--some feel that by slowing we have more of an opportunity to identify our core selves, that deeper issues arise when we are still. Others feel the practice is part of the discipline of the twelve steps, a piece that brings us closer to God. Some find that the only reprieve they get from their overactive minds is through meditation.

Mindful breathing is one of the most basic forms of meditation and is easily accessible to the new practitioner. Hence it is one of the first taught to the newly sober.

But there are other forms that help slow one's experience. For example, once a week at Paradise Recovery, everyone sits together and experiences a silent meal. On occasion this is accompanied by some quiet background music. Rarely there is a CD of an AA speaker. But the clients are not supposed to speak to one another. the purpose is to experience Communion with one another in silence. To attend only to food being eaten

When is the last time you had a meal in silence? Have you ever? You might want to try it. Think, as you eat, only of the sensation of eating. Attend to the smells of the food, the sensation as each bite glides across the tongue as your mouth reduces it to a fine grade, as it descends your throat. If you can work to slow your experience, you may find that for a very short period, your thinking stops.

For the addict and alcoholic, these moments can be bliss.

If you are currently suffering from an addiction, please seek help for yourself (and all those around you). thinks can be better. You can be taught how to live a different life. You can achieve these moments of bliss.

Paradise Recovery is here to help. Call 1-866-478-9898.