Mindful Relapse?

If you are practicing the foundations of awakening then it is unlikely that you will mindfully relapse… because mindfulness is always practiced in the service of relieving suffering.

In the event of you struggling with your recovery, then you should bring to mind and remember what the suffering of addiction was really like; do you really want to knowingly go back the Hell of craving?

Take a deep breath or two, (or even better a formal meditation sitting), then refer to the guidance provided by the Five Precepts or by Rahula Rule No.1,  then act appropriately.

There are those who have begun
on the path to freedom
yet return, out of desire, to bondage.

(Dhammapada 344)

However, if you do temporarily lose sight of your commitment (Sajja) to abstinence and your desire not to harm yourself and others, then it is possible that you may fall back into your addiction.  If you do relapse it is important not to beat yourself up, criticise or judge yourself.

The following plan is intended to bring about a swift and successful return to your path of recovery:

(1) If you are still using then refer to the Rahula Rule No.2

(2) When you have stopped using then refer to the Rahula Rule No.3

(3) Practice Loving-kindness (Metta) meditation for yourself.

(4) Practice Forgiveness (Khama) meditation for yourself.

(5) Join a sitting group – and/or – go to AA/NA/SMART meetings – and/or – any other skillful activity that provides you with support (see Rahula Rule No.1).

(6) Recite the Precepts every morning.

(7) Recommit to your new life (Sajja).

(8) Practice Loving-kindness (Metta) meditation for others.

(9) Practice Forgiveness (Khama) meditation for others.

(10) Relax into a comfortable new life, free of remorse, free of guilt, free of shame, free of conflict.

There is life after alcohol and other drugs,; and it’s a very good life.


Related resources:

Webpage :  Sila Forgiveness Meditation

Webpage :  The Rahula Rules

Audio Link :  Forgiveness a guided meditation – by Gil Fronsdal  (15:03)

Audio Link :  Metta a guided meditation – by Gil Fronsdal  (27:55)

Audio Link :  Forgiveness for Depression a guided meditation by Ronna Kabatznick (21:34)

Webpage : The Blessings of Awakening