Metaphysics is an approach that incorporates the emotional, mental, physical and
spiritual approach to balanced living and health. The philosophy of metaphysics is that all things are interconnected
and one's life path is to be honored and respected.
Most people come to treatment saying that they are looking for peace of mind.
Due to their addiction and the life circumstances caused by the addiction it is common for people to have a high level of
stress and what we refer to as "monkey chatter" of the mind. These are the incessant thoughts that keep us in worry
and negativity. At A New Approach Counseling we teach the benefits of meditation as a way of helping the client to find
the quiet mind. We incoroprate guided imagry, mindfulness and methods of meditation such as sitting meditation,
walking meditation, focused mediation and affirmations.
Meditation has been proven to be an effective approach to dealing with depression, mood disorders, anxiety,
anger and fear. Meditation teaches us to use mindfulness to change how we relate to our feelings. Therefore, helping
to change our mood and our behavior.
Meditation practice is about having time for yourself in a special way. When you take time
off to go for a walk or have coffee with a friend, this is certainly having time for yourself, and is important.
But practice goes beyond that. To find out about the deepest parts, the most secret and difficult parts, the part
where beautiful things lie hidden, you may need special training. Recovery is a path of self-discovery and healng.
It is a time to learn to respect yourself and to
respect the life path that has brought you to this point.
Some people feel that they must have a period of sobriety before they can begin
meditation practice. The truth is no matter what lifestyle you are currently living, your life will only be enhanced
with meditation. Meditation does not add anything, but you see the meaning of life much more clearly with a practice.
When you start to practice it doesn't matter where you are at or what you are like. You don't
have to be good, or clean, or feeling peaceful or "ready for meditation". You just need to have an open mind and an open heart.
you have to be ready to listen- and what you listen to is yourself.
So what changes?
There are some changes- some comfortable and some not so comfortable. Your character and identity
change. The practice of meditation puts you in touch. It connects you with your inner most self. The results can
be seen immediately , and they also grow throughout years of practice.
You will become more sure of who you are, more confident, more certain about things. You will
be able to weather a crisis better. Your sense of humor will carry you through impossible situations and you will learn
to laugh at yourself.
You may be wondering if meditation will help you come off of drugs. there is no gaurantee.
Some people will start meditation practice because of a particular problem-- to help with relationship problems for example,
or because of a major illness-- and the original problem never goes away. But everything changes so that
the problem bcomes minor. Meditation teaches us to let go of toxic attachment to things, including substances,
relationships and behaviors.
If you want to learn how to slow down and know yourself and be better equipped to deal with life on
life's terms, meditation is a good place to start.
