Meditation to Heal Addictions

Art by Carol Suzanne Niebuhr

We all have addictions. Whether we acknowledge them or not. And there are SO many things for us to be addicted to! Caffeine, sugar, dopamine, alcohol, drugs, food, social media, positive reinforcement, validation, sex, love. If there was less shame around addiction and more acknowledgement that the Capitalist Imperialist system of production and consumption is set up so that we "use" in order to participate, we would be more apt to seek help. We can honor and thank them for helping us cope and getting us to this point in our lives. But there comes a point in every addicts journey (it doesn't have to be the bottom) where we realize these crutches are detrimental to our physical , metal and spiritual health. We realize that we need to get this under control because it isn't "fun" anymore and it no longer serves a purpose. On a deeper spiritual level, addiction makes us less free. It diminishes our power placing it in something outside of ourselves. If we are truly free, we are self-sufficient, self-contained. There is no need for any thing. This meditation will help us take back our power and be free ourselves of whatever tethers us. Freedom is revolutionary. 

TO BEGIN: Sit in an Easy Pose, with a light jalandhar bandh, or neck lock. Keep the spine straight. Rub your hands together. Press your thumbs against your sternum holding your hands in prayer pose. Roll your eyes in and up towards your third-eye by crossing your eyes at the bridge of your nose and then lifting your eyes about an inch and a half. If you are unable to sit in "easy pose," you may sit on a hard chair and cross your feet underneath you. 

On two breaths, chant the opening mantra ONG NA MA GURU DEV NAMO which means "I bow to the infinite wisdom within." Do this 3 times. For the proper cadence and pronunciation, listen here. If you like what you hear, you can purchase my mantra music on Bandcamp.

MUDRA: Make fists of both hands and extend the thumbs straight. Place the thumbs on the temples and find the niche where the thumbs just fit. This is the lower anterior portion of the frontal bone above the temporal-sphenoidal suture.

Lock the back molars together and keep the lips closed. Keeping the teeth pressed together throughout, alternately squeeze the molars tightly and then release the pressure. A muscle will move in rhythm under the thumbs. Feel it massage the thumbs and apply a firm pressure with the hands.

MANTRA: Silently vibrate the five primal sounds—the Panj Shabd: SA TA NA MA

The Translation from Gurmukhi is:

SA - the beginning, the infinite, and the totality of everything. Ta - signifies life, existence, and birth. It reminds us that life is a gift and encourages us to live each moment fully. 

Na - represents death, transformation, and the cyclical nature of life. 

Ma - symbolizes rebirth and regeneration.

FOCUS: Keep the eyes closed and focus at the Brow Point.

PRANAYAMA: Normal breathing. 

TIME: 11 minutes

TO FINISH: Say aloud the Warrior Healer's Affirmations.

TO CLOSE: Rub your hands together and bring them to prayer pose, palms touching thumbs pressed against your sternum. Chant Long SAT NAM on one breath. Repeat this for a total of three times. Bring your hands to your forehead and bow. This seals the work in your frontal lobe. Your center for decision making. 
If you have any questions, about this meditation or the contents of this blog, follow me on IG @ rhythmandbreathyoga 
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Thanks for making Rhythm & Breath possible,
Mama Luz