Engage in persistent vigilance in daily life and meditation by understanding the problem of constant thoughts and setting an intention to act differently. Use meditation to observe thought streams, recognize suffering from uncontrolled thoughts and craving, and experience the release of letting go, which can be recreated by interrupting addictive patterns and applying self-compassion; for intractable patterns, accept them and engage in self-care.
Take refuge daily in the Buddha (teacher), Dharma (teachings/truth), and Sangha (community) to ground yourself in spiritual principles and remember what is truly important amidst impermanence. This practice serves as a reminder of life’s preciousness and helps manage the ‘addiction to self’ by bringing one back to truth.
Merge 12-step principles with Buddhist practice by acknowledging powerlessness over the mind and body, identifying mindfulness or Dharma as a higher power, and turning your will over to love or mindfulness through trust and acceptance. Conduct a moral inventory to investigate past harms and present mental patterns, and commit to service after a spiritual awakening, practicing mindfulness in all affairs.
Practice ‘right effort’ in meditation by being aware of thoughts and sensations without striving to change them, recognizing that excessive effort creates agitation and is counterproductive. Instead, patiently allow things to be as they are, and strategically know when to ‘sit back’ rather than beating yourself up for spacing out.
Confront biases (e.g., racism, sexism) by acknowledging their presence, which can be painful and threaten your self-image as a ‘good person.’ Engage in an ongoing ‘inventory process’ of self-exploration to heal and overcome these conditioned patterns, recognizing that facing these ‘demons’ is ultimately freeing and less threatening than repressing them.
Before beginning a meditation session, check in with your current mental and emotional state (e.g., relaxed, agitated, sleepy, depressed) to set realistic expectations and practice self-compassion. This helps avoid unrealistic expectations and self-criticism during the sit.
Use meditation to find calming relief, especially during stressful times. Be patient, as it may take 20-30 minutes for the mind to settle and for a sense of ‘cooling’ and normalcy to arise, offering a relief similar to that sought from external sources.
Recognize and accept powerlessness over addictive substances, thoughts, and even the body, understanding that this acceptance doesn’t mean succumbing but rather changing one’s relationship to these things. This is a foundational step in recovery.
Identify mindfulness, loving kindness, or the Dharma itself as a ‘higher power’ that can restore sanity, using meditation to calm a chaotic mind daily. This offers an alternative for those who struggle with traditional religious language.
Practice turning your will and life over to the care of love or mindfulness, viewing this as a process of trust, letting go, and acceptance in your spiritual journey.
Conduct a searching and fearless moral inventory, investigating past harms and present mental patterns that cause harm, then share it, let go of negative findings, and make amends. This aligns with the Dharma’s emphasis on investigation and letting go.
Incorporate meditation into your daily routine as a direct practice for spiritual growth and self-awareness, as it is a core component of the 12 steps.
After experiencing a spiritual awakening, commit to carrying the message of recovery and practicing its principles (or mindfulness) in all aspects of life, spontaneously engaging in service to others. This provides purpose and reinforces growth.
Remain vigilant against complacency in recovery, recognizing that the desire for past addictive behaviors can resurface. Actively maintain awareness to prevent relapse.
Be open to diverse recovery approaches, as different methods work for different individuals and not everyone needs the same intensity or tools.
For experienced meditators, consider a ‘sit and wait’ approach, focusing on stillness and quiet rather than specific techniques, as the true work of meditation may arise from prolonged quietude. This involves being aware of the ‘big picture’ (body, sound, mind, mood) and holding it as an open space, potentially letting go of intense efforting.