In recovery, every day is a step forward—a journey toward healing, self-discovery, and resilience. Among the tools that can support this journey, meditation stands out as a cornerstone for maintenance and personal growth for me and many others who choose the recovery path. For those who follow the 12 Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous, the 11th Step emphasizes the importance of meditation and prayer, highlighting their utility in fostering a spiritual awakening.
What is a spiritual awakening?
A spiritual awakening can be one of the most profound and transformative experiences in a person’s life. It is a moment of profound realignment and realization that goes beyond the material and mundane aspects of your existence. A spiritual awakening leads to a deeper understanding of the self and the universe, often described as a significant shift in consciousness. We see the world in a completely new way!
Here are some characteristics of a spiritual awakening:
Expanded Awareness: You may start to see the world in a new light, noticing the interconnectedness of all things. There’s often a sense of unity with others and the environment, a realization that your consciousness is a part of something much larger and more intricate.
Sense of Inner Peace: Many report feeling a profound sense of peace and serenity, even amidst life’s inevitable ups and downs. This doesn’t mean the absence of challenges but rather the ability to approach them from a place of calm and equanimity.
Deepened Compassion and Empathy: As you awaken spiritually, you may find that you’re more attuned to the feelings and needs of others. You may have an increased desire to help and serve and a more profound feeling of love and kindness directed at yourself and those around you.
Altered Priorities: Material possessions and social status might lose their previous allure as you find more value in experiences, relationships, and the pursuit of personal growth and fulfillment.
Intuitive Insights: You may find that you’re more in touch with your intuition, experiencing moments of profound insight or inspiration from a deeper source of wisdom.
The Feeling of Oneness: A spiritual awakening often creates the sense of being one with the divine, the universe, or a higher power, which might be described differently based on religious or philosophical backgrounds.
Acknowledging that a spiritual awakening can sometimes be unsettling or disorienting as it challenges long-held beliefs and perceptions is essential. It is a deeply personal journey that can unfold in countless ways, unique to each individual’s life path and experiences.
The concept of spiritual awakening is recognized across various traditions and practices. In the context of Alcoholics Anonymous, it is often linked to the transformative process that occurs when one fully embraces the 12 Steps, especially the 11th Step, which encourages meditation and prayer. In Buddhism, spiritual awakening is referred to as enlightenment or “bodhi,” which is the realization of the true nature of reality. Stoicism, while not typically framed in spiritual terms, promotes an awakening to the power of rational thought and the acceptance of what we can and cannot control.
No matter the path, a spiritual awakening is an invitation to live a more authentic, meaningful, and connected life. It is about waking up to your true nature and the deeper truths of existence, and it allows you to navigate life with a renewed sense of purpose and clarity.
Over the past few decades, meditation has provided me with an incredible front-row seat to watch myself and my mind (which sometimes is on its own adventure) stumble into finding this awakened path. I’ve seen this happen to others, as well. When intertwined with the principles of Buddhism and Stoicism, meditation becomes a potent force for sustaining recovery.
Embracing the 11th Step
The 11th Step of Alcoholics Anonymous calls us to seek “through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God as we understood Him, praying only for knowledge of His will for us and the power to carry that out.” This Step isn’t solely about seeking divine intervention but about cultivating a practice that enhances our inner strength and understanding of our place in the world. Meditation becomes a vessel for this conscious contact, a way to quiet the mind and explore the depths of the self.
The Buddhist Path to Awareness
Incorporating Buddhist teachings into your meditation practice can significantly aid your recovery journey. Buddhism offers a perspective that values mindfulness, the art of being fully present in the moment without judgment. Through mindfulness meditation, individuals can observe their thoughts and feelings, recognize the impermanence of cravings, and respond with compassion instead of reacting impulsively.
Let’s consider a simple Buddhist meditation practice. Find a quiet space and sit comfortably. Close your eyes and bring your attention to your breath. As you breathe in, acknowledge any thoughts or emotions that arise without attachment. As you exhale, release them, envisioning a letting go of cravings or anxieties. This practice embodies the Buddhist principle of non-attachment, teaching us that while we may not control every aspect of our lives, we can control our responses to them.
Stoicism and Inner Equilibrium
Stoicism, a philosophy known for emphasizing self-control and inner wisdom, complements the serenity sought in the 11th Step. It teaches us to differentiate between what is within our control and what is not, urging us to dedicate our energy to the former. This stoic mindset aligns with the principles of recovery, where the acceptance of powerlessness over alcohol is the first step towards empowerment.
Integrate Stoicism into your meditation by reflecting on its fundamental tenet during your practice: the dichotomy of control. As you meditate, identify the thoughts and feelings you can influence and those you cannot. Use your breath as an anchor, reminding yourself that your power lies in your reactions and will to maintain sobriety.
A Synergistic Approach
Meditation is more than a practice; it’s a lifestyle that echoes throughout your recovery process. By combining the spiritual seeking of the 11th Step with the mindful awareness of Buddhism and the reasoned tranquility of Stoicism, you create a comprehensive approach to sustaining your recovery.
This synergistic approach can be practiced daily, serving as a tool for maintenance and a reminder of your progress. Each day, take time to meditate intentionally, reflecting upon the wisdom of these philosophies and reaffirming your commitment to sobriety.
Ongoing Recovery
The recovery journey is ongoing, and meditation is a faithful companion. Whether you are taking the 11th Step, embracing Buddhist mindfulness, or finding strength in Stoic principles, meditation offers a refuge for the mind and a reinforcement of your resolve. As a Sober Curator Contributor, I encourage you to incorporate these meditative practices into your routine, using them as pillars to support and sustain your recovery. Remember, in the quiet moments of reflection, we can find the loudest echoes of growth and resilience.
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SPIRITUAL SUBSTANCE: In Spiritual Substance, Lane Kennedy’s monthly column invites you on a contemplative journey where the worlds of mindfulness, science, and spirituality converge. Each piece promises to unravel profound ties, inviting a deeper understanding and a more enriched personal practice. Through Kennedy’s insightful explorations, you will discover the empirical evidence that underpins our spiritual experiences and dig into the practices that cultivate inner peace, understanding, and connection. She also includes meditation and mindfulness practices to support your journey. “Spiritual Substance” offers nourishing food for the soul in every word. Enjoy.
Resources Are Available
If you or someone you know is experiencing difficulties surrounding alcoholism, addiction, or mental illness, please reach out and ask for help. People everywhere can and want to help; you just have to know where to look. And continue to look until you find what works for you. Click here for a list of regional and national resources.
