by Andrew Pacholyk MS L.Ac
~Peacefulmind.com
Addictions are the excess use and dependency of/on anything including food, sex, alcohol, smoking, caffeine, sugar, shopping, chocolate, drugs… Why do we become addicted? Many addictions have their roots in painful childhood experiences. According to a study undertaken by the National Academy of Sciences, children are more likely to end up addicted to something if they are physically abused, humiliated, or lied to, and if their parents are themselves substance abusers.
Addictions can be mild or serious. When an addiction becomes severe, it is more important than social acceptance, family, friends, and even life itself. Addictions tend to begin slowly and grow insidiously. The biggest problem in treating addiction is recognizing the problem. Since there is no simple definition, the point where casual use becomes abuse is vague.
This practice is intended for most people as an ADJUNCT to getting *professional* or other supportive help from their doctors, substance abuse counselors, therapists, sponsors, family and friends. Always get professional help when trying to quit an alcohol/drug habit. It’s highly recommended if you are needing to seriously diet or quit smoking.
There is an emotional aspect to every illness. Often times, it is the emotional thoughts or “excess emotions” that will lead to illness. The following therapy is utilized for calming the mind, help with stress and focuses on our mental powers over any situation. The ability to balance your emotional, mental, physical and spiritual selves are exceptional tools on your healing journey.
The power of your mind and your belief system has everything to do with the condition, the speed and the way that you heal.
* Our Belief System is one of the major factors that can get us through situations or can cause our life to crumble around us! I do believe that there is a lot of innate goodness and balancing our minds do subconsciously to get us through hard times. The other portion of this is how we “program” ourselves to deal with any given situation.
* Our self-confidence and self-love are often the key to opening and strengthening this portion of our thoughts which in turn emanates from ourselves!
* Energy follows thought. Program thought to be positive and your energy will reflect it!
* Really appreciating what we DO have as opposed to what we would like to have, sometimes makes a significant difference. This is always an important element in healing that is often neglected.
Meditation is a central tool for calming the mind, assisting in mind over matter and calming the spirit. It will alleviate much of the angst and anxiety associated with withdrawal and detoxing! Calming the mind and central nervous system have a direct effect on how our body “vibrates” and how we choose to handle stress as it comes at us. The more you meditate, the abler you become at handling difficult situations!
Amethyst is a mineral consisting chiefly of silicon dioxide. Amethyst has been known as the “great detoxer” for centuries. Minerals in amethyst provide purification and detoxification functions. It is the stone for addiction, addictive thoughts and detoxification.
Aventurine is known for good luck and bringing money, it is the stone for gamblers. It encourage balance within your behavior and is used as a meditation tool or touch stone for realizing limits!
Lapis Lazuli is a deep blue stone used for centuries for obtaining wisdom of the ages. It is a sage stone that shows us how we can balance and regulate our lives by applying the principles of look, listen and linger. Allowing the power of observation to take precedence over action.
Clear Quartz is a highly regarded stone which resonates with our own body energy and helps one to “see clearer” in their action and behavior. It brings a sense of clear thinking and the ability to bring calm and peace of mind.
Rose Quartz is a stone of love and self-love. It represents beauty and kindness, Resonates with a gentle heart energy, it soothes a frustrated mind and allows us to find peace within ourselves with an extra helping of self-love and awareness.
Ruby is a deep red stone of love and devotion. It is the honoring of ourselves so that we can show a devotion and love to others. It is a stone of truth and fidelity, grounding and protection. Use ruby as a connection between heart and a grounded mindset.
As a healing tool, crystals have been used for meditation, stress relief, massage and energy work. Crystals offer an additional way to balance energy, amplify both energy and thought, bring clarity in thinking, and harmony and alignment with our own energy systems.
~ Use a crystal of your choice or one mentioned. Sit comfortable on the floor and hold your stone or lie down and place the crystal on your Heart, Third Eye or Solar Plexus.
~ Another option is to place a group of stones in a circle on the floor, yoga mat or in your sacred space. You can also save one of these stones to hold on to. Lay in the center of the circle of stones. This “aura net” embraces you, allowing you to feel the safe space you have created to relax in.
~ Close your eyes. Take several deep breaths. Feel the crystal rise and fall as you slowly inhale/exhale. Allow your body to melt into the floor at each breath. Take this time to find your center. Let go of those things which hold you back. With each inhale, take in that which you deserve. With each exhale, release all that tension.
If you are within a circle of stones, mentally take in their unique color and texture in your mind. Within your mind’s eye, locate each stone around you, sensing your connection to it. Release your fear and let go. Give in to the simple gesture of being still. If your mind wanders, bring it back to your present place. Sense your surroundings and then bring your focus back to a place that may feel uneasy or uncomfortable. Allow the breath to unwind that tension and ease it away with each slow, deep exhale.
~ When you feel more calm and connected, slowly open your eyes. Give yourself some time to recover.
~ You may even want to journal about your experience.
Learn more about fighting addiction here
Find our Complete Meditation for Addiction Stone set here
