Embracing Stillness: Meditation's Role in Conquering Addiction

In our relentless pursuit of looking for external solutions to make us feel better or different than we do, we have developed addictions to pretty much everything from shopping, to Netflix, to sex —  we are even addicted to exercise!  This is driven by culture that shuns the acceptance of pain as a teacher and in a way is intolerant to any sort of discomfort.

It keeps us asking others how we should live and looking outward for help instead of taking the risk that we ourselves might have the answers.

Meditation at its roots offers a transformative approach to facing and understanding addiction and our ever growing lack of self trust .

Understanding Addiction through Meditation

Addiction arises from a fundamental desire to find external relief from internal discomfort—be it pain, anxiety, frustration, or even a mild dissatisfaction. 

I don't like this feeling I have - make it stop ____. You can make your own list of ways you complete this picture.

Society's narrative equates success with external fulfillment, fueling an endless chase that never allows for contentment.

Honestly, can you remember the last time you felt truly content?

Progressively, we nurture addictions, from our "seemingly" innocuous mobile phone to our addiction to work and our pursuit for success. Yep, these are al attempts to remedy unrest within.

Meditation and the Art of Stillness

Meditation is the art of self-discovery, teaching us to observe rather than resist our uncomfortable sensations. A well-taught meditation practice is not about stopping thoughts or combating feelings; resistance merely begets further struggle.

Instead, meditation invites us to witness the rise and fall of our emotions, recognizing them as transient waves rather than definitions of “who we are”. It teaches us to unblend from these feelings so we can relax back into who we really are.

"You are not your addiction, it's just something that is happening."

Every feeling of inadequacy, every spurt of frustration, is an opportunity to sit with discomfort and investigate it intimately through quiet presence. Meditation grants us the space to observe how these feelings move and morph, eventually subsiding to reveal our true essence, our "unshakable -self".

Building Inner Persistence

The journey to inner peace isn't instantaneous. It demands persistence and the courage to face discomfort repeatedly. As we meditate, we fortify an inner resilience—the "unshakable self"—capable of confronting painful experiences with equanimity. Over time, this innate strength blossoms, enabling us to remain unfazed amidst the waves of discomfort.

Meditation,  offers more than just a reprieve from an unrelenting loop of addiction; it reacquaints us with our inner wholeness. The process of turning inward, welcoming all feelings without judgment, and holding space for the self, illuminates the path to freedom from the chains of addiction.

Are you ready to make a change and discover and align with your authentic self? Get started with my ($7) course, Hypno-Meditation: A Beginners Guide or join me and the Life Design Community in THE SHIFT Membership: A Beginners Blueprint for Designing an Intentional Life and you'll have a partner on your journey to transformation. Click here  to learn more!