Mindfulness means staying in the moment and noticing how you feel without judgment or criticism. You could say that mindfulness allows you to take a neutral and comprehensive inventory of what you’re experiencing at any given moment.
How Could Mindfulness Help in Recovery?
Mindfulness is helpful in the recovery process because it allows you to be aware of what you’re doing and what you’re experiencing. As a result, you take control of your behavior, are able to find positive ways to move forward. Moreover, mindfulness can help you make different, better choices.
According to the book The Mindful Brain by Dr. Daniel J. Siegel, mindfulness builds and requires curiosity, openness, acceptance, and compassion. All these factors can help you overcome your harmful behaviors. For example:
- Curiosity – You might think that curiosity could get you in trouble at times, but it can also be a valuable tool. Curiosity helps you find solutions to problems. It might help you find alternative, positive behaviors.
- Openness – Opening yourself to new possibilities and opportunities gives you a chance to grow. Being open to new activities and experiences allow you to step outside your comfort zones.
- Acceptance – You cannot overcome your past if you don’t accept it. Accept the fact that you’re human that you can change for the better and leave your past mistakes behind.
- Compassion – Compassion is the practice of treating others with kindness. But more importantly, you can learn how to be compassionate with yourself. Self-compassion is forgiving yourself for the mistakes you have made in the past.
Mindfulness is a tool that allows you to evaluate choices as you make them instead of giving in to impulse.
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