Meditation for Recovery

The challenge in recovery lies in changing habits and ways of thought. Because addiction continues to lurk in altered neural circuits, cravings or feelings of deprivation provide an ongoing reminder of the need to channel those drives positively and the danger of failing to do so.

In the throes of addiction, it’s impossible to think clearly and our nervous system becomes overworked and depleted. Meditation and mindfulness can enhance recovery by teaching us to live in the present and keeping us clear on the need to remain sober.

We’re all on the spectrum of addiction because of the human condition. Things will happen that challenge us such as relationships, money, and just life, period! When things don’t work out for us and we experience pain, the wisdom that is born out of recovery is applicable to everyone. Anybody looking to move forward along the path of spiritual or emotional maturity—to expand consciousness or awareness from where we are—can benefit with meditation because it teaches us how to direct our mind.

Research has demonstrated that mindful meditation reduces the risk of relapse, and that even short periods of meditation can produce positive changes in the brain. These alterations in the brain positively affect memory, mood, attention, and anxiety while expanding the capacity for higher states of consciousness.

We need to turn our gaze inside to thrive regardless of what is going on in our lives. When we merge the path of yoga, meditation, and recovery, we are healing all aspects of ourselves.

To discover real happiness that is not dependent on things outside of ourselves, we must dive deep into reality. With expanded awareness and consciousness, we can release the things that aren’t serving us to live more freely. We can learn to allow ourselves to show up as we are and find peace in that allowing—which is known in the yoga world as ananda or bliss.

While addictive behaviors separate us from ourselves, each other, and our environment, meditation invites us into union, balance, and connection to our wholeness where we more readily recognize our addictive behaviors and find the inner strength to move beyond them.

By Julie Bertagna; All Rights Reserved @2020