In short, the answer is both. Without doubt it will help your recovery to better understand issues specifically related to drugs and alcohol. This might include becoming clearer on how substance use affects the physiology of the brain, or it might involve identifying your specific triggers and developing strategies to help you manage cravings. In addition to this direct focus on drugs and alcohol, it is crucial for your long-term recovery to better understand the psychological, emotional, relational, spiritual and social underpinnings of your substance use. At Bali Beginnings we support our clients to do just that.
Over the next few weeks we will be publishing a series of short articles on some of the core principles that arise as part of our focus on overall well-being. Today we will be talking about the importance of presence. Presence is used to describe the principle of paying attention, on purpose, to the present moment…
What is this life if, full of care,
We have no time to stand and stare?
Excerpt from ‘Leisue’ by Henry Davies.
Modern life can be extremely busy. It is common to feel like your mind is swirling with worries about the future, regrets about the past or the stresses of all the things you should be doing. In the midst of our busy minds, it is easy to lose connection with how we are feeling or the beauty in the present moment. This is a real shame because cultivating our ability to connect with the present moment has consistently been linked with psychological and physical health benefits.
WHY NOT TRY IT FOR YOURSELF?
Wherever you are right now, take a few minutes to try to bring your attention to the present moment. Close your eyes if it helps (although it might make it harder to read the article!). Bring your attention to what sounds you can hear. Scan your body from head to toe, what physical sensations or emotions do you feel? Can you notice your chest rising and falling as your breath in and out? Before long you will probably find that your mind will start to wander away from the task at hand. When this happens, try to accept that this is what minds do and gently bring your attention back to the present moment. When it wanders again, notice it once more and bring your attention back to the present.
Like any new skill, this will get easier with time. With practice you will find that you are gradually more able to quieten the noise of your mind and find peace in the present moment (research has indicated that eight weeks of daily practice is linked with measurable changes in brain areas associated with this ability).
If you are interested to find out more about presence, you may find it helpful to explore the practice of Mindfulness. In the context of addiction and recovery more specifically, presence is central to the concept of Just for Today. If you would like to find out more about Bali Beginnings then please do not hesitate to get in touch at info@rehabbali.com.
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