When dealing with addiction, shift focus from the behavior to the underlying pain, asking “why the pain?” instead of “why the addiction,” as addiction is an attempt to soothe emotional distress.
Understand that all addictions are attempts to regulate unbearable internal emotional states through external means. This perspective fosters compassion and a deeper understanding of the addictive process.
Take ownership of your life by recognizing that current behaviors often stem from childhood wounds or trauma. To truly change, focus on healing these underlying wounds, which will naturally lead to desired behavioral shifts.
When aiming for better health or overcoming addiction, focus on making fundamental “life changes” rather than just superficial “lifestyle changes.” This involves transforming the core of how life is lived, not just external behaviors.
To positively impact your physical physiology, become conscious of the unconscious emotional patterns and behaviors you’ve adopted. This awareness is crucial for stopping detrimental actions or doing things differently.
Develop self-awareness to become “response-able,” meaning capable of responding effectively to your circumstances rather than being driven by ingrained, unconscious patterns. This liberation from old patterns is key to personal growth.
Engage in regular therapy or deep self-reflection to uncover and process emotional baggage and deeper psychological layers. This practice can lead to significant behavioral changes and a truer sense of self.
Recognize that much of what is perceived as personality might be a defensive structure formed in childhood to cope with pain. By understanding and shedding these adaptations, you can become more authentic, balanced, and happier.
Apply a broader definition of addiction—craving temporary pleasure/relief, suffering long-term negative consequences, and inability to stop—to identify any behaviors, not just substance use, that may be addictive in your own life. This self-assessment aids in recognizing a wider spectrum of addictive patterns.
Interpret physical symptoms, such as high blood pressure, as important warnings from your body indicating excessive tension or stress. This calls for addressing the underlying sources of stress in your life rather than solely treating the symptom.
Make seeing friends in real life a priority, recognizing it as a necessity for human health rather than a luxury. Actively schedule in-person interactions to foster genuine connection and combat loneliness.
Treat yourself with compassion and avoid self-blame for past choices, understanding that many behaviors, including addictive ones, are often unconscious protective mechanisms or adaptations. This compassionate approach supports the healing process.
Develop faith and curiosity in the tremendous innate healing capacity of human beings, recognizing that individuals possess a powerful ability to overcome challenges like addiction and illness. Focus on questions that promote wholeness and self-empowerment.
Actively seek out diverse sources of help for healing, looking beyond conventional wisdom and not solely relying on credentials. Take an active role as the “agent in your own healing” to find effective support.
Take an active role in designing and managing your own health journey, becoming the “architect of your own health.” This involves making informed choices and seeking appropriate support tailored to your unique needs.
Explore books, talks, and other resources from experts to gain self-knowledge and understanding. These resources can serve as a mirror to your own experiences, providing insights for personal growth and healing.
Initiate your journey of self-discovery by asking profound questions about your life and experiences. This readiness to inquire often leads to the appearance of necessary answers and guidance for personal transformation.