5 Mindful Recovery Steps for Self-Observation

In early recovery, there is value in filling your space and time with meetings and various distractions to fill in the space that was once consumed with substances and addictive behaviors. There is also value, at some point, to create unfilled space for your presence and attention. Creating space to be present for your presence is a key to sustainable long-term recovery.  Creating Space vs Filling Space The practice of mindfulness; being there, being present, paying attention, and learning to be there for yourself starts with the process of letting go. Letting go of substances and addictive behaviors is a great start. The beginning steps of letting go are important. If you plan to begin a formal sitting meditation practice or go on retreat, the same is true; we begin to clear our schedules. We let go of our usual doing in order to create space for something different.  Mindfulness and meditation are practices of letting go in order to create space for your attention.  If you are filling up recovery time with meetings and the doing of “stepping”, you can begin taking your recovery a step further by creating space to observe your being, by yourself. You can learn to be there for yourself, to witness and give attention to the happenings of your mind, your body, and your emotions.  Creating Space for an Inner Life There is a lot of value in observing your inner life. You may discover the real hunger, the real need within you that is reaching out in an addictive way. ...
Source: World of Psychology - Category: Psychiatry & Psychology Authors: Tags: Addiction Mindfulness Recovery Alcoholism Substance Abuse Source Type: blogs