“Keep sitting - keep smiling”

Mindfulness for Recovery

A Buddhist Oriented Approach : Foundations of Recovery

There are many paths to and of recovery. Some are short term interventions, some are lifetime commitments.

Here, I offer an approach to Buddhist recovery based on the following multi-layered practices.

Truth (Sajja or Sacca) : pain is inevitable - suffering is optional. The truth of my addiction and suffering; and my commitment to recovery.

Ethics (Sila) : the aspiration to live skillfully through the Five Precepts using these gifts to prevent relapse and to reduce the harm in my life.

Loving-kindness (Metta) : the regular practice of loving-kindness meditation to lift my self-esteem and promote my well-being, and the well-being of all those around me.

Forgiveness (Khama) : the regular practice of forgiveness meditation to skillfully examine and let go of the past; healing my present and embracing my future - whatever it holds.

Mindfulness (Sati) : the regular practice of mindfulness meditation of body, mind and feelings to support my recovery.

Admirable Friends & Fellowship (Kalyāna-mittatā) : join a support group or start your own. “Admirable friendship, admirable companionship, admirable camaraderie is actually the whole of the spiritual life.”

Sajja, the first foundation of this plan, is the starting point of my recovery and it can also be the end point of this approach. 

However, it is my experience that the more layers of practice that you include in your life, the more assured you can be of a relaxed, comfortable and happy recovery. 

It is important to note that you do not have to be a Buddhist to practice Sajja, Sila or any of these meditation practices.

There is life after drugs and alcohol and it is a very good life.

Please note that this page and the linked pages below are a ‘work in progress’ so please check back here from time-to-time for updates.

[Mindful Recovery Home] [Foundations of Buddhist Recovery] [The Truth of Addiction] [Harm Reduction and Relapse Prevention] [Meditation and Mindful Recover] [Sila Forgiveness Meditation] [Healing the Past] [Loving Kindness - Metta] [Commitment and Ethics] [Notes on Sajja : As Practiced at Thamkrabok Monastery] [A Sajja Vow] [The  purpose of Buddhist moral precepts] [The Healing Power of the Precepts] [The Five Mindfulness Trainings] [A Discipline of Sobriety] [A Simple Guide to Life] [Being Human Mindfully] [The Precepts in Recovery] [The Rahula Rules] [Forgiveness Meditation Practice] [The Practice of Metta] [The Blessings of Recovery] [Taking the Five Precepts]