Mindfulness meditation offers many promises to its practitioners.
There are thousands of studies proving its benefits. These include lower stress levels. Increased focus. Lower blood pressure. More inner peace and happiness. Some of the things we addicts once tried to achieve with drugs.
A misconception among our clients is that mindfulness might be a way to zone out. A way for us to escape reality to a state of bliss. But that's not so.
In mindfulness practice we learn to focus on our breath or another object. Then when thoughts pop up we observe them - the good - the bad and the ugly. And that's all we do, observe them without judgment then let them pass. When they return, we do the same thing again. And let them pass. And still again. All the while returning our focus to our breath or object of attention.
Practicing mindfulness can be difficult at times. We addicts are often perfectionists. So we try to meditate perfectly, to maintain focus on our breath or on an object. But there is no perfect in meditation. There's just meditation.
We're not going to get an "A" for doing it right. Or an "F" for doing it wrong. In meditation the only goal is to sit and meditate.
And my experience has been that the longer I meditate the more resilience I have. The less I over react to the challenges of life. The days are smoother.
It's as though I have an invisible coat of Teflon that allows most so-called "problems" to simply slide away.
For those interested in learning more about meditation click here for free resources: .
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