Overcoming Addictions Through Meditation
The regular practice of meditation is extremely useful in conquering addictions like alcohol, tobacco and drugs in various ways:
1. The immediate benefit of meditation is an experience of calmness and relaxation along with mental peace and relief from stress. These natural feelings of well-being and deep inner contentment remove the excessive desire for the artificial substitute.
2. By connecting with the all powerful Supreme Soul, who is an infinite source of all spiritual powers, a practitioner is able to improve his motivation level, power of determination and will power, which helps in reducing the measure and frequency of his habit in the initial stage.
3. His power to face and power to tolerate also increase which help him in coping with the moderate psychological reactions (cravings, discontentment, impulsiveness, loneliness etc.) and physical side effects (insomnia, nausea, vomiting, body aches, illusions, muscle cramps, tremors, running of the nose etc.) of withdrawal comfortably and strongly.
4. During the practice of meditation and in his day-to-day life he realizes, experiences and practices the original virtues of the soul i.e. peace, joy, purity, love, etc. This results in a spontaneous repulsion and induces a genuine and inwardly felt emotion of distaste towards the impure and unhealthful dependence.
(To be continued tomorrow….)
