Meditation:
A superpower that beats addiction
Trataka sadhana
In this technique, we choose an object of our liking that does not invoke any strong emotions in us; that keeps us neutral or peaceful. It could be a candle flame, a black dot on the wall, an image of a deity, a flower etc. In a quiet place, we sit down and place the object of our focus in front of us at eye level and at a distance from which we can focus on it without straining our eyes. Then we begin our practice on focussing on the object and gently bringing our mind back to the object every time our vision or mind wanders away. As per a study under the US department of health and human services, activity in our optic nerves is directly correlated to our neural activity. If you do not allow the optic nerves to get stimulated, there will be no sensory input for the brain, hence no activity in the mind.
Breath technique
Our breath is the most fundamental essence of our existence and it is intricately connected to our minds. As our emotions flow, so does the breath. if we are tensed our breath becomes short and fast. if we are relaxed our breath becomes long and deep. Watching the breath is a wonderful technique that can help in clearing our mind of thoughts. Similar to the Trataka Sadhana, we keep our attention on our breath, without trying to control it in anyway. Just like watching a river flow, without trying to influence it in anyway. Everytime our mind wanders, or our focus shifts to an emotion or thought, we bring it back to the breath gently. We don’t need to get agitated or angry or sulk if our focus wanders.
Practicing Gratitude
Another easy yet powerful technique is practicing gratitude in life. Maintain a journal and write either daily or at least weekly in it. List down all things that you are grateful for in your life. Despite all the ups and down in your life, you are still here and still have blessings that you may not notice in your daily life. Pen down your thoughts on how everything has eventually worked out for you and how the universe or any higher power that you have faith in, has looked after you. Things could have been worse, but they didn’t happen because that power has been looking after you. Shifting our focus from what we don’t have or didn’t get to what we did get and what we have is a paradigm shift. It subtly changes your mindset about life and you start to notice opportunities rather than failures and obstacles. A power within you wakes up to the endless possibilities that lie ahead and the realisation dawns on you that you have the power to utilise what you have been given to shape your own destiny. You stop blaming others and start working on yourself.
CBT therapy
Journaling is a powerful tool in addiction recovery, allowing individuals to document their experiences, traumas, triggers, and mental fluctuations. This reflective practice helps in observing oneself as a third person, identifying negative thought patterns, and understanding their impact on behavior and emotions. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) supports this process by focusing on the connection between thoughts, feelings, and actions. Integrated into the AA 12-step program, CBT techniques enhance self-reflection and behavioral change.
All the above-mentioned techniques possess the power to transform us (as a stepping stone) and become aware of our true self. What is required of us is to have faith in these sadhana/techniques or the higher power we believe in and keep at them with consistency. As we realise our true nature, our problems, no matter what or how big they may be, start to lose their grip on us.
Let me know which practice resonates with you the most. If you are looking for a recovery coach and are ready to walk towards sobriety.
When I started my de-addiction program at the rehabilitation centre, the first few days focussed on physical detoxification. I abstained from alcohol or any substitute substance, I had to go through a diet plan and I had to exercise. Once the physical detox was complete, my psychological recovery started. My counsellors asked me a lot of questions about my past, my relationships, my failures and victories. The psychological recovery is the longest and hardest. I wouldn’t be overstating if I said I am still going through it. Although I have been sober for a decade now.
Everything we experience in the world is actually happening in our mind. Yes, the external events happen, but the meaning we give to them is through our own mind. Our mind is a fantastic phenomenon, it can analyse, memorise and can imagine. Ancient wisdom says that the mind is a wonderful servant but a terrible master. When it serves you, it helps solve complex problems, create beautiful things and understand deep concepts. However, if it becomes the master, we are well aware what it can do - it made me an addict.
Swami Vivekananda, a spiritual stalwart from India, explains the nature of the mind beautifully; he says the mind is like a drunk monkey who has been possessed by a demon. it is so restless that it incessantly jumps from one tree branch to another. To control the mind is even harder than controlling nature. However, yogis like Swami Vivekananda also did practices that allowed them to gain control over their mind. Such techniques are called Sadhana in Sanskrit language. Sadhanas are to be done to become meditative. Yogis also knew that our true nature is meditation, love, peace and joy, but we have forgotten that. A proven way to remember our true nature is to practice different yogic techniques.
We are all spiritual beings waiting to uncover our own truth. Imagine the power we possess inherently. At the rehabilitation we were taught a few sadhanas/techniques that have helped me a great deal. Meditation and other types of therapies, were part of a 12-step program. I will list them down for you: