Meditation and Recovery

The first few months of recovery are typically the toughest. Your body is adjusting to functioning without the use of drugs or alcohol. This can sometimes cause you to feel like your mind is very clouded. For people who don’t cope with the unusual thoughts and feelings of not using will be more likely to relapse. Meditation is great for all levels of recovery. It helps the individual control their emotions and will help them keep a clear mind. Being in the present moment, being aware of your feelings, emotions and thoughts is what meditation is all about. Most important elements in meditation are awareness, attention and remembering. Be aware of what you should focus on and remember to keep your attention on it. You will come to realize the benefits of meditation such as managing stress, fighting anxiety and being aware of what is happening inside of your body. Being aware will help you make better decisions in everything you do. You will be able to notice if you are slipping out of your sobriety and there for will possibly be able to prevent relapse. When considering meditation, you should do some research and see what fits you best. Going to classes, joining a group or even watching videos on meditation can be very useful. There are a few different types of meditations: tradition, when you focus on just your breathing, moving meditation when you practice yoga or a type of martial arts. There is even eating meditation, when you focus on the process of eating, normally used when someone is trying to control or maintain their weight. The most commonly used form is traditional breathing meditation. Here are some techniques that can help you get started.

• Find a quit comfortable place with minimum distractions.
  Do not slouch, keep your back upright. You do not have to sit in lotus position make
  yourself comfortable, use a chair if necessary just make sure your spine is aligned.
• Close your eyes or partial closed. Take three deep breaths, breathing in through your
  nose and out through your mouth. Feel your chest and shoulders fall with each deep
  breath, this will help relax your body.
• After taking the three deep breaths allow your breathing to return to normal, observing
  the sensation of your breathing is the soul purpose of this meditation.
• It is normal for your attention to wander off from focusing on your breath, just simply
  bring your attention back to the breathing and readjust.
• Most people who practice meditation set aside 30-40 minutes a day, for beginners you should
  start with 20 minutes and this can be split into two 10 minute sessions. Remember to be aware
  of what you are focusing on and keep your attention there.