Mindfulness

Mindfulness in Recovery

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The journey towards a clean and sober life often involves more than just abstaining from substances; it requires a holistic approach that includes tending to one’s mind, body, and spirit. Among the numerous techniques and principles that can facilitate this holistic recovery, mindfulness stands out as a potent and transformative tool.

Understanding Mindfulness

Mindfulness is the art of being completely present in the moment. This means being fully present in mind and heart, focused on what is happening right now. Essentially, it’s about living in the now, not being caught up in the past or overly anxious about the future.

Why Mindfulness Matters

By focusing on the present, we can better understand and control our reactions, thoughts, and feelings. This self-awareness helps reduce the hold of negative emotions and patterns, making room for acceptance and peace.

Remember the wise words of Albert Einstein: “Learn from yesterday. Live for today. Hope for tomorrow. The most important thing in life is not to stop learning.”

The Serenity Prayer and Mindfulness

The principles of mindfulness closely align with the sentiments expressed in the Serenity Prayer

  • God, grant me the:
  • Serenity to accept the things I cannot change,
  • Courage to change the things I can,
  • Wisdom to know the difference.
  • Living one day at a time,
  • Enjoying one moment at a time,
  • Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace.
  • Taking, as He did, this sinful world as it is, not as I would have it.
  • Trusting that He will make all things right if I surrender to His will.
  • That I may be reasonably happy in this life,
  • And supremely happy with Him forever in the next.
  • Amen.

The Seven Pillars of Mindfulness

1. Non-Judgment

  • Aim for objective observation of your experiences.
  • Learn not to judge your feelings, thoughts, or experiences.
  • Reflect: How often do you judge yourself or others?

2. Patience

  • Understand that things evolve in their own time.
  • Reflect: How does impatience manifest in your body and mind?

3. Beginners Mind:

  • See the world with fresh eyes, much like a child might.
  • Reflect: When was the last time you truly marveled at something, seeing it as if for the first time?

4. Trust

  • Have faith in yourself and your journey.
  • Reflect: Are there moments where you doubt your feelings or intuition?

5. Non Striving

  • Be present without always seeking a particular outcome.
  • Reflect: How often do you take moments to simply ‘be’ without any goals?

6. Acceptance

  • Acknowledge things as they are, without needing to change them.
  • Reflect: How do you respond to situations you can’t control?

7. Letting Go

  • Release attachment to specific outcomes or ideas.
  • Reflect: What are some things or notions you might benefit from releasing?

Some points to ponder:

  • Realize the power of the present moment.
  • Explore the space between your thoughts; that’s where awareness lies.
  • Reconnect with the wonderment of childhood.

Safety and After-Burn in Recovery

For many, safety might feel like a luxury, but in recovery, it becomes essential. Dysfunctional environments often breed feelings of insecurity and danger. The co-dependence resulting from such situations can lead to neglecting one’s needs or feelings.

But through tools like the 12 Step meetings or support groups, a sense of safety can be regained. Being surrounded by a community or even treating oneself kindly can restore feelings of protection and love.

After-burn, the guilt or shame that sometimes follows asserting oneself or setting boundaries, is a natural part of the recovery process. However, it’s crucial to recognize these feelings for what they are: temporary reactions, not dictates of one’s worth or correctness.

Always remember:

  • You have the right to care for yourself.
  • You have the right to set boundaries.
  • Your needs and feelings are valid.

Own your journey. Be there for others, but never leave yourself behind.

On this path of recovery, whether you’re exploring mindfulness or diving deep into the principles of sobriety, know that Precision P2P stands beside you, offering tools and resources to aid in your transformative journey.