Mindfulness: The Precious Present in Recovery

All of us at The Haven hope that you had a serene Thanksgiving and a peaceful weekend. If you read last week’s post, we provided some helpful tips for staying clean and sober over the holiday. If you followed some of our suggestions, then it’s likely that your sobriety is intact.

Please take a moment this week to acknowledge your achievement; relapse is a common occurrence during major holidays. Those who remain grateful and humble and stick to a plan almost always avoid unfortunate incidents during select days of the year.

It’s vital to remember that the recovery work never ends. One must always be on the lookout for ways that they can enhance their program. By now, you may be aware that staying grounded and centered is essential to maintaining one’s recovery. Those who pray or practice mindful meditation are better equipped to deal with life on life’s terms.

Do you pray or meditate on a regular basis? If not, we implore you to talk with your sponsor or trusted peer to learn how you can channel your internal energy for external benefits. One of the best ways to accomplish the said goal is by focusing on the present.

Addicts and alcoholics tend to reminisce about the past or spend too much time thinking about the future. While it’s vital to remember where you came from and have goals for the future, what’s most salient is today. What you do right now for your program will change how your past affects you and will put you in a position to achieve your goals.

The Precious Present in Recovery

Mindfulness or mindful meditation can prove invaluable to men and women in recovery. The practice involves centering your attention to experiences happening in the present moment, without judgment. Even if your life is far from where you want it to be, focusing on your current circumstances will help you stay grounded and reduce the amount of stress that you have.

Each day set aside some time to slow your breathing and focus on the positive things happening in your life today. Even someone with 30 days sober has much to be grateful for, and mindfulness can help them put gratitude into action.

Being present can also help your peers, too; it puts you in a position to engage in selfless acts. The people in your support network rely on you just as you depend on them. If you are more balanced and centered, then you are better equipped to be of service to your peers.

Beginning a meditation routine may sound difficult if you have no experience. Fortunately, there are many resources available online that can teach you techniques for focusing on the precious present. Mindful.org suggests:

• Sit down in a comfortable position.
• Have the bottoms of your feet touching the floor.
• Close or lower your eyelids.
• Direct your attention to your breath.
• If your mind begins to wander, return your attention to your breathing.
• When you are ready to stop, consider how you feel and how you would like to continue with your day.

In time, you will be able to practice mindfulness in almost any situation. Several times a day, emphasize the need for focusing on the present, and it will strengthen your recovery.

SLO County Addiction Treatment

Please contact The Haven at Pismo to learn more about our innovative addiction treatment programs. Our team relies on evidence-based therapies to help men and women begin journeys of lasting recovery. We are available at any time to answer any questions you have about our center. 805-202-3440